John Denver is rolling over in his grave right now

Hey those cats in Denver will do what ever they can to stop us from sweeping them.

It ain't going to be easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYt_gnGogSI

I have to admit I was way off in my prediction of this series.I really thought with all the talent the Nuggets have they would put up a better fight.If I was a Nugget fan I think I would be going crazy with the way the Nuggets have played in this series.Denver would probably be a better team right now if they never made that AI-Andre Miller trade and had JR Smith starting at the two.I would imagine the next series against Utah won't be this easy.

Big up to all those fans chanting "MVP" for KB24 near the end of the game ... that must have felt like redemption for Kobe.

I might be wrong but I felt like the Kobe and the Lakers eviscerated the Nugs, just ripped the heart right out of them. This Lakers team is better than I thought and that's a good thing.

The Funs and and the Big Cactus won't sleep easy and rest well tonight, and the Lakers performance will be added misery.

Ha! My cup runneth over!

Yep, I agree. The major danger in Game 4 won't be losing the game but losing a player due to a frustrated Nugget hard foul.

Knowing that at some point we're going to be be forced to play better defense, I sometimes wonder if it wouldn't have been better to have someone push us in round one so that we turn that corner early rather than when it's to late.

But, the more I think about it, the more I think that we're never going to be great defensively with our current injuries. If we're going to win, we must do so with great offense, basically consistent and occasionally great defense and Kobe. During the three-peat we were dominant offensively and, well better on defense during the playoffs than we were before them.

I believe that the most important thing with Phil's teams is to create a culture of winning, the belief that we're winners and to ride that for all it's worth. The great rhythm, the cockiness and the belief in our own greatness may not be enough to win it all this year, but it certainly may, and its our best shot.

And for those things, there only one sure fire recipe: the Denver Nuggets (apparently).

Anywho,

GO LAKERS!

Any thought on if the league might change some of those fouls to Flagrant 1 after the fact.

They've done it to Kobe before including a suspension.

There were 3 from Denver today that to me were clearly flagrant and worthy of more than just the foul that was called. The punch to Sasha, almost breaking Lamar's arm, and knocking Luke out of the air.

Cheap and dirty all of them, and I hope it's not a sign of what's to come in game 4.

I'd rather see Houston as our next opponent. I think the Lakers can beat either team, but Houston will be an easier route.

Then, I'm hoping for New Orleans. I can see the Lakers beating NO in 6 games.

Hey, I like John Denver and he died in California.

GO LAKERS!

As for Luke Walton, well, I guess I've been wrong all season. He's doing great. Vlad seems more confused than usual.

I never thought I would be saying this...but I am so proud of Luke Walton...I hope his play continues throughout the rest of the playoffs...he is finally playing like he did at the beginning of last year.

I am like a proud mama watching her child grow up and leave home for good...(My daughter is 17 and I am anticipating how happy I am going to be when she leaves next year for college so this is good practice!)...LOL

I hope the Lakers close out the series on Monday. As much as it would be nice to do it in Los Angeles, injuries as previously mentioned, can occur.

p.s. Where's Bynum?

One thing that disturbed me about this game was not the physical play of the Nouguts, but the injury generating play of the Nouguts.

Several times in the game, they were trying to hurt our players.

Najera's elbow to the throat of Sasha could literally have killed Sasha if delivered properly.

I mean, I shout out "Punch him in the throat!!" all the time, but it is purely rhetoric. You can seriously hurt/kill somebody that way. Najera elbowing Sasha in the throat deserves not only a flagrant two, but a multi-game suspension, if not worse. (Like being barred from the NBA. He could have killed Sasha.)

Sasha's lucky.

The Nouguts know they can't win, but they want to bring the Lakers down with them... and that disturbs me... greatly.

GO LAKERS!

LOL - AK grasping at straws to come up with some new opener for the new thread!!! JOHN DENVER???!!!! LOL!!!!

Anyhoo......GREAT WIN!!!! I'm so excited and can't wait for game 4. I, like the rest of you, are more worried about someong getting hurt than about losing. I originally thought we'd do it in 5, but 4 is looking good! I'm thinking the Muggets will play much like they did today - chippy but not enough to do serious damage. At least that's what I'm hoping - you never know with some of these guys, but hopefully some good sportmanship will prevail.

LakerTom - your posts are right on! I'm impressed - especiallly by your modesty & humility - LOL! Just kidding - you should be writing for the papers instead of some of the tools they've got now!

The "Championship Bandwagon" is burning it up baby! Break out the squeegee's - there are a ton of trolls getting run over & we don't want anything to slow us down!!

I wonder how the Funs & their fans will sleep tonight? They're down 0-3, we're up 3-0 - they must be dying inside!!!! It's a great time to be a Lakers fan!! This is SWEET!!!

GO LAKERS!

The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!

NO CHAMPIONSHIP - NO PEACE!!!!!!!

Hey, I like John Denver and he died in California.

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Jon K.
--------------------------------------------------
Not to sound morbid, but I think he died just OFF California.....................lol.

This nuggets squad should be suspended from the league. They were trying to hurt our guys, Nene tried to rip LO's arm out of socket, LO should have kneed him in his good testicle. KMart is an idiot. Did u guys hear Melo said that the team from coaches on down quit in the 4th? I think this is Karl's last yr as thier coach. and I wont be surprise if AI ask to be traded.

I hope the refs don;t let them get to out of hand in gm 4. How bout that kid Luke, man he is playing like an allstar these days. I am beaming with pride and joy.
GO LAKERS

One more, boys, one more.

Props to Luke for 3 very good games. Taking a page out of Shaq's old book. Hope Luke can continue to do this against teams that actually play D.

Go for the jugular on Monday!

What a great game! After all of the game 3 dissapointments around the league I was a little afraid the altitude and home-court shift would hurt us a little bit but we managed to man handled Enver and now we should be chanting...

SSSWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPP!

So,

During Game 4, whether you are in a recliner, on a couch or at your local pub watching with other Laker buds, everyone should think that 'something good' will happen when Luke has the ball instead of cringing when he has it.

Channel those positive vibes in his direction.
MVP for first series???

Cameron,

I have to disagree with you about the Laker defense. I think they are playing good to very good defense. We are holding the Nuggets to 101.7 ppg. That is 9 ppg below their average. George Karl gave the Lakers props in his post game interview and said he could count on one hand the number of time his team was defended like that.

JMO

Here's a few things the Denver fans are saying!!

Quote:
Made the playoffs in a tough conference = good season.

Quote:
All I have to say is thank goodness the Nuggets just squeezed into the playoffs. Better to get exposed this year, then with the same team next year.

Quote:
seeing them lose like this... 0-3 ... losing every game by 10+ ... is like being cheated by your girlfriend

Quote:
There is a game left. Nothing to play for really might as well end your run while we are at it. Kinda sorta like the cheap foot Kobe slid under Melo earlier in the year. It wouldn't bother me to see that payback happen.

Quote:
Bring JR in and ride him and his fantasy land shots.

Quote:
i hope they get swept.......... i dont even want them to win 1 game

Id rather they all stay in denver and lose in front of a crowd that should be booing them

Quote:
Quote:
fans should be booing this gutless team-

Why would all those Laker fans be booing the Nuggets? They should be cheering them.

Quote:
lol ai miss again

Quote:
The Nuggets are so funny. Down by 18 so they start shoving people around like they are badasses

Quote:
remember guys, it is written in the Nuggets handbook that they can only play decent bball for a few minutes a game lol

Quote:
the whole team is smiling - stupid

Quote:
They're pumped for their vacation fellas.

Quote:
They're pumped for their vacation fellas.They're pumped for their vacation fellas.

Quote:
Thanks for doing your dumbness, Melo.
We're done.

Quote:
melo turnover

moron

Quote:
i wish we had darko

Quote:
i hope they fight in the locker room and all the staters get suspended lol

Quote:
I hope we flame out so bad that AI opts out on us.

Quote:

Even if LA tried to lose, the Nuggets wouldn't let it happen.

Atlanta should be as proud of their Hawks as Denver is ashamed of their Nuggs.

Up on Boston by 12 with a minute left in the third.
GO ATLANTA!!!!!!!!

Boston down 10 at end of 3

If Kobe keeps playing the style of ball that he has the last two games, and doesn't revert to his game 1 game, the Lakers will be very hard to beat.

I agree w/pslakerfan. Although we don't look overly intense on D, we seem to be playing very smart. We force them into a lot of bad shots and get hands on the ball all the time. While it would be nice to have AB back there blocking those easy shots that they get sometimes, I think we're playing very solid D and it's frustrating a dangerous 50 win team. I think we're making them look bad and them giving up is due to this frustration.

why did PJ put KB back in the 4th? gameover. risk of injury too great

To quote BK:

"The defense has been spotty, but overall I don't think it's been particularly bad, overall. Denver is going to score. A lot. The "keep them under 100 points" concept is admirable, but not particularly realistic."

To which the Lakers can only respond "84 points".

It's good to be a Laker's fan...

as i said before in the begining of the playoffs, 4-0 all the way baby!!!!

cant believe you guys are still second doubting bout us meeting whoever in the next rounds!!!! were the *ucking lakers man. we can face anyone! wheres your sprits dudes???

4-0 all the way baby!!!

anyhow, the ENVER THUGGETS really showed class. ENK NOT!!!

PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!

CELTICS LOSING...

Hawks by 15 with 7 minutes to go in fourth quarter.

Tom

I didn't particularly mean to disparage the Lakers' defense as much as I may have done in my previous comment. I should perhaps have emphasized that we will have to win knock-down drag-out wars with tough, interior minded teams that rebound well and score in the paint with their big men and their backs to the basket. That's a different kind of physicality and requires and different type of play than the jump-shooting, lane slashing, occasionally hard fouling, and generally unprofessional Denver team requires.

We can win those games, we just haven't had to yet. That could be a bad thing or a good thing. Our of pure homer-ism and optimism, I argued above that it was a good thing. We'll see.

GO LAKERS

ATL is kicking the celts azz right now. 100-88 with 1:19 to go. Please let hawks hold on to this win. The celts need to be slapoed back to reality. Bibby is shooting them out of the game. Send his azz back to the queens. Josh Smith is a stud. That kid Hordford is a stud, and he knows how to win.

I have my broom ready for our sweep
DIrector or win #8. I have scouted and ready for my report.

Speaking of John Denver there's a song that I think fits for us laker fans...

"Country road
Take me home
To the place (NBA Finals)
I belong
Figueroa, Larry O'Mama
Take me home
Country road..."

The Lakers and Kobe have played very good ball, and improved each game.

Offensive effeciencey has been excellent.

Now it looks like the D is starting to catch up. Yikes

Lakers are acting like they are in school and applying themselves.

They are focused, the glasses are on and they are intent on getting better.

Its exams baby, and they are acing the test!

CELTICS LOSE TO HAWKS...

Atlanta 102 - Boston 93.

Tom

I have to admit I was way off in my prediction of this series.I really thought with all the talent the Nuggets have they would put up a better fight.If I was a Nugget fan I think I would be going crazy with the way the Nuggets have played in this series.Denver would probably be a better team right now if they never made that AI-Andre Miller trade and had JR Smith starting at the two.I would imagine the next series against Utah won't be this easy.

Posted by: jf | April 26, 2008 at 06:20 PM

jf,

Great post mate. I didn't think Denver had a chance at all in this series because they're too undisciplined on offense and play NO defense.

As far as the Jazz are concerned, we won the season series 3-1 with all our wins being blowouts(Jazz blew us out in their one win at Utah) and Pau didn't play in any of those games. If we execute and run our offense and play defense the way we're capable of playing defense I wouldn't be surprise if we beat the Jazz in 4 or 5. Let me qualify my statement by saying it could be done if the Lakers play their game.

Atlanta shocks the Celtics tonight!!! Hortford was a beast tonight. Things are getting really interesting now. Go Lakers!!!

that guy looks like an older version of zac efron.

I've gotta call you guys out on that particular photo of JD. It's kind of sexed up and about as disturbing as the Meatloaf GoPhone commercial with his family.

The split-screen "There Can Be Only One" commercials are played out already.

I need Houston to win at least one more game so I'll be guaranteed to be back in LA for the start of Round 2.

Josh Smith had a couple pretty sick dunks in their win over Boston. I love that "extend the arm out to the side" type of dunk he threw down twice. Only he and LeBron have that in their arsenal. Unfortunately, Kobe doesn't have the size to pull off something like that.

Ex,

You hate Kobe SO much!

Yes, A.I. and Carmelo both bought new fishing lures this weekend in preparation of their early playoff exit, but the funniest thing of all was Shaq and Steve Nash chartering a boat for the entire group. They're all going fishing while the Lakers make a run at the championship.

It'll be very interesting to see what both the Suns and Nuggets try to do during the off season. Karl is definitely gone as Nuggets coach. He simply doesn't have control of the team. Also, either Mike D'Antoni or Steve Kerr is out in Phoenix. I suspect it'll be Mike D'Antoni since this is Kerr's 1st year. Kerr made the trade for Shaq and now they're stuck with Shaq for two more years. Shaq doesn't fit the Mike D'Antoni scheme of offense so look for D'Antoni to be gone. Maybe the Nuggets and the Suns trade coaches, LOL.

LEAGUE SET TO DISCUSS PLAYOFF FORMAT
by Chris McCosky for The Detroit News

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080426/SPORTS0102/804260350/1127/SPORTS0102

"Though I think it is unlikely anything will happen, we will explore it fully," commissioner David Stern said in an informal press briefing before the game Friday.

Tom

Know what I love?

The focus, the determination, the DEMORALIZATION.

I love that Kobe smells blood and he isnt going to let up.

This team will come ready for game 4 and play off of Kobe.

Let's not let them off the hook. Let's kill them and then get guys like Turiaf, Ariza, and Bynum more time to heal.

Then, let's get our mind focused and beat the heck out of Houston/Utah.

Those teams actually play D, so we might be in for a game 1 barnburner as we adjust ourselves...

we would have held the nuggets to a season low offensive performance in that game if we had to. They scored like 6 points in the last minute because the lakers played 0 defense at the end (which is fine).

May the Lakers put the Nuggets out of their misery on Monday.

May the Lakers put the Nuggets out of their misery on Monday.

Posted by: Myrhaf | April 26, 2008 at 08:36 PM

You forgot to say Amen lol

Korey,

That's why they call him the Mamba. What's great is it's seeming like every person in our team is embracing that same mentality. Pedal to the medal commander lol.

Luke is balling like he deserves to be in the NBA! Make me a believer Luke!!! Go Lakers! 4-0

Xodus,
I try to hide it, but every once in a while it sneaks out.

kenyon martion is a slugger not a basketball player. he tried dirty tactics against our players. i hate him.

"Najera's elbow to the throat of Sasha could literally have killed Sasha if delivered properly.
Sasha's lucky." (Posted by Jon K)

Jon K,

Sasha's defense is quite often, literally, in your face, if you know what I mean. It is good defense but is also very risky, since his neck usually is at the level of a swinging elbow. Most defensive players will allow a bit more space to his opponent than Sasha.
Having said that, I know Sasha does anticipate those elbows coming at him and would often sell the faul to the referee. He also knows how to annoy his opponent just a little and get under their skin.
I like Sasha and I believe he can become very valuable down the stretch deep into the playoffs!

the nuggets are dirty.

Offical news about Ariza being cleared to practice again.

Ariza is excited as he should be.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp
-lakerep27apr27,1,153248.story

I agree with lakersmr. Denver has revealed itself to be a bunch of cheapshot scumbags. That shot on Luke had me out of my chair calling 911. Someone had to report that felony. Surely the league will review the play and call it what it was, flagrant. I'm shocked PJ put the starters back in after taking them out in the 4th. Seems way too dangerous.

GO LAKERS ! ! !

My eyes were almost burned by the sight of that shirtless John Denver album cover.

Ex - "If Kobe keeps playing the style of ball that he has the last two games, and doesn't revert to his game 1 game, the Lakers will be very hard to beat."

Totally disagree with your take. "Game 1 Kobe" is the same guy as "Game 2 Kobe" and "Game 3 Kobe". Just like, at heart, "2006 Kobe" is the same as "2007 Kobe" is the same as "2008 Kobe". He's the guy who prepares himself to the Nth level and plays in the manner that gives his team the best chance of winning any given night. His shot may not be falling, but his intentions are clear: do what it takes to win.

We hear all the time Kobe is "trusting his teammates" more. It may be true that he's a tad more trusting, but as Kobe himself has said, the difference this year is that his teammates are hitting the open shots.

History is written for the winners. The reasoning almost always comes after the results. If Kobe wasn't winning before, and now he's winning, there's got to be a reason, a story behind it, and the "trusting teammates" story is the best one to choose. It's too boring and simple to say "the teammates around him got better". I guess I should be happy, because at least that is more true than the "Kobe has matured" story.

Point is, Kobe, to those who have been paying attention, has always great, and has always been capable of playing consistent winning basketball, he just finally has the team around him to help him execute that plan.

Repost from Yesterday. RIngs very true today.

*DING*

Wanna Get Away.

Southwest Airlines introduces Free Drink Flights from the Pepsi Center in Denver Colorado $99.00 one way to anywhere but here.

Now your free to move about the country!

TWoody

Boston showed us tonight they are overrated!!

Weren't they the team that was supposed to have no problem with their first round opponent??

Man, only three games into the playoffs and they're lacking focus. I definetly did not expect that.

So far, the Lakers are the ONLY ones dominating in the first round!! The Spurs could just as easliy be sitting at 2-1 right now. Or even 1-2 for that matter. Game three was the only game they dominated in.

This is turning into a DREAM saeson right before our very eyes. I thought the regular season was something. But this post season could unfold with all of the cards in our favor.

GO LAKERS!!!

Thanks for the info Fairweather Fatty. Here we go again we will be taken for a ride on Ariza's expectation, allowed to practice again, next time, we hear not yet fully recuperated, another two weeks more. These are the subjects of our commentary from Jon K, Nemeaia Faletogo and others insist that these injured players should show up. These are the playoffs, the dream of every NBA player to be in the off-season and have a chance of going for the Championship.

Look at the Houston Rockets, they're hobbling with all kinds of knee injuries from T-Mac, Battier, Rafer Alston but they rise up to the occasion and fighting back against a superior team, Jazz in Utah. The other players before you, Willis Reed, Isiah Thomas dragging one foot, they still play. It is the heart of a warrior.

Nuggets, well they are still standing tho' its already the 11th round, Lakers has to deliver the knock punch on Monday. Vlad and Walton gave a good D in muzzling Anthony, even Reggie Miller and Coach Fratello noticed those small things. Lakers are winning back in big numbers because of the small things like passing the ball and managing the time effectively, moving without the ball and finishing it, timely 3 pts rescue from Fisher and Sasha when Nuggets were rallying, LO, Pau and Kobe confuse the defense of the Nuggets they just have no answer and that's the source of their frustrations. And to top it all, Mbenga presence to let Pau get a much needed rest, he rebouds, he blocks and show his presence in the post. Those are small things needed and when accummulated they result to resounding victory.

As we go forward, competition becomes tougher, Ariza and Bynum are the insurance. They have to show up with Spartan spirit ready to aid their teammates against all odds. These are not the time to have cold knees, talk of long vacation, thinking of long career, thinking of contracts adjustment. This is the time to play in the big league, GET UP AND BE COUNTED.

JonK, You're right. I'm not sure why we left Kobe and Gasol in for so long. These guys are dangerous. You'd think they'd respect their fellow ballers. Stupid thugs.

I am always making idioticly optimistic statements because I believe in and LOVE the Lakers and want to counter some of the negativity I've seen on this blog.

Today when the game started I said us by 30. I said in the last game we'd be up by 29. In every case the Lakers have met and exceeded my wild optimism.

I have been trying to start the 3-PEAT bandwagon. It is a bit far off, and I'm a bit insane, but mark my words.

We can play smothering D whenever we want to. I've seen it, mostly in 3rd quarters, when we've totally shut teams down. In the third of this game, they almost could not make a pass. The only reason they got that run was a great dunk, but it came off of a severe rejection by Kobe.

GO LAKERS!!!

Rockin and Rollin, The Lakers I'm extoling
When we go bowling the score is high

Righting the wrong, when we play as one
The whole league set alight

There's a thing called fate, and a thing called great
We're number one and its meant to be

Where shooting the lights out, there can be no doubt
As birds sing their songs and we wish to be free

Our d is magic, the result is just tragic
If we put our mind to it they'll all fall aside

Our weapons gone gatlin she check the stats and
You'll understand just why we've got pride

Its their disaster as we start to play faster
So hoist 'em up high and we'll all take sail

As I'll say go Lakers and if there are any takers
The universe will open and good will prevail

GO LAKERS!!!!

In all my life,Ive never seen a player more overrated than Carmelo.Does anybody notice how he's like a little 3rd grader out there ? When he misses,he pouts and doesnt run back on defense and try to make up for his bad offense.Its an embarrassment to himself,and the whole team.When your making the money he is,you cant pout and whine out there.Ive been playing ball my whole life,I've coached and I have NEVER seen anyone act the way he has this series.What a joke...big deal,he can score.There are so many guys in this league who can do that,he will NEVER win a ring with the attitude and game he has.I feel bad for the fans of Denver who pay good money to see their team play.Iverson has heart,but I can tell deep down he's OVER playing with Melo.I'm a Laker fan,but more of a basketball fan,I love good team ball,and I was expecting more of Denver.Carmelo....If your reading this....you owe a good 3/4 of your paycheck back to the owner and fans.P.S-LaLa looks like my Pitbull .Give her a bone.

agreed Luke is playing better, but he is not playing like last year. He has adjusted his game and is playing differently. Last year he passed first and moved the ball. This year he was slow because teams were laying off him and daring him to shoot. Meanwhile his passing lanes were being cut off. He's finally taking that personally and making them pay by hitting his jumpshots and taking it to the hoop.
btw, if Denver keeps up the dirty play I fear Gasol may end up on the DL. The Lakers oughtta have mbenga knock Naranja out. Stone Cold.

Melo Anthony just criticized himself and the whole at the interview after the game for quitting the game in the 3rd Q. Beau Miller, was right on his post about Melo. He is an immature baller and this playoff will teach him a good lesson, not only on that DUI but also his attitude on the court. Would u believe that the owners of Denver Nuggets: Kroenke and Ringsby are investing $ 81M on this team's salaries compared to the Lakers $ 72M? Luxury taxes threshold is $ 67.8M so he is paying additional $13.2M in taxes while the Lakers additional $5M. Superstars salaries: AI 20, Melo and K-Mart 13 each, Camby 10, Nene 8 and they quit on the team at 3rd Q. that's embarrassing! You will see this team will be broken up after the playoffs. I'm sorry for George Karl, he's a decent coach when he was with the Sonics, even today at least he brought this team to the playoffs with a bunch of prima donnas.

Edwin,

Usually you are just overly pessimistic, but now you are really pissing me off. Do you really think Andrew and Trevor are not playing because they do not want to? Really? Seriously get a clue. They are not playing because the Lakers (the people paying them millions of dollars) don't want them to. Period. As for your examples of players playing hurt (T-Mac, etc.) those guys are on teams that cannot possibly advance without them. To put it another way they go home anyway, so why not play. The Lakers are playing great (25-5 with Pau) without them so there is no need to do something stupid. Seriously your constant contrarian viewpoint is cute, but sometimes it is just ignorant....

A little animated gif I cooked up by stea......err.......'aquiring' several pieces from different parts of the web.

At least I was the one to mash them all together..............
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n60/mr-rambaldi/sweepdenver.gif

Pslakerfan,

Thank you for the reminder that I pissed you off. I am not running a popularity contest here. Whatever is our opinion will stay as is, I will not adjust my viewpoints just to please you or anybody here. We have our own free speech to comment on any players. I respect bloggers and fellow fans like you to air their viewpoints. You made your point and that's fair enough. My objective is different from yours, we want to seal the deal on the standpoint of future challenges.

I am not a contrarian, nor a pessimistic nor an overly optimistic, I'm all of the above if you have followed my posts from the start. It changes based on situations, what we're saying that in future competitions, Drew and Ariza should try to show up. You don't like that posture, that's fine. I mentioned T-Mac and Battier are still playing eventhough they are hurt and their courage is admirable. I will take the hit and for an unpopular stand but my opinion will stay as is.

If all of us in this blog will say only one theme (THAT'S DICTATORSHIP) or be a cheerleader on the sideline, this will be a boring blog. You have to read different point of views and accept them as they are, not all Laker fans are the same but they are all united with one aspiration: CHAMPIONSHIP.

check this out....

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/
videopage?
videoId=3370008&n8pe6c=1&categoryId
=2459788

if i was in the streets of LA and happen to see kenyon i'll spit on his face and ask whos your daddy thug!!!! he is all gangho in the court, lets see what he can do on the streets...

geez even their mascot is this disrespectful!!!

dont play our starters the whole game coz the thugs want to bring our team down with them!!!

For me the real challenge for Lakers lies ahead.
Nuggets is the worst team in playoffs right now. Look at the other series... there is competition. Even eastern teams with much lower rate than Denver are fighting hard in playoffs (Hawks, Raptors, Sixers,..etc).
Please be all prepared for Jazz, Spurs and Hornets.

What Beau Miller said.

1) Phil put Kobe and the A Team out there in the 4th because he knows that Denver can get hot and totally change the momentum of both the game and the series. He wanted to not only beat them but to destroy their confidence. Mission accomplished. That's why Phil has 9 rings (soon 10), and you guys are blogging.

2) To all you "Lukomir Waltmanovic" yokels...he's "Luke Skywalker" now. And don't you forget it.

3) Ariza in round 2, baby! Start looking at those catalogs for championship rings.

Lol at every Nugget fan that passed me last night as I wore my lakers tshirt and beanie......i heard every excuse..but honestly..they were all very disgusted with the Thuggets.

Which should only be the case.

I agree, Melo is WAYY overrated, not only does he pout and NOT play any defense, he seems to smile at stupid crap throughout the game. Even when they are DOWN by 20+ pts, he is smiling..i mean seriously.

Martin is a thug...he should be in a gang back in dallas or something...

I also want to see Mbenga knock someone out.....just for kicks. Did anyone notice when Kleiza went up for a shot and ran into Mbenga late in the fourth,???? HAHAHA....he bounced off of him like a rock against a windshield...if the Octagon was in play I would put my money on Mbenga against anyone on the Thuggets.....

I wanted Houston to win last night, b/c it would just extend the series...I look for them to go back home and make it 3-2 at least.

We need the Lakers to close this out Monday, no ifs ands or buts....we need to just cut them out, pull the plug...every cliche you want to throw in there. We cant give them ANY life, b/c if they come out game four and win....well that can shift momentum.

Glad to see Ariza cleared to practice......his defense will be a very welcomed sight in the playoffs...and just in time for teams like Utah perhaps, and the Spurs....

>>>Knowing that at some point we're going to be be forced to play
>>>better defense,

Actually, the Lakers ARE playing good defense in this series. They're limiting
the fast break points by Denver, they're not fouling them much, and they're
swarming Iverson and Melo, who are the only two really effective offensive
players.

At some point they will have to work harder on offense, though. There's no
way San Antonio or Utah will play swiss cheese defense like Denver is.

All I can say is good.Im so sick of the nuggets maybe now the team will be broken up and we dont have to watch them and their crap anymore...Me and a mate were discussing it before the series and decided the nuggets would be swept.

-The Iverson trade was all about making a splash but was never going to improve them.

-Carmello Anthony has no character

-George Karl is probably the most overrated coach in the history of the league.This team is poorly dsciplined,has loads of talent that doesnt fit together,and not enough character guys or guys to plug the intangibles.

Lets sweep them and be done with them for good.

exhelodrvr,

I was looking at your comment about Kobe....

Is Kobe not allowed to have an off shooting night?

As a Kobe fan, I'd like to tel you that he's perfect, but
he's not and many people besides yourself understand
that and cut him some slack.

Go Lakers!
Go Kobe!

Only the Lakers and Spurs are without defeat. Boston dropping to an Eastern Conf rival with all of 37 wins in the season and Detroit going down 1-2 shows something is rotten at the top of the Eastern Conference.

It's starting to look as if the real NBA finals will take place between LA and San Antonio. Unless the Lakers and Spurs destroy each other, it doesn't matter who the East throws at us.

Utah will be tougher than Denver, but I don't see the Jazz as a threat. The Lakers have become too good at destabilizing opponents psychologically at key points in a game. The series won't go to seven games, though each game will be fairly close. Home court advantage will pay off in our conference finals against SA and Kobe (to say nothing of Derrick) has a history of robbing the Spurs of their own home games.

I kind of agree with Kenny Smith that Detroit should beat Boston in the Eastern finals... if they get that far. Against both Boston and Detroit we lose home court advantage. But that's where the psychology works best, by creating doubt in the opponent's mind about their ability to control a game even at home and win consistently. Hell, that already happened in 2006 against the Suns, when we went up 3-1, but with Smush and Kwame and an otherwise nondescript crew we didn't have the fiber to win our own final game at home (game 6). This year that won't happen, so the championship series will go to a maximum of 6 games.

In all, we won't lose more than 5 games in the entire post-season. And next year, if everyone's back and healthy and there are no long-term injuries, we should be looking at 70 wins, but it might be more reasonable to start thinking about a 65 win bandwagon.

Ummmm...Dang.

Brutal.

Kobe and Pau even blocked their attempts at lob passes. One each.

It was painful to watch at one point. We simply killed them.

--Fearless

Do you think the refs will be aware of the high potential of a Laker being injured in this game? How do you guard against frustration of your opponent?

--Fearless

Edwin Guerco,

The news regarding Trevor Ariza is very encouraging. I hope we're not disappointed (again.) I don't think we will be. It's been so long for just a broken foot. It has to get better eventually and I think that time is now.

JohnnyP,

I'm hoping we broke the spiritual backs of the Nouguts with this game and they will just allow destiny to unfold itself. However, I am concerned that as bunch of immature thugs, they won't have the grace and maturity to allow that and will instead try to injure our players in Game Four. I mean, they may actually think "Let's take them down with us." Kobe better protect his finger, let me just tell you that.

pslakerfan,

I didn't think Edwin Guerco was being overly pessimistic. His disappointment mirrors my own. Players are supposed to play hurt, especially in the playoffs. That's one of the things that defines a true competitor. Kobe needs surgery, but he's playing.

Personally, I think that the Lakers management/training staff is being overly conservative (especially after past events of ruining NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone's career through misdiagnosis and bringing him back to court too soon) right now. I think Trevor really wants to play RIGHT NOW, though. Andrew Bynum, I think really wants to play, but is under pressure from his mother and personal management and training staff to not push things, because he's on the verge of a long-term, max-approaching contract, and they don't want to risk all that money if an additional injury occured.

GO LAKERS!

The Lakers could probably rest all of the starters for Game 4 and still win by double-digits. This Nuggets team has totally come undone. The sad thing is that Carmelo Anthony calling out his team and coach won't motivate anyone... it will only make Game 4 more of a one-on-one gala than the first three games.

The Lakers haven't played extremely well, and they're winning big. When they face Utah, they'll raise their level of play ten-fold.

Looks like the Suns won't be the only team blowing up in the off-season.

Go Lake Show!

By the way, my two favorite most suprisingly positive things in this series?

The play of Luke Walton and The Banger Mbenga. Both are playing great and making the most of their minutes.

GO LAKERS!

*reaches into his broom closet*

Quotes from the Nouguts...

"Iverson had no answers on this night.

“I’ve been in a lot of playoff series,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this frustrated.”

Neither has Anthony.

“In my five years here, this is the first time I’ve felt like this,” Anthony said. “This one hurt. It hurt bad.”"

Either they're going to lay down their heads for Game Four or they're going to try to hurt our players.

GO LAKERS!

>>>why did PJ put KB back in the 4th? gameover. risk of injury too great

It was the sword move. A good matador doesn't play with the bull. He shows
it respect by killing it with one plunge to the heart.

I'm totally with PJ on that move. Keep enough starters in to make sure Denver
goes down hard. If you put in Mihm and Newble and Karl and Denver gets it
back under 10, then they become heartened and you're forced to bring Kobe
back in to assure the win. And that's kind of a moral victory for the Nuggets
even if they don't manage to win the game. If you go out and put them down
HARD, then they know that they aren't coming back in the game OR the series.

I'm inclined to give the Lakers more credit than I am to say that the Nuggets quit. The Lakers made them quit. The Nuggets have no leadership, either on the bench or on the court. George Karl has totally lost that team and probably has for a long time prior to this series. The so-called leaders of the Nuggets squad, Iverson and Anthony, don't even make eye contact with their coach during timeout strategy sessions. The Lakers took advantage of a weak willed team that is truly dysfunctional.

The Lakers, on the other hand, refused to be baited into playing the Nuggets' game. There was no retaliatory actions from The Show, despite numerous hard fouls and delibeate attempts to hurt Fisher, Sasha, Kobe and Luke. Kenyon Martin has shown his true colors and deserves to be suspended for his "unnatural" reaction to having the ball stripped from him by DFish. He wound up and deliberately hit Fish in his face AFTER the ball was lost. Playoff basketball is supposed to be physical, but the Nuggets, as a team, crossed the line into dangerous , dirty play. That includes Najera and Nene, both of whom employed dirty fouls as part of their games.

This Laker team has matured a great deal. The reacquisition of Fish and trading for Pau has upgraded the talent level and basketball IQ immmeasurably. And speaking of Bball IQ, Luke Walton has played very well and is a huge part of the second unit success during this series.

I thought PJ managed the game very well. He brought the starters back in with about 5 minutes left in the half and they were able to push out to a 7 point lead at halftime. Vlad Rad hit a big 3 to strech the lead from 3 to 6 during that period. Vlad also was instrumental in Carmelo's poor afternoon. He would not allow Melo to finish at the rim without being contested and subsequently Carmelo never developed any rhythm until it was too late. Vlad's size presented Melo with a problem.

Kobe, Pau and Fish set the tone with a controlled, brainy and determined effort. When Denver made an 8-0 run in the middle of the 3rd quarter to cut the Laker lead to 10, Fish came back with eight points of his own via two 3's and a layup to shut the door. His 2nd 3 in that sequence put the Nugs in a hole from which they never recovered and seemed to cut the heart right out of them.

One more to go and the Nuggets will be fishing on the Colorado River!!! It's all over but the shouting!! GO LAKERS!!!!

>>>Nuggets is the worst team in playoffs right now.

No they're not. The Lakers are just making them LOOK that bad. If the Lakers
were playing Atlanta or Philadelphia or Toronto, they'd be making them look bad
as well. I realize those teams have won games, but they're playing LEASTERN
teams, not an elite Lakers machine (not to be confused with THE machine)

On the play of Radmanovic:

I'm actually very happy that Rad is having a bad series in the first round. Vlad
is a very streaky shooter... he doesn't stay hot all the time and he doesn't stay
cold all the time. I'd much rather see him have a bad shooting series in the first
round and then heat up when the Lakers need him more for San Antonio or
Boston or Detroit.

I once got a massage from John Denver's personal masseuse....

Ok back to the Lakers -
I think Lukimir Waltmonovich is our perfect small forward given that one half or the other is ususally playing in fine form. And 9-Rings PJ is especially good at figuring out which half and keeping him on the floor - especially in the playoffs. Plus very soon the third head will appear so we will have Luktrevimir Waltarizmonovich - which should give Phil even more options to always have a hot player at the 3 to compliment the Kobe-Pau-Lamar trio.

Also, Mbenga did do some fine big guy stuff for us - I think choosing him over C-Webb when both were available is another reason Mitch should be in the running for exec of the year. And can you imagine what we'll be like when (if) Baby Bynum makes it back and is coming off the bench in that slot instead???

Championship, baby.

pslakerfan,

I didn't think Edwin Guerco was being overly pessimistic. His disappointment mirrors my own. Players are supposed to play hurt, especially in the playoffs. That's one of the things that defines a true competitor. Kobe needs surgery, but he's playing.

Personally, I think that the Lakers management/training staff is being overly conservative (especially after past events of ruining NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone's career through misdiagnosis and bringing him back to court too soon) right now. I think Trevor really wants to play RIGHT NOW, though. Andrew Bynum, I think really wants to play, but is under pressure from his mother and personal management and training staff to not push things, because he's on the verge of a long-term, max-approaching contract, and they don't want to risk all that money if an additional injury occured.

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 08:26 AM

You should really try reading your last two paragraphs again. My point was that management was keeping Andrew and Trevor off the court and that it was not their decision.

In your first paragraph you agreed with Edwin that they should play hurt like Kobe is, and then in your second paragraph you totally proved my point by saying that management is being overly cautious and that Trevor and Andrew really want to play.

My exact point was that they wanted to play but weren't being allowed to, so what is your final conclusion. Is it that they should suck it up and play (assuming it is up to them, which it isn't) or that management is being too cautious and they have no choice.

For the record Kobe is hurt, Andrew and Trevor are injured, big difference....

PS. Don't answer angry you might get deleted........lol.

I will take the hit and for an unpopular stand but my opinion will stay as is.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 27, 2008 at 12:27 AM

On target Mr. Gueco. That is why I have always been your admirer.

I like Andrew Bynum. If he is really being held back as a "secret" weapon for the next series, I'm okay with it. But if he is just being withheld by his manager/group for the incoming contract, I'll feel bad about it. Afterall, he is still under contract for one year. I do think he will be a great help during the championship round. Come back soon AB.

Goooooooooooooo Lakersssssss!!!

exhelodrvr,

I find it odd that you are so easily critical of Kobe Bryant (our MVP) and yet passionately defensive of Gary Vitti (the guy who ruined Karl Malone's best chance at getting a ring.)

It's odd.

GO LAKERS!

That was surrender in slow motion.

It hasn't felt like there's anything Denver can do to hurt us all year. That's the wrong roster and wrong system to compete with the Lakers.

As easily as these wins have come, why would the staff want to bring anyone off the IR if there's a question? The Bengal is loggin' great minutes, and the entire second unit is flowin even without Ronny. It would be great to start workin' Trev into the mix, but this isn't broke.

With the help that's comin', the Lakers are the only team that's building, getting better as we go.

IT cannot be stopped. It's inevitable.

13 wins to go
1, FO' FO' FO'

Thank you Jon K for understanding where I coming from. I would not be surprised that we have irritated our fellow fans here for insisting on changes that they do not adhere.

It is OK to have difference of opinions, it is healthy for the blog. On the contrary, it will be a good policy among us not insult the messengers on those opinions. Majority who are blogging on this site are Laker fans and if we start labeling people, we only promote misunderstandings and divisiveness. Perhaps, talking thrash is the modicum of communication in one's household or looking down at other bloggers is just their ways but here, we don't know each other. We all come from different backgrounds, different sensitivities, different locations from all parts of the world, still at the end of the day - "It takes one to know one" . If in my previous posts I chastised LakerTom, Jon K, Faith, EX, AZ, Vman, Mamba24, Fatty and many others, I have no qualms of saying it for I've been in communication with them for sometime, I do it in jest for the sake of entertainment not to be personal and insult a fellow Laker fan. I make commentaries too on other posts but it is not my policy to insult a fellow blogger. He is a "privileged fan" who spent time to join us, not making money out of this blog but just expressing his own passion. Besides that, he is not a public figure. Well, I just want to air my side, that whatever opinions expressed, it would be nice in this blog to practice proper decorum and mutual respect than tearing one another. There are no right opinions or wrong opinions, only the course of time will judge the right one.

Let bygones be bygones, let's move on towards our common goal: JUST GIVE US CHAMPIONSHIP BABY!

Edwin,

But you've got to admit that your assertion that Bynum and Ariza don't WANT to come back is baseless. And the notion that we should push them to play through injuries they could make worse, when we're winning without them is foolish.

Re John Denver, I think he actually died running into California. Sorry.

I was out all day yesterday and had to record the game. Didn't listen to any news or talk to anyone before watching. While I'm very pleased with the outcome, it was almost a letdown. Our guys played a good game, but Denver just gave it away. No heart, no effort. Pathetic.

Lakers need to shut this thing down tomorrow. Put the Nuggets out of their misery with a mercy shot.

Jon K,

Ex isn't critical of Kobe, it's just that too many people are overly sensitive about him. I love Kobe as much as anyone, but it's ridiculous that no one can say he played a bad game without being labeled a Kobe-hater. It's crazy.

Best of all possible worlds, Denver doesn't even play its starters. In game three they actually showed this sort of thinking makes sense to them.

I don't think that Denver, as JonK says, will "try to hurt us." These guys all know eachother. Carmello doesn't seem to take the game personally at all. It's just that when they get frustrated, they lash out instinctually.

Herein is where good sportsmanship comes in. Rubbing our dominance in their faces with jabbering and finger waving increases their humilation and makes them more likely to flail in frustration. Thoug I know Denver makes it difficult, the Lakers should show they are a classy group and respect their opponents for fair play and trying hard.

This may be their best way to avoid injury. It is better than having Mbenga beat people up. And it sets a good tone for our nation.

GO LAKERS!!!

JK,
"I find it odd that you are so easily critical of Kobe Bryant (our MVP) and yet passionately defensive of Gary Vitti "

My "passionate defense" of Gary Vitti is all in your mind. My position is that none of us are in a position to accurately judge whiether or not the treatment of Ariza, Bynum, etc.

"Easily critical" of Kobe? We are in a much better position to judge Kobe's performance than the training staff's performance. When Kobe plays great, I say so. When he plays not-so-great, I say so.

You may want to try the decaf Dit Da Jow!

pslakerfan,

Okay... okay. I guess I need to improve my reading comprehension skills when not supplemented by caffeine. You make a valid point.

GO LAKERS!

Xodus,
"it's ridiculous that no one can say he (Kobe) played a bad game without being labeled a Kobe-hater. It's crazy."

I find nothing wrong with people saying that Kobe had a bad game one by KOBE STANDARDS, but there were plenty of bloggers stating that he hurt the team more than he helped, which is a ridiculous and ignorant Kobe-hating statement.

peace

Keeping the starters in late in the game was wise - if Denver makes a run and the score gets close, even if they still lose, it gives them some momentum for Game 4.

Xodus,

I see your point. I suppose after SO much vitriolic criticism of Kobe for so long (someone whom I and much of Laker Nation believes is easily a Top Five of All-Time NBA player), we (I) can become reactionarily defensive of him. It's become something of a habit after combatting Trolls and Haters for years.

Kobe, like everyone, should be open to objective and/or constructive criticism.

GO LAKERS!

hobbitimage,
It's not the shots that Kobe missed, it's the shots that he took. Quite a bit of his shot selection in Game 1 was outside the flow of the offense. The Lakers won't have nearly as much margin for error in subsequent series, and can't afford that from Kobe if they want to be successful then.

Ex,
"My position is that none of us are in a position to accurately judge whiether or not the treatment of Ariza, Bynum, etc."

Maybe so, but what's wrong with judging based on results or lack thereof?

Xodus,

Precisely, that is the point, all our speculations are baseless because it needs further clarity from the Lakers office. Why are people saying different things? Because we don't know the TRUTH. Your assumption that they are really injured that they could not play. Eric Pincus in his article said that they need two weeks more, and yet the news today, Ariza can practice starting Monday. That's why hearsay and speculations are not accepted as legal evidences, we sincerely don't know who is telling the truth. We can debate all day, you saying that they are injured and cannot play. I will say, they are slightly injured and can play if they want to and, still another opinion will air, they can play now but they are being reserved for future games, still another opinion would come out, they refused to play so as to preserve their body for long term.

I hope Xodus you got my point, I enumerated 4 alternatives out of a situation because there is no clarity in commnication from Jan 13th to April 27th. Once the 8th week deadline passed, we are all speculating of what comes next. All of our assumptions are possible. At the end of the day, which hearsay are we going to accept: from Times, PJ, Pincus, bloggers, ESPN, TNT broadcasters, AK/BK etc. I prefer AK/BK they're multi awardees. lol!

exhelodrvr,

Though I disagree with you on the Gary Vitti thing (based upon past precedence with Karl Malone and Chris Mihm's injuries AND the fact that many of the Lakers have chosen to take on a separate personal trainer and look for second opinions on injuries--which conveys an implication of lack of confidence, to me), it would probably help us out if journalists would seek out interviews with the training staff. It seems like all we get is an occasional clip on Lakers.com or a picture of the "space age treadmill" on LATimes.com. Insufficient, methinks.

I'm hoping they're doing more than physical therapy and spreading hot/cold Blue Goo on the injured areas.

GO LAKERS!

Laker Truth,
Whether a result is better or worse than it "should" have been can't be determined unless you have an accurate idea of the context. We don't know the context, because we don't know the severity of the injuries, the relative healing "powers" of the individuals in question, the physical therapy/treatments being used, and whether or not those are the most appropriate. If we knew all those things, then we could more accurately judge the Lakers' staff and their treatment.

I will take the hit and for an unpopular stand but my opinion will stay as is.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 27, 2008 at 12:27 AM

On target Mr. Gueco. That is why I have always been your admirer.

I like Andrew Bynum. If he is really being held back as a "secret" weapon for the next series, I'm okay with it. But if he is just being withheld by his manager/group for the incoming contract, I'll feel bad about it. Afterall, he is still under contract for one year. I do think he will be a great help during the championship round. Come back soon AB.

Goooooooooooooo Lakersssssss!!!

Posted by: Lakergurl | April 27, 2008 at 10:14 AM

To jump in I think all of you have good points but I think the one not mentioned is the Medical staff not training staff. The Lakers and AB's own Dr say don't play because of chance of PERMENANT damage to the knee.

AB has the choice to suck it up and risk his career and livelyhood. Also to become one of the best centers ever if he improves as he has so far.

So say he comes back and gets reinjured and his career is lost. What would all the suck it up and get out there fans say?

I think something like, man was he selfish to get hurt and risk his career and the Laker organization for a few games of possible fame.

Or he robbed the Lakers of possible dynasty. Like Kobe whatever he does he is in a lose lose situation. Unlike Kobe, he is AB and should not be compared to him. Like Kobe plays hurt or injured (Kobe has a contract) ab does not and shouldn't play if he can't.

Just my opinion and I stick by it.

Bad Kobe, bad Kobe debate. (game one)

Kobe had an off game shooting and redeemed himself with a stellar 4th quarter finish.

To say he had a bad game is just plain nuts.

BK was entitled to his opinion, but had to fully know putting Kobe into having a 'bad game' 'Don't be fooled stuff', would do on the blog.

Lakers fans were having a good time celebrating and that statement changed the whole mood of the blog. It became negative, with many derogatory comments going back and forth.

BK as moderator new exactly what he was doing. Its his job to keep things flowing and spur different thoughts for lively debate. Nothing wrong with what he did, even if it was purposely inflammatory.

I had 3 areas of concern for Kobe in that game.

1. 4th quarter shot selection out of team rhythm.
2. Kobe committing silly reach fouls putting him on the bench
3. Kobe's trash talking was embarrassing and not a good example for the team

Like EX said, if Kobe plays like he did in games 2,3 the Lakers could win it all. Coming from a GHE guy, that's quite a statement. lol

Since game one, Kobe is trying harder to keep things flowing with better shot selection.
He's is making less fouls, but interestingly, his silly trash talking has gotten into the heads of the Nuggets. Are they that stupid? Apparently so.

Maybe I was wrong to characterize it as silly. It worked.

Fairweather Fatty-

Believe what you'd like, but I can assure you that I'm not going to misrepresent my own opinions just to try and rile people up. If I think Kobe played poorly- and I think he did- I'll say so. I wasn't the only one, both on the blog (go back and read the comments during the game) or among the writers watching the game. Disagree if you like, but honestly, we're doing just fine on the site without having to engineer traffic like that. Personally, I don't consider pointing out when Kobe has a tough game inflammatory. Certainly not purposefully so.

Edwin-

I can assure you that both of those guys would like to be playing. Again, that's why Drew went to see his old doctor- he wanted to get cleared and be let back on the floor. His guy said no, too. Same with Ariza. He wants to play, and I guarantee for as much as you're venting about how you'd like to see him on the court, he'd like to be out there more.

BK

BK

Its pretty obvious to most people here you did that to rile up the blog.

If you read all my comment you would see that I questioned some of Kobe's play as well.

But to classify he had a "Bad Game", especially "Don't be Fooled" was an obvious attempt to cause discussion on the blog by using 'contrived inflammatory verbage'.

You do this on a regular basis. Its just your job, I have NO PROBLEM with that as I said.

As I said at the time you wrote it, I said I agreed with most of what you said, just not your characterization of Kobe. Do you really think he had a bad game, so bad, you had to single him out for that in the way you did it?

It lead to a lively debate. I don't know why you are taking that so personal. You got the desired results.

Cool down Bk, its not that big of a deal.

You guys do a great job here. And I commend you on a regular basis.

I do find it odd, that many. many times I ask you questions, ask for your opinion, etc.. and this is probably only the 2nd time you've responded. My comment was more directed to the debate that was currently going on.

If you are offended what many others see as an obvious truth in how you carry yourself, then I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings and in the future I will just make up insincere dishonest comments that will bother you less.

Yours truly,

Fatty

Fairweather-

I appreciate the praise, and am sorry if you feel like you've been ignored. When I see questions or comments addressed to me, I try to answer them. Obviously I don't see all of them, or get to everything specifically. But to your other point, generally speaking, I don't like the characterization that I write things I don't believe simply to generate traffic. Yes, I believe that in Game 1, Kobe played poorly based on the standards by which he should be judged. I wasn't the only one, either. Did he struggle like Vlad? Obviously not. But for Kobe, he had a bad game. It's not a big deal. The "don't be fooled" line was there in reference to people who might just look at the box, see he scored 32, and wonder what I was thinking.

I don't care if you write honest comments (and would certainly prefer them over insincere ones just to make me feel good). I don't mean this in a dismissive way, so I hope you (and others) don't read it as such, but I don't write to try and make friends (or enemies, for that matter). I feel my job is to be as honest as possible and express my opinion, report what I can, deliver good information, and the like. If people think I'm right, great. If they disagree, great.

One thing I don't want, though, is for people to believe that I write simply to try and rile people up. Debate comes naturally enough. There's no need to goose it by tying on a Skip Bayless type attitude.

I write what I believe. Disagree with me if you'd like, but always assume that the opinions expressed are indeed genuine.

BK

I am an Allen Iverson fan and was pulling for the nuggs mainly becuase I want to see A.I. win a championship. Carmelo is the problem he is not anything close to being a leader, he's a cry baby and he lacks the poise and character of a Lebron James or Kobe. Melo' s game is tired--he shuffles his feet around like a slug and he's highly overratted in my opinion.