Movin' on
I'll give Denver credit. They managed to do something that honestly I didn't think they had in them -- play 48 minutes of hard (though not necessarily smart) basketball, and even come from behind to close the game in the second half. They were spirited (though not necessarily smart), spunky (see previous), and showed some fortitude (though not necessarily brains).
Not that it mattered.
Despite the best push they saw in four tries from Denver and a game that frequently devolved into something that would have made Dr. James Naismith cry, the Lakers again showed they were too good for the Nuggets. Final score, 107-101. LA breaks out the brooms and becomes the first Western Conference team to advance to the semifinals. Early, it was a combination of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Late, it was a whole lot of Kobe, as No. 24 poured in 15 over the final eight minutes.
The final lines show solid nights the big three -- Kobe: 31/7/6, plus three steals and two blocks. Pau: 21/7/4, and four blocks. Lamar Odom: 14/12/4, despite playing most of the night in foul trouble. Success, though, wasn't simply a matter of LA's triple-headed monster. Everyone who hit the floor had something to contribute, even if individually and collectively they weren't razor sharp. DJ Mbenga played solid minutes in the first half. Sasha Vujacic made a clutch three-point basket in the fourth to help keep the Nuggets at (short) arms length. Vlad Radmanovic overcame some terrible early shooting to notch eight points in the third. Luke Walton overcame early foul trouble -- his first run didn't last three minutes before he picked up his third foul -- to make a big shot at the end of the third, then make a clutch three late in the fourth.
The point? After cruising to three easy wins, the Lakers played ugly and still left the building with the win. They worked through a lot of ness-es: sloppiness, ineffectiveness, unfocused ... ness, etc. Don't forget, too, that Denver finally played like a team that won 50 games. That obviously makes a difference. Things only get harder from here, and it's nice to see the Lakers perform when the other team does too.
However you slice it, LA is through to the next round, awaiting the winner of the Utah/Houston series. One round down, three to go.
BK
Kobe sure was great in the fourth quarter tonight.It was looking like Denver wanted it more but Kobe stepped it up down the stretch like only he can.It's nice to finally see the second round without Shaq.
Posted by: jf | April 28, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Congrats Again
Sweep Bandwagoners !!!!!! Good Call... FYI A.I and Melo showed a ton of class in the tough post game gabfest. They basically conceded the Lakers were the better team this year. Go easy in the coming days and remember what Kobe said after the game
" "Derek [Fisher] and I kind of looked at each other in the locker room and it was kind of like, 'OK, this smells familiar for us.' Lamar [Odom] and Pau [Gasol] and those guys were excited, as they should be, to get out of the first round. And we are as well, but we're playing for bigger stakes." -Kobe Bryant
Posted by: complex brotha | April 28, 2008 at 11:39 PM
GO LAKERS! we wait UTAH!
WE BELIEVE!
Posted by: | April 28, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Sweet sweep! Jazz are next, payback time for '98.
Posted by: 10freewayLaker | April 28, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Nice work Lake show. Enver finally showed up and we adjusted as necessary to get the win.
I predicted 5 games to win it (though I did say 4 wouldn't totally surrpise me).
I'm very happy to have predicted wrong here and for the Lakers to get a longer break from which to recover from injuries and to study the team they're about to play. I think homework should be to watch every game in the Houston-Utah series from here on out, with at least one serious question about the series the next day in practice.
It's fo-fo-fo time baby.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 28, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Late in the game on two occassions, Kobe drew the defenders to him, passed to LO who first passed to Luke for the three. The second time LO to Pau for the dunk.
Kobe will get no assist for those plays. But it was nice team work.
This team will be hard to beat if they keep that up.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 28, 2008 at 11:48 PM
anyone else worried about free throws?
Posted by: never | April 28, 2008 at 11:56 PM
yes fatty, the intangibles
but the play in the second q. when Kobe passes the ball to himself at the middle of the court and with no dribble DUNK the ball. a RARE play even for him
does he gets an assists for that one?!
Posted by: Zin Master | April 28, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Good read BK.
I think there is definitely a lot of room for improvement...and that's saying a lot in a series we swept (the only team that has done so as you said).
But the more I think about it, the more this round was not a question of what we can do, or make them do...it's how bad will we play. Bad gives them advantage, "good" advantage to us. We played good, I'd give us a C+, + of course because of game 3 lol. But there are definite holes that need to be patched before we play the next round...and it starts on the defensive end. Points in the paint for one, not good. Perimeter D? Ditto. But the good news is we have shown capability of this; and with the addition of Trevor, we are that much deeper/more athletic. You add our tendency to shoot ourselves in the foot with many 3 pointers...zone offense. We have some x-os to play with. Come on Tex!
Still brring on the Jazzrock I say. We are the Lakers, and we are building on tradition.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 29, 2008 at 12:03 AM
F.C. Barcelona Vs. Manchester United - Tomorrow at 11:30am.
Will there be a live blog?
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 29, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Great win, everything is in our favor now. Its funny, before the playoffs, everyone was talking about how who ever came out of the west was going to be too beat up to win the ring. Yet we just swept and the other series are all 3-1. and its the Celtics and Pistons that are having trouble in the 1st round. That bodes well for us in the finals.
MH
Posted by: michael h | April 29, 2008 at 12:18 AM
great
now that that is over with
we can get on with the serious question
where's bynum?
Posted by: Haha | April 29, 2008 at 12:56 AM
It's also the first time that a 50 win team has ever been swept in the history of the NBA. That can't be overlooked. Also, we blew out the Jazz in all three wins against them this year and they blew us out in their only and it all happened without Pau Gasol. Pau has yet to play against the Jazz in a Laker uniform because he was injured when we snapped Utah's home winning streak towards the end of the regular season. It will interesting to see how Utah tries to matchup with him. It all has to start on defense for us and executing the offense the way we should and we'll be fine. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 29, 2008 at 01:31 AM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Yeah, it's been a while...
Posted by: Tsiry | April 29, 2008 at 02:32 AM
Nice to see the good sportsmanship between the two teams after the final buzzer. I didn't see KMart, though. I'm not surprised as he has never exhibited much class, all the way back to his days with the NJ Nets.
As Fish predicted, the closeout game is always the hardest. It's very difficult to send a team fishin'. Denver and its crowd made for some anxious moments, but the Lakers were able to overcome and minimize the series at 4 games. A sweet sweep, baby!!
Kobe's last 6 minutes in the 4th Q were just awesome. That J in Kenyon's face, the left-handed layup for the And 1, and the beautiful runner off the glass were all just superb! Kobe never ceases to amaze me. He is truly a great, great player.
Rest up and get ready for Round II....it'll be harder the further the Lake Show advances. But I have "Faith" in this team. They are maturing into something really special.
GOOOOO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 29, 2008 at 02:34 AM
First first round sweep of a 50 win team.. EVER.
not too shabby.
Posted by: Mr. Me Too | April 29, 2008 at 02:45 AM
Pau Gasol made a play in game 3 that was just stunning...He caught and controlled an errant alley-oop pass from Fish with JUST HIS RIGHT HAND! Brought the ball down and went back up on the other side of the basket for the slam but was fouled and had to go to line for two. Pau's skill level is very high!
And speaking of skill, that play last night that Kobe tipped the ball to himself at midcourt and wound up dunking it was just OFF THE CHAIN!!! One thing I love about Kobe is that he loves an easy basket! The Bean runs like his shorts are on fire when he fills the lane on the break! Hella player, that Bryant guy!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | April 29, 2008 at 02:50 AM
Jazzrock! Not bad, Faith.
Or what about the Jazzets or Jockets? or simply the Razz?
Whatever. We'll take em in 5... I mean four, because Kobe's on a mission. He remembers 2001 when they swept three times before the finals and ended up 15-1 (with an overtime loss in Game 1).
Think about it. Denver was 33-8 at home this season, and against the Lakers - including the postseason - they were 0-3.
The Lakers are 25-5 with Pau and have now acquired a level of determination they didn't have before they starting sensing and believing (in the last week of the season) that they were truly n° 1 in the West.
The big three are consistently on top of their game. Now the key factor is the 3 position, and with Walton at the absolute apex of his game and Vlade not drifting too far away.. and Trevor on his way back to fill the defensive gap, we'll be as solid as chain-mail and as sharp as a lance.
Boston and Detroit are unsure of themselves and one of them may end up faltering into the NBA finals. Or it could be Orlando that sneaks past both (after two long drawn-out series).
Barring further injury, I don't see the hard-hitting but somewhat laborious Jazz, the inexperienced Hornets or the savvy but aging Spurs knocking the Lakers off track. And with home court advantage plus the mind games Kobe now plays on teams, sweeps are more than possible in the next two rounds. Reggie Miller made the remark in the third quarter, when the Lakers were allowing their lead to disappear, that they seemed to be toying with the Nuggets. I had the impression that the Lakers wanted to test how they would react if things got a little scary after three blowouts.
The only mystery for me is Kobe's free throws. Is it when he's at the line that he has time to feel the awkward discomfort of his detached pinkie? Against Utah, we'll need his free throws. We can sweep, but it won't be with three or four blowouts.
And by the same token, why has Lamar gotten into a habit of always making one of two (usually the second... but when he makes the first you can be certain he'll miss the second)?
Posted by: Tsphere | April 29, 2008 at 03:23 AM
Can't wait till Round 2.. Good job Lakers.. Great TEAM games!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: David Whang | April 29, 2008 at 03:40 AM
BRING ON WHOEVER!!!
4-0 TILL THE END....!
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | April 29, 2008 at 04:40 AM
have you notice?
Gasol is a President of Sweep Basketball Playoff Games. In Memphis, He got sweeped 0 win - 12 Losses.. In Lakers, 4 win - 0 Loss so far. It's payback time, he's so determined to continue the sweeping.. If I'm in the opposing team I should be worried. Because Gasol is planning to even the Wins and the Losses, that means 2 more team will get sweep after Denver..
Posted by: trio | April 29, 2008 at 04:43 AM
Mamba24,
We should start a Sweeping bandwagon and the President should be Pau Gasol (0-12 & 4-0, the first NBA Player to have a perfect sweep Playoff games in both Win and Losses Column).. Let us support Gasol to make the win and losses Even(12-12)..
Posted by: trio | April 29, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Notes from the game:
Prior to the game I was like a kid in a candy store. I met Tex Winter. He was an extremely kind and gentle person. I shook hands with Brian Shaw. I high fived several players as they made their way past me. You wouldn't believe the people that walked past me, guys like John Elway.
I met several fans from Southern California, not just Lakers fans who live locally, but people who flew in for the game. You see, it's actually cheaper to buy the seats I had and pay for airfare than it is to buy the equivalent seats at Staples.
I found out that Atlanta had won because Craig Sager came over and one of the people sitting next to me was friends with him, so he told us 97-92.
When you sit in row AA behind the courtside seats, there's no isle for people to walk and out of to get to their seats. Therefore, I had a large drink sitting in front of my seat along with my sign (I had two other signs, but they made me throw the one with two of them out because it said "TJ Simers, You're Fired") Whatever.
But, this Nuggets fan sitting in the seat next to me, kicked my drink over while I was taking photos of the Lakers entering for warm-ups. The people sitting on my other side had to tell on him. This guy just sat there expressionless and said nothing. When I finally asked him about it (because it was not in his way) he said it shouldn't have been there. I look around, and almost everyone else has drinks in front or under their seats.
I've never seen someone so rude; not so much the drink, but the lack of an apology and the shifting of blame. I had to use the white T-shirt sitting on my chair to clean up the mess... so there was a little sense of irony.
I was so shocked by his words and actions that I had to chalk it up to his seeing my MVP sign and punishing me for it.
It would not be the first time my experience of human behavior would be rocked last night.
As you saw, the game was close. The crowd down there was overwhelmingly loud. Most of the time I sat quietly and enjoyed the game. On occasion I got happy and cheered. Very few times did I take out my sign... but I always did when I heard a faint MVP chant.
This got me into trouble. When the game was finally on ice, the MVP chants started faintly, but you could barely hear them... you had to try really hard. Well, as a way to encourage the chants, I held up my sign and shook it to the MVP beat.
At the end of the game, I was assaulted, verbally and physically. Several people threw things at me and one hit me in the head from behind. People were yelling obscenities. I saw a Nuggets fan try and start a fight with a different Lakers fan and security had to break it up.
I never, ever knew that people were such animals.
It was really sad.
My wife, who watched the game on TV, is mad at me though because she saw me with the sign when the chants started. I never once cheered against the Nuggets, I only cheered for the Lakers.
I happen to like the Nuggets, except when they play my team... so my signage wasn't negative or gloating, IMO, it was just a sign.
Well, whatever.
TNT took a close up of it at the end of the game... it's too bad I had to throw away my TNT sign earlier or I'm sure it would have made inside the NBA. I haven't watched the show, and am afraid to because I'm sure I looked like a complete tool at times.
I waited for all the fans to clear before I walked through the tunnel and out through the front doors.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 29, 2008 at 05:27 AM
WE DON'T WANT ANYONE FROM MID WEST ESPECIALLY FROM MICHIGAN TO BE ON THE BANDWAGON:
Please quit begging as you are bringin us bad luck, dang now I need to get the witch doctors and shamans to bless this blog as it has been infused by mid westerners!!
hehehehe!
Posted by: Must Live in LA
Dude, don't question my love for the Lakers. I have been a fan since 1986 and lived in SoCal for 18yrs. So, please a little respect. Every neighbor heard me screaming last night at 1:30am after the game. I am holding down the Midwest Laker Front for my fellow Laker brothers and sisters.
Later,
MichiganLaker
Posted by: MichiganLaker | April 29, 2008 at 05:34 AM
Fantastic victory last night, but I agree with Faith that there is much to be done if we are to beat the next opponent.
- Free-throws, for one, need to be addressed. We're gonna need every point that we can get.
- Perimeter defense will have to be much better next time around, especially with the two potential teams we might face. They execute much better than the nuggets.
- Rebounding will need to remain strong. Both teams have players who are willing to grab their lunch pail and get in the trenches. Everyone will have to do their part to make every shot one-and-done.
- Young player jitters need to dissipate. Jordan, Sasha, and (hopefully) Trevor will see each game as an opportunity to step up and make a name for their team (and in the process, themselves)
- We did an excellent job of packing the lane. I'd like to see strong defensive rotations continue.
Overall, it's great that we got out of the first round. We are, however, 0-0 for the second round. Let's make sure to keep our heads and focus!
Let's go Lake Show!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 29, 2008 at 06:08 AM
Good win. Went four, just as I thought way back at the end of the regular season. Boston getting tied up makes me look bad, though (I predicted that Boston and Detroit would sweep as well). What's up with the Celtics? They can't beat down a bad team? Their opponent isn't even mediocre, they are a bunch of games BELOW .500?!
Looking at what the rest of the so called "elite" teams are doing, I see the Fo', Fo', Fo', Fo' predictions from others on this blog as being a distinct possibility.
Well, the Lakers just swept a 50-win team aside like you would your kid brother (or sister).
Dang! If Kobe hits 9-10 FT instead of 4-10, we put them away by 11 and the final tally would more closely resemble how we out poised them.
I'm with that other blogger who said that if that kid Kobe would ever learn to shoot free throws, that he might be good some day.
;)
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 29, 2008 at 06:11 AM
OH THE HUMANITY!! Kevin Garnett may be suspended
for shoving a referee last night. Sweet Mother of
God can this be the end of Boston. Fatty it's up to
you to use your investigative journalism and get
the answer. By the way. WE'RE IN THE 2ND ROUND
YIPPPEEEEEE!!!
BOZ, BRONXLAKERFAN MICHIGANLAKERFAN, TOAD
HMRHEAD, EDWIN, ROLL CALL IN 2 HOURS!!!
Posted by: mamba24 | April 29, 2008 at 06:14 AM
For I second I thought you were going to include the Loch Ness monster there.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 29, 2008 at 06:29 AM
*_____________________________*
I HATE The CELTICS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – Owner & Driver
(02) FEARLESS – Co/Driver
(02) Milo Rambaldi--Team Prophet.
(03) Mamba24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LakerFaze – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse
(06) LakerMan420 – Told Red Auerbach where to put his cigar
(07) HmrHed – Blocked KG’s hook twice
(08) SIimLakerGirl – Reports directly to Jeannie Buss
(09) LakerLegacy – Made Red Auerbach bow down to 9Rings
(10) PigMiller– sent LARRY Bird back to French lick IND.
(11) JEFF - Was born hating the Celtics.
(12) #4 Not only born hating Celtics but will bequeath the hate to his heirs
(13) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(14) JustAnotherMambaFan – Hates them
(15) THE_D – Thinks Celtics fans should go to AA meetings
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 29, 2008 at 06:33 AM
i just wanna say KUDOS to ALTALNTA HAWkS.
I've watcehd the game, particularly the final quarter when they were still down from BOStON.
Joe Johnson was totally amazing. And like I was pointing out to y friends from time to time, Boston defense is just intimidating, but not that tough. see how joe johnson just slashed through the basket? See how jow get foul attempts most of the time?
ATLANTA ----- i can smell an upset.
"WE BELIEVE , hawks style"
GO LAKERS.. on our way to championship!
Posted by: lakersgameboi | April 29, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Good Morning fellow bloggers.
Bring on the second round.
Tonight, Go Rockets!!!!
It would be nice to watch the Jazz have to take at least an extra game while we are resting and preparing for the next series.
On news from another conference, how about the Pistons and the C's going 2-2 against Sixers and Hawks?
Looks like they are not playing like the sure-to-be-in-the-conference-finals teverybody thought they would.
Hope they have long series in both rounds and kill each other in tre conference finals (if they even get there).
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | April 29, 2008 at 06:36 AM
I am proud of the Lakers. I know there is a lot of improvement that we will need to continue to make and going forward doesn't get easy. Nobody ever said games like these would be. Nonetheless, we showed very good composure and resiliency to allow Kobe the ability to CLOSE the game out. As a team, improving is what we will work on moving forward. Everyone needs to be reminded that we are not a finished product, we are getting better, we are peaking with each game. Just because we've had some success doesn't mean every WIN is going to be a flawless one and that we are not prone to silly mistakes and miscues on the defensive end and maybe sometimes and untimely turnover or situation where the team doesn't execute. But for the most part, we have made great strides as opposed to previous years wherein we would've maybe imploded and not been able to handle the pressure in similar situations. Guys are alleviating the pressure from Kobe in certain situations, taking and making big shots that they would not have in previous years. They are coming together and will continue to get better simply because they are receptive to improving and have their eyes on the prize. So for now, I say we lay back and enjoy and appreciate and witness what's unfolding in front of us. No we have not done anything yet I agree but the process is in the making..
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | April 29, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Let's not forget, this is all without the services of Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza.
We have a stacked team, hopefully they can all play together during the playoffs.
Posted by: #4 | April 29, 2008 at 06:51 AM
way to go team. good day in LALA land!!!! looking forward to getting Trevor back this week too!
come on Houston... make it a series!
Mamba24 I'm ready for today's ROOOOLLLCALLLLLL!!!!
Posted by: CHICK4EVER | April 29, 2008 at 07:07 AM
SSSSWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 29, 2008 at 07:27 AM
*____________________*
TUESDAY April 29 The Force is spinning with joy & pride
Laker Nations Laker Pride is shining & the glow is Blinding.
Good Morning Charles.!
Welcome: MICHIGAN LAKER
Good Morning Laker Nation!
SECOND ROUND HERE WE COME BABBBBBBBBY!
DOWN GOES BOSTON, DOWN GOES BOSTON!
OH THE HUMANITY!
*_________________________________*
Today we honor a Legend – Edwin Gueco
*_________________________________*
Integrity is a word loosely used today. But if you want to see the true
definition of Integrity our honoree is it. Friendship is a word that is thrown
around as easily as a cooper penny but try to find these so called friends
at an hour of need and they are nowhere to be found. You won’t have to
look for our honoree in a time of need, he will know your need and
respond without even being asked. Finally opinions on basketball are
like noses everyone has one. But if I really need an opinion or have a
question about Basketball one whom I depend on for advice is our honoree.
In fairness I have to admit that our honoree is also my mentor so my
comments may be considered biased, but I think not. I try to be objective
in all things as evidence look at some of the scoundrels whoI have honored
such as KLBEAST – sorry Fatty forgive me. But I digress Let me just say if
you are looking for integrity our honoree is your man. If you are looking
for a true friend again our honoree is your man. Not to mention if you want
to discuss philosophy, science fiction, politics, all topic are honore is
very learned in. Finally if you have a basketball question our honoree is your
man. Who is the man….Why it’s Edwin Gueco one of our Elders and my mentor.
Edwin is the only blogger I know who is almost universally respected by all sides
of our Laker Nation except for Charles that is, but Charles you have been
honored already So Good Morning to you and now back to Edwin. I think
Charles and Edwin single handedly held this Blog together at the time of the
Laker Fan, Kobe Fan Debate. For that alone we owe a never ending thanks
to him. Personally at a time of my deepest despair Edwin’s words of
encouragement allowed me to get on with Life and for that I personally owe
him never ending thanks. So I say for the Laker Nation, the Blog and myself
thank you Edwin for being The gentleman of integrity that you are this Blog,
indeed the world is a better place for your being. Therefore today, April 29
is declared EDWIN GUECO DAY, EDWIN THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO
and enjoy your day sir.
*
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SighBrandon C. Tully Moxness, LakerBake, Sean74, Sead94, LongLiveChick
Kinglakernidas, RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, Alexinh017, NESTROS BISTRO
LiveLakers, Blaze1Bx, Phred, Swettual, Tajluck, Violater, MARTY, KIKOS DAD
RicoTico, Lauria, Sean P. SocalSpider , Sambosola BigGameJames, Dascilla
JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), FRANCESCO, RHON SALMON, STUCKINNY
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF WILT KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH
THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN
COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOR
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 29, 2008 at 07:38 AM
One of my favorite quotes:
"He is unbelievable," Luke Walton said of Bryant, his teammates and one of the MVP favorites. "It's always so comforting knowing you have the best closer in basketball. They were making huge plays down the stretch, but Kobe came right back to do whatever it took: huge plays, steals or an incredible shots like that fadeaway over Kenyon Martin from the top of the key. He wanted it badly tonight and we followed his lead."
Posted by: hobbitmage | April 29, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Congratulations to the Lakers for winning the first round and to all Lakers fans, stand up and be proud of our team.
We will savor this moment for a while and move on to our next goal. 2ND ROUND.
Posted by: Botsoy | April 29, 2008 at 07:55 AM
and how do you rate Gasol's 22.3, 9, 5 and 2.8? Kobe has been the main man in the series sure thing and don´t talk smack, but everybody's game improves so much with the Spaniard Inquisition (adquisition) on the court. And we all thought he was a party-pooper because of his play-offs' performances with the grizzlies. such a different world in a different universe...
Odom has been amazing too. I love this team. My girlfriend in Vista is jealous...
Posted by: lorenzen | April 29, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Good morning everyone!!! Lakers all day, everyday!!!
I'm watching ESPNFirsttake this morning and they interviewed Bill Plaschke about the Lakers sweeping the Nuggets and Plaschke gave no love or credit to the Lakers at all for sweeping the Nuggets, instead, Plaschke made a comment that no one really knows how good the Lakers are because of the weak competition(Nuggets). He questioned how tough Pau will be against the Jazz whom we blew out three times this year without Pau and now the Lakers are definitely better with Pau. I hate that the media doesn't give the Lakers any credit for destroying the Nuggets from start to finish!!! More analysts, so-called experts and sportswriters gave the Nuggets more a chance to take the Lakers to six or seven games than the Hawks even winning one, much less two games against the mighty, seemingly unbeatable Boston Celtics. I hope the Lakers take it personal that people are minimizing that the Lakers made history by being the first team to sweep a 50 win Nuggets team in convincing, dominating fashion.
ESPNFirsttake also avoided discussing the Lakers in their 1st and 10 segment with that idiot Skip Bayless who predicted that the Nuggets would upset the Lakers in seven. This program really has that east coast bias as well and they like to talk LeBron James up all the time. Giving the top seeded Lakers no love for sweeping the Nuggets in a WC playoffs that many predicted would be tough in every round and that any team could win it all because it was so tight from 1-8 seed. The Lakers blasted that prediction and notion out the window and the other series may also be decisively over 4-1 by the Jazz, Spurs and Hornets.
I give our beloved Lakers all the credit and props in the world for dismantling and destroying the Nuggets. Thanks for doing your job well and taking care of business. I wouldn't be shocked at all if our Lakes completely dominate the next round as well. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 29, 2008 at 07:57 AM
and also: how do you rate Gasol signing with the lakers compared to Kidd and Shaq with Teams too old to bounce back?
Posted by: lorenzen | April 29, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Is it too late to add me to the sweep Denver bandwagon? I didn't want to jinx it!
Did anyone see Joe Johnson highlights against Celtics from last night.
As Kenny said, his shots were Kobe-esque.
Posted by: mel | April 29, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation!
Toad present and pleased as can be, Mamba!
It is an absolutely wonderful day in Laker Nation! A sweep, some time to take a deep breath, regroup and get TA back in the swing!
I don't care who we get next, they just better bring their best game because Laker Nation is on fire and ready for all comers!
One down,
FO! FO! FO! MO!
Posted by: toad | April 29, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles and a great big good morning to this LAKER NATION WHO SWEPT THE THUGS FROM ENVER IN ROUND ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW - what a game last night! It's funny - when it was going back & forth I was nervous but still kept thinking "no problem - we got this" - and when I heard that Kobe was saying the same thing to the guys - WOW - I felt excited & confident & watched the historic sweep of a 50-win team in the first round. WOW!!!! Is there anything sweeter than being a Laker fan today??!!! Where are the nay-sayers & trolls now???? Lakers drink your milkshake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On another note, congratulations to Edwin for being the Blog's honoree of the day. I always love reading your posts - very insightful & thought-provoking. Thanks for all you do (I know that sounds a bit corny, but it's from the heart, brother)......
Another shout out to Pau Gasol - his first winning playoff series - he must be excited out of his mind! I know he's hungry for more too - once you taste victory there ain't no going back!
GO LAKERS! It's fo' fo' fo' time!!!!!
Who cares about MVP - NO CHAMPIONSHIP NO PEACE!! LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 29, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Awesome!!!
I am now part of the RollCall. Beautiful!!
Thanks for the love, Mamba24.
As always I will be representing the purple and gold in the Midwest for my fellow Laker brother and sisters.
MichiganLaker
Posted by: MichiganLaker | April 29, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Thank you Mamba24...today is a good day for me. Celtics lose to the Hawks and the Lakers sweep the Enver Thugetts...I'm lovin' it!!!
Now for the MVP announcement of Kobe Bryant please.
The consolation prizes have been awarded to KG (Best Defensive Player...although you couldn't tell last night) and to New Orleans (Coach of the Year).
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 29, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everyone.....
The Laker Broom was gatherin' cobwebs in the back of the closet but it still works just fine...Yee Frickin' Haw !!!
Needless to say I wouldn't mind seeing the broom in action quite a bit more---it may get a lot of use for the next 5 years or so indeed.....
It was really good to see The Lakers weather the storm of that terrible 3rd quarter (2 points in 7 minutes or so!!---there were some on this blog who passed that time period smashing half the contents of their respective rooms)--it showed us another aspect of this still growing team....
IF WE DON'T GET BETTER AND MORE CONSISTENT AT THE FREE THROW LINE WE WILL HAVE AN EARLY SUMMER AND WILL HAVE TO JOIN DENVER AT THE FISHIN' HOLE...
I don't really enjoy myself (and apparently neither does my wife and kids) screaming at each miss at the line---missed free throws are even more frustrating to watch than bad passes...Practice Free Throws for the love of
Larry, Moe, Curley , and Shemp....
Of course not rebounding on the defensive end (particularly) is almost as scream inducing.....
Positives For Mr. Lucas P. Walton: This may be my last submition of this feature--Luke, and I say LLLLLLuke with a few capital L's (even though Puke was just a friendly nickname) once again played a solid game that contributed to this victory (and this play off series) in a big way indeed---his timely 3 pointer vitually sealed the sweep---Mr. Walton is playing consistently and as Phil would say "earning his lunch money"---HUZZAH ! HUZZAH ! HUZZAH ! LUKE !!!
Rad played fairly well, but needs to get consistent obviously--I think the theory put forth by fellow bloggers on his output being proportionate to the ease of victory is valid--once Rad does become consistent the Lakers become a juggernaut---and that's without Bynum and Ariza (hOLY DYNASTY BAT BREATH!)--will the Lakers even be capable of losing once the whole team is back and healthy?
MMMMbenga---MMMMblocka----MMMMbitchin'---I realy dig seeing Mbenga come in and contribute---cool to see the Conganese stuff the Brazillian--and to see the passion after his dunk--I said to my wife after that ONE. "bet that beats sitting in a jail with a death sentence on your head"....
Utah of Houston---I don't care---but I think Utah will take us to 7 and we might have an easier time with Houston---but then again regular season match ups favor us with Utah---
As long as we continue to grow and the swagger gets stronger, belief, desire, and intensity becomes our mantra, these Lakers could take their rightful place in Laker lore....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 29, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I am happy the Lakers will get a few days off before the next series. Does anyone know when the next series might start if Utah wins in 6????
MichiganLaker
Posted by: MichiganLaker | April 29, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Love them Lakers!!
Hey - Paul Pierce and Ray Allen...how does that 4" basket look now? Little tougher in the playoffs ain't it? ;-)
Posted by: cscoot | April 29, 2008 at 08:14 AM
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
HI GUYS,
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TEAM AND TO YOU, GUYS.
WE WANT! WE WANT! WE WANT!
1) 1ST WISH= AMAZING HAPPENED= THANKS TO GOD, THE ANGELS AND THE SPIIRITS.
WHAT NEXT?
2)WE WANT ARIZA COMES BACK FOR THE ROUND 2
3) WE WANT KOBE BE THE MVP
= WE WANT! WE WANT! WE WANT!
HAVE SWEET DREAM ON THE NEXT TWO WISHES= PICTURE A BROOM FOR THE NEXT TEAM= SWEEP# 2= WHICH TEAM? SORRY GUYS, I CANNOT ANSWER IT.
THERE ARE NOT OUR TEAM: TOO CLOSE, TOO CALL= THE ENERGY GOES ONLY FOR OUR TEAM.
BESOS
Posted by: SHEKOBE | April 29, 2008 at 08:14 AM