Unless it's money, burn anything green in the house
(For those who can't resist, insert obligatory Cheech and Chong, "Friday" or Willie Nelson joke here.)
Why the fire? Because the Celtics are in town (7 PM, FSN and Prime Ticket) and for the first time in quite a moon, this showdown sparks the excitement of a historic sports rivalry. Granted, some new history- or at least a repeat of some old arrogance- needs to develop before people can refer to the current incarnation as a true "rivalry." But with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett now in the fold with Paul Pierce for Boston, the interest level couldn't be any higher. Especially now that the Lakers are playing like a well oiled, well adjusted machine. Plus, Red Auerbach will likely be watching this game from above (or below), and it stands to reason that he'll choke on his cigar watching one Phillip Jackson break his regular season wins record at the expense of his old squad. And speaking of folks once tangling with Auerbach, Jerry West weighed in on "KG vs. Kobe," comparing the two in cinematic terms. And for his money, Bruce Willis beats Gene Hackman every time.
In any event, we can all agree, this Boston squad is indeed talented. However, they still might be, as the cliche says, "one player away." Thus, the rumored interest in Smush Parker.
Apparently, the roll currently experienced by Portland began with a practice brouhaha.
We are winning tonight!
Posted by: Zz | December 30, 2007 at 11:18 AM
We are losing tonight! It was a good run nonetheless.
Posted by: never | December 30, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Areeeezaaaa will make a difference in this one. His length and speed should be enough to bother Pierce and Allen while taking some of the defensive load off 24.
This is going to be good for a few years. Sip and savor, NBA fans.
Posted by: Vman | December 30, 2007 at 11:33 AM
I've watched the last couple of games and have noticed LO's new found aggressiveness...if he keeps this up, I think we can keep winning.
Lets go Lakers!!!!!
Semper Fi
Posted by: Semper Fi | December 30, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Does anyone know if today's game is on TVU? I've got NBA League Pass broadband, but since the game is on NBATV it's not on that.
Posted by: Xodus | December 30, 2007 at 11:37 AM
The New York Giants couldn't ruin the weekend for New England sports fans, so now it is up to the LA Lakers. The lesson from Saturday's NFL extravaganza is solid play for all four quarters. The Giants led for most of their game with the Patriots, but couldn't finish. A Laker letdown like we saw in the 4th period against the Jazz would be disastrous tonight against the Celtics.
Our Lakers potentially match up well against the new Celtics, as other bloggers have pointed out here this weekend. But an aggressive, determined, focused and sustained effort is required for a W tonight.
As noted previously, the Bench Mob won't likely see a lot of minutes tonight, but a generous serving of humble pie after their shoddy performance on Friday should help them do better tonight.
Both the Lakers and the Celtics go into tonight's game under an unrelenting spotlight. Both teams have an opportunity to prove they're as good as advertised. Only one will walk off the court feeling redeemed. It may only be one game in a long season, but it is a statement game, nonetheless.
I'd like to see the Lakers win this one for PJ. Surpassing nemesis Red Auerbach in the W column against the Celtics would be reason enough to break-out the New Year's Eve champagne one night early.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | December 30, 2007 at 11:45 AM
The rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers, will never be the same as it was in the distant past. We only play twice a year, hardly enough to develop anything. Back in the day, we played at least 12 times a year plus the championship round. A lot of games, a lot of wars. Laker fans, don't let anybody snow you into thinking that the Celtics were that much better than those old Laker teams. The refs loved Boston, and without all the constant replays of their horrendous calls, they could pretty much dictate any outcome they chose. Not only were a lot of those series going down to 7 games, but many times decided on the last shot.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | December 30, 2007 at 12:01 PM
It doesn't matter Celtics 25-3 or better. Only the games between final contenders are count. Since Lakers has so much improvement in the last ten games. Lakers can win Celtics by 7 points tonight.
Go Lakers
Lawrence
Posted by: Lawrence | December 30, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Who does Boston have to guard Kobe? Nobody. LO will make KG play away from the basket and the middle will open up. Lakers will school the Celts. Why would Boston want to surgically implant the tumor Smush? Because they have no PG.
Posted by: HawaiiD | December 30, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Normally,I don't like to prognosticate. But, I saw what a Lakers team, motivated by a sleight to Fish and humiliation at the hands of the Jazz, did on Friday night.
Tonight's motivation? 1)Get the win for Phil. 2) Avenge a "bad" loss at the Garden. 3)Show KG what he's missing out on. The Celtics are better than the Jazz, so it won't be a blowout. But I expect a win. The Lakers of the past 3 years have found a way to play well against good teams even when they weren't so good themselves.
Posted by: mel | December 30, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Yeah, Boston, go for Smush! Do it!
Posted by: CornerJ | December 30, 2007 at 12:28 PM
There won't be any Smush to Boston deal. Expect a big signing soon, though. Shammond Williams and the Celtics. LOL.
Posted by: mel | December 30, 2007 at 12:31 PM
I can't wait to see the game tonight. There are so many questions to be answered yet about our young Lakers. Tonight should be a good test. I've been keeping a close eye on the Celtics all season long. The three-headed monster is very effective for them. Garnett is the defensive anchor of the team. He will score enough to keep defenses honest, but when the C's really need a basket, they will likely turn to Pierce. Paul is extremely aggressive taking the ball to the cup and is very capable of getting to the line. Ray Allen can pick his spots on the perimeter and has been clutch for them on more than one occasion with game saving or game winning shots.
Rondo has been surprising people with his quickness, ability to run the team and with his effective (52%) shooting. Perkins has enough size to make him a problem in the middle. Their bench has three effective role players in Tony Allen, Posey and Eddie House. Posey and House can hit the three and thereby stretch defenses, while Tony Allen is a high energy player/hatchet-man who would just as soon give a hard foul as look at you. Like the old days, the Celtics have an assortment of hackers on their bench in Scalabrine, Scott Pollard, and the rookie from LSU, Glen "Big Baby" Davis.
I'm no expert, but I think that the key for the Lakers is controlling Pierce. Kobe has always seemed to win his matchup with Ray Allen and Garnett doesn't look to put up big numbers (scoring wise) on a nightly basis. Ariza and LO will have their hands full with Paul. Look for the Celtics to see if they can intimidate our "Baby", Andrew Bynum. I would also expect them to send Tony Allen and Posey after Kobe when Ray sits down. Should be a real fun game....although I don't have any fun unless the Lakers win!!! GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 30, 2007 at 12:59 PM
where's Mike T.??? I thought he would be bragging about "cake thrower's" performance...lol.
All jokes aside, I'm glad he looked good out there. I would love him to become our Bully, but I think he's to mentally fragile for that role...for a guy so big why does he lack so much confidence. I think that's the biggest "knock" on Kwame...he just gets nervous!
Posted by: Semper Fi | December 30, 2007 at 01:00 PM
I almost forgot. Don't underestimate Boston's point guard! He can distribute the ball pretty well.
Posted by: Semper Fi | December 30, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Thank's for the Smush news, the world just didn't seem right without news of Smush ;)
I do think Smush is an upgrade at the point guard over Rondo...so for a year, he might be ok in Green. He's no Fisher but he's better than a rookie.
That said, I say Boston has no chance against the Lakers today. The Lakers are again too big for the other team. For all its merits, the current Celtics are a smallish team lacking in quality bigs outside of KG.
The only bad thing coming out is teams will asterik a Lakers win with "Boston was playing the 2nd game of a back to back".
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Smushcalade | December 30, 2007 at 01:27 PM
That's a great article about the Blazers getting into a fight during practice to promote their current success.
Too many teams lack fire, and if it takes a fire to ignite a 12 game streak, that's worth the couple bruised egos.
I think Kobe calling out the Lakers as being useless might have been his greatest Post-Shaq achievement (81 and 63 aside)
I seriously think if not for The Kobe Video, Andrew would have again been looking for Froot Loops during practice again instead of becoming the Lob-Dunk Machine that he's become of late.
Posted by: Smushcalade | December 30, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Notice how Lamar is playing better now that he's back to the 4 spot?
Posted by: Wagoneer | December 30, 2007 at 01:34 PM
did anybody post this? Jerry West showing Kobe some love:
http://tinyurl.com/2s75qp
Forgive Jerry West for being biased. The man who brought Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers recently called the high-scoring, high-maintenance guard the best player in the NBA. West made his preference clear with all due respect to Kevin Garnett, though the Hollywood logic behind his choice will likely spark debate in advance of tonight's Celtics-Lakers game at the Staples Center.
"Garnett is very good, but if he had the pressure on him to score like Kobe does every night, there's a difference," said West. "Kevin is going to be a great, great player every night in all facets of the game.
"But the other one has a little bit different kind of cachet to him. You're going to pay to see Kevin Garnett play, but you're just going to see a tremendously good basketball player.
"The degree of excitement with Kobe Bryant is like going to an action movie instead of seeing a great film. Kevin Garnett would be in a great film and Kobe Bryant would be the action-hero figure. He's going to supply the jumps off the tops of bridges, dunks, going through 10 people, driving to make a layup.
"Kevin Garnett is just going to be the steady, steady, steady guy there every night. But I think from an all-around standpoint, Kobe is the best."
Posted by: TaosHum | December 30, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Game by game the Lakers seem to improve by leaps and bounds,iam very impressed and i expect a Laker win over the Celtic's who are coming off a hard fought victory last nite it might wear on them in the 4th quarter, I want to see how much "depth" the Celtics have and i believe this to be their achilles heal,Lakers by four,101 to 97.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | December 30, 2007 at 02:16 PM
I'll post my comment after the game,how ever i'm feeling pretty good about this one.
Posted by: LakerFan | December 30, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Lakers by five....
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | December 30, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Roger B....
Man, you are taking me back down memory lane. The worst defeat at the hands of the Celtics for me was in 1969, when that lucky azz shot by current GSW coach Don Nelson beat them. That shot went up a good five feet in the air after hitting the rim before falling back in. Celtics won by 1 pt.
In 1996, I met the great Celtic, Sam Jones on a cruise. I shook his hand and we were having a nice conversation about B'ball until I mentioned that I was a lifelong Laker fan. He cooled off and excused himself immediately! Talk about old rivalries dying hard!! HaHa!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | December 30, 2007 at 02:45 PM
ESPN NBA Trade Machine possible trade:
Lakers-Memphis
Lakers get: Darko Milicic and Stormile Swift
Memphis gets: Kwame and Mihm
Memphis incentive for this trade, two expiring contracts. Lakers rent a versatile Swift for this year, and get Darko and his upside on the cheap for the next two. Make it happen Kupchak.
Posted by: PK | December 30, 2007 at 02:50 PM
I just read the article of Mark Heisler, at least he's not hating the Lakers this time, but prodding the Celtics and historical rivalries. I didn't know that Ray Allen came from California so in effect, this triumvirate were all mercenaries of Danny Ainge, all Californians who grew up in Magic era cheering for purple and gold but because of the twist of fate and the lure of green bucks, they are playing for Shamrock. This is like Bruin Bill Walton, after playing in the West for Blazers then became permanently injured with the Clippers, he settled as a role player of Larry Bird. I clearly remember that game in the mid-eighties when a Laker player hit down on the parquee floor and a Celtic player was offering his hand to help him stand, this red-haired Walton prevented his teammate and scolded him as if he was supposed to hate him for life because they are the haughty Celtics. Now's he is smiling, loquacious broadcaster cheering for the Lakers because his son plays with the Lakers. Those are the rivalries that old timed Laker fans don't forget, Celtics are haughty and if you let them dominate you, you will be treated like a doormat. If not with Magic, Kareem and Worthy, the Lakers will be forever subservient to this mighty Celtics, finally we got the respect in the 80's after being frustrated during Wilt, West and Baylor era.
Have no fear....we have to stop them in LA megapolis and spoil their tea party in our town.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 30, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Smush to Boston?!
Now that would certainly cause Red to turn over in his grave.
Knowing Red, he'd probaly come back to life and slap Danny Ainge silly.
Lakers by 21 tonight
Let's go Lakers. Prove you are worthy to wear that ring.
Posted by: AN1 | December 30, 2007 at 03:08 PM
PK
Saw an article yesterday that said Memphis wants young talent and picks, and no expiring contracts.
Mihm, Kwame, Sasha for Big Bad, Ben Wallace
We relieve Chitown of a now unwanted contract and we get an all around defensive center or.....
We just sign Weber and go for broke?
Posted by: AN1 | December 30, 2007 at 03:14 PM
The Lakers will win tonight and maybe even win by alot. The Celtics are good but they have to be tired after 4 games in 5 nights. And I hate all Boston teams. Even if they have a likeable player like Garnett on their team. Kobe vs Garnett. I would say Kobe , though neither is the ideal best player I pick Kobe because though he is less than efficient he can make plays no other player in the NBA can make.While KG is super efficient and better defensively than Kobe , kOBE'S ABILITY TO get hot is the difference. Its close but Kobe is a bit better.
Posted by: jon | December 30, 2007 at 03:45 PM
AN1,
Are you crazy? The Bulls are stuck with Ben Wallace and his horrible contract. Plus, Wallace is a mere shell of the player he once was. Heck, the Bulls would trade him for a cup of coffee, if that was legal.
Posted by: LakerLarry | December 30, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Never,
"We are losing tonight! It was a good run nonetheless."
Posted by: never | December 30, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Judging by your blog name, either you were never a Laker fan or you're never optimistic. Never say never.
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | December 30, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Lake Larry
"Are you crazy?"
No
Posted by: AN1 | December 30, 2007 at 04:22 PM
I thought Jazz got a good player in trading Giricek for Korver. Why didn't we go after Korver? He's 6'7 and is a very good outside shooter, especially from three. We could've given up either Sasha or Rad for him plus a draft pick. I think Korver would've been a good addition to our team. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | December 30, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Lakers by 14...and Phil lights up his Victory Bow Tie with the clock winding down, to celebrate passing Red Auerbach in career wins.
Posted by: CornerJ | December 30, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Go Lakers!!!
lakers by a mile...
Posted by: Botsoy | December 30, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Nemaia,
As a fan, I wouldn't mind the Lakers making me look stupid. Realistically, I don't see the Lakers winning tonight. Boston is just too good of a team with that triple threat in Allen, Pierce, and Garnett. Boston did struggle for a win yesterday, but they played against a team who is very good at home.
Boston by 6
Boston 104
Lakers 98
Posted by: never | December 30, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Nemaia Faletogo,
Yeah, you're right on Koerver. He is the kind of SF that we need with 10 PPG and 2.9 R. Who can we offer? Mihm or Walton
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | December 30, 2007 at 04:50 PM
lakers win tonight by 12
heard it here 1st
Posted by: mike | December 30, 2007 at 05:01 PM
Nemaia Faletogo
RE: Kyle Korver
Because we already have enough players on the 3 that does not play defense.
Posted by: sixonezero | December 30, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Yeah, uuuh huuu!
My boy Stephan Jackson gained 55 yards today for the St. Louis Rams.
Yeah, uuuh huuu!
That's a thousand yards for the season.
Yeah, uuuh, huuu!
LOL! I needed something to feel good about for this football season.
Whoooo! That was one heck of a disappointing season. LOL!
But my boy Stephan Jackson came through for me on the yards. And he missed like 4 games.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | December 30, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Long time, no write here guys, anybody who remember me?
Nemaia Faletogo:
Why whould 76ers trade a shooter against... a worse shooter?
Posted by: Kristoffer in Norway | December 30, 2007 at 05:11 PM
I was watching the career stats for Kobe, and what i saw that's interesting is that he's averaging fewer minutes per game since 97-98 season...
Posted by: Kristoffer in Norway | December 30, 2007 at 05:26 PM
we didn't go after Korver because we just got rid of him though he was playing under the name of Brian Cook at the time. Good shooter, not much else...
Posted by: TaosHum | December 30, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Rick,
The Giants didnt let down. The Pats got some generous non-holding calls when Tom Brady launched those passes to Rand Moss, as well as an injury to corner back Sam Madison.
And Tom Brady took advantage of everything and capitalized. Thats what winners do. They take advantage of the slightest portion and turn it into game-changers.
We can't do that tonight. The Lakers cant let this game in the hands of the refs, or in the hands of the Celtics. They cant leave wide open shooters and hope they miss (Ray Allen wont miss them all, just like Randy Moss wont drop them all).
By the way...and interesting comparison:
Ray Allen: Randy Moss
Kevin Garnett: Tom Brady
Paul Pierce: Ted Bruschi
haha...Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: The Lake Show | December 30, 2007 at 05:28 PM
I'm watching the Nuggets-game, it's a really quiet crowd, damn!
Kris from Norway
Posted by: Kristoffer in Norway | December 30, 2007 at 05:29 PM
rumor has it.....
Lakers will be wearing throwback jersey tonight INCLUDING SHORT SHORTS!!!
http://thelakersnation.com/blog/
Posted by: bobie | December 30, 2007 at 05:29 PM
>>>I thought Jazz got a good player in trading Giricek for Korver. Why didn't
>>>we go after Korver? He's 6'7 and is a very good outside shooter,
>>>especially from three. We could've given up either Sasha or Rad for him
>>>plus a draft pick. I think Korver would've been a good addition to our team.
Korver is like a smaller version of Brian Cook. His defense is like a wall... a
tissue paper wall. And in case you haven't checked, BOTH Sasha and Vlad
are shooting a higher percentage on their threes than Korver this season.
Korver is shooting 35% on his 3's and 39% overall. Sasha is shooting 37%
on his 3's and 43% overall, while Vlad is shooting 40% on his 3's and 42%
overall.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | December 30, 2007 at 05:35 PM
K bros,
I've heard rumors that the Lakers will wear their short shorts tonight with their throwbacks. Can you guys confirm this?
Posted by: | December 30, 2007 at 05:35 PM
The McHale bunch will be up for this one no matter where it falls in their schedule.
3 perennial all stars vs Kobe and the kids is compelling stuff ESPN wished they'd scheduled. Staples will rock with playoff intensity. This one will be great experience for the Laker youth.
GO Lake Show, send out '07 with a Celtic beat down.
Posted by: Vman | December 30, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Lakers by 53.
Yeah, 53.
Posted by: ajax | December 30, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Anyone ,
Please tell me if sopcast,TVU, Online TV Player, is airing the game. If so what channel and site?
Thanks .
Great Post Edwin, keep the team informed as to what to expect. NO LETTING DOWN or LAPS.
Posted by: Fisheye | December 30, 2007 at 06:15 PM