Nobody's getting cocky
Luke Walton tossed out the reminder after Wednesday's Game 2 win over the Nuggets: "Remember Phoenix," he asked? Oh yeah. That. Walton, of course, is referring to the 2006 first round matchup against the Suns in which the Lakers built up, then lost, a 3-1 series lead. Those sorts of memories prevent overconfidence, and hone the "killer instinct." Of course, there are some fundamental differences between that series and the one in which the Lakers currently find themselves, the most important being that now, the Lakers are clearly the better team. They've got Kobe Bryant coming off one of his best games of the season (and there are a lot to choose from), a scoring and passing smörgåsbord that simultaneously buried Denver's chances of stealing a win at Staples and showed the variety of ways Bryant can control a game.
Speaking of which, the Lakers are hoping to control the next two games in the Mile High City, and a little more D won't hurt (though it's worth noting the work LA has done on Carmelo Anthony). On the other end of things, a little composure would be a bonus for the Nuggets.
Kareem breaks down all sorts of things, from Kobe's Game 2 to Andrew Bynum's recovery:
"Once Kobe has an idea of how you’re coming at him he has plans on how to attack that. If his teammates are paying attention and doing what they need to be doing, he’ll find them and he’ll give them the ball at the appropriate times and then he’ll take the good shots that he gets. He was really efficient last night, shooting 66-percent from the field (18 of 27) including 5-for-9 on three-pointers. It was just an awesome display..."
"...What I try to emphasize with him is the big picture. This playoff season is the first time he’s had a chance to see his team do very well, but we don’t want him to go out there and get hurt and never be able to contribute again..."
The Lakers haven't skipped a beat without Andrew Bynum (remember, they added that Gasol fellow), but that doesn't mean he's not missed. It's the bone bruise part of the subluxation/bone bruise double whammy that's been the issue. Still, despite his absence, you can make an argument that maybe Drew is still the team's MVP, at least in the sense that his big jump in production laid the groundwork for their successful season, a happy Kobe, and the Pau Gasol deal that should keep them at/near the top of the Western Conference for the next few seasons.
mrbarneydangles,
Ariza's dunk was over Grant Hill. And thanks to the powers of Youtube, we can all have another look at it.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1v6OIFNme6w&feature=related
Posted by: Xodus | April 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Mamba24
You gotta say the prayers!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM
First things first...I was actually told to do this months ago and I didn't Listen. I should have...
Mamba24, please set up the LA Lakers Anti-Injury Prayer List (not a Bandwagon, but a PRAYER LIST) with me as the driver. My job will be to make 1 post a day which will consist of a prayer that our guys manage to stay as injury free as possible. In addition, I will pray for our guys who currently are injured that they will recover swiftly and completely.
Faith without works is dead. Jon K. has the works part covered with his constant pleas for sea mineral vitamins and Dit Da Jow. I'll wave the Banner for the faith part.
So...here's my first prayer (just in case I don't get online this weekend)...
DEAR GOD, PLEASE BLESS AND PROTECT OUR LOS ANGELES LAKERS FROM HURT, HARM, DANGER AND INJURY. HELP THEM TO UTILIZE THEIR SKILLS AND TALENTS TO GET THE JOB DONE AGAINST THEIR OPPONENTS. PROTECT THEIR BODIES AGAINST INJURY. MAY EVERY BONE, MUSCLE, JOINT, LIGAMENT, TENDON, ETC. BE COVERED AND PROTECTED BY YOU. FOR OUR SOLDIERS WHO ARE INJURED, BLESS THEIR DOCTORS WITH INSIGHT AND CLARITY THAT THEY WOULD BE HEALED SWIFTLY AND QUICKLY. WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE...AMEN1
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | April 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Just wanted to check in with the best bunch of guys and gals on the planet, watch that KB replay that was great.
KEEP THE FAITH EVERYONE
GO LAKES
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | April 25, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Ariza please be healed....please...we need D!!!!!
Posted by: BD | April 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I believe the mighty Celtics will fall in the finals as the Patriots did in the SuperBowl with the Lakers playing the role of the Giants!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 25, 2008 at 11:07 AM
no andrew bynum no 08 ring
trevor ariza doesnt matter that much
newble is a better defender but he doesnt get any burn
Posted by: Flame 32 | April 25, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Posted by: | April 25, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Thanks for the reply. I have had both done for disc herniations of my neck. I appreciate the input...
Posted by: Charles | April 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM
RAY RAY:"Oh wait it's the Suns fans your talking about. OK then disregard what I said.(lol)"
Stop this! Stop this now! That way lies mandness Ray Ray.
Wait, did you say Suns fan? In that case use my car.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Xodus-
You are right, my bad, I was thinking of Nash because of Kobe's poster dunk over him a in the 06 playoffs, I'm going to watch that again right now, it just never gets old.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM
MichiganLaker:"Keeping the Laker flow strong here in East Lansing!!
Hey Michigan, That's where the Great Lakes are, You
really are a Laker! LOL! I don't know if you are
new or not but Welcome aboard, putting you on
The Roll Call as we speak.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I had a vision last night. It was the end-of-game graphic that shows the final score, and it read:
Lakers: 109
Denver: 93
Call it wishful thinking or call it prophesy. I think Game 3 is the game where the Lakers crank down on defense and hold the Nuggets to under 100.
Kobe: "I guess we get one point better than them each game."
Posted by: The Outlaw | April 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM
MichiganLaker:"Keeping the Laker flow strong here in East Lansing!!
Hey Michigan, That's where the Great Lakes are, You
really are a Laker! LOL! I don't know if you are
new or not but Welcome aboard, putting you on
The Roll Call as we speak.
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM
You know, with all those tats, a Nuggets shirts v. skins intra-squad scrimmage must be really confusing.
Posted by: The D | April 25, 2008 at 11:24 AM
AMEN
----
Unrelated--
"D'Antoni also was unprepared for Popovich's Hack-a-Shaq strategy against Shaquille O'Neal, so much that he frowned in disdain at the Spurs coach during Game 2. In fairness, even Kerr was relatively surprised at the desperate tactic, thinking his former coach was above that kind of stuff."
OK -- this is my Cape Fear Deniro moment -- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Posted by: HmrHed | April 25, 2008 at 11:25 AM
*________________*
PRAYER LIST
*________________*
Utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - DRIVER
INJURED
1. TREVOR ARIZA
2. ANDREW BYNUM
3. RONNY TURIAF
SLIGHTLY INJURED
1. KOBE BRYANT - FINGER
2. DEREK FISHER – FOOT
3. PAU GASOL – SHOULDER
4. LAMAR ODOM – FREE THROWS
5. COBY KARL - PLAYING TIME
6. IRA NEWBLE - PLAYING TIME
7. CHRIS MIHN - PRIDE
Posted by: Mamba24 | April 25, 2008 at 11:27 AM
justanothermambafan,
"Do we need to worry? I mean it's just practice, right? It's not like it's a game - it's just practice. I mean if it was a game....but it was practice. Do you see what I'm saying? Just practice - not a game - just practice...."
Oh My GOD that is sooo funny! And very apropos. AI is still being as immature about the other aspects of the NBA that go into being championship caliber.
Way to go. Great post!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | April 25, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Posted earlier by me...
So - PJ noted that the guys were tired yesterday & said they were lazy during practice....
Do we need to worry? I mean it's just practice, right? It's not like it's a game - it's just practice. I mean if it was a game....but it was practice. Do you see what I'm saying? Just practice - not a game - just practice....
_________________________________________
Actually - I'm not really worried. I was doing my best AI imitation on "games vs practice effort" and apparently it just plain wasn't that good - sorry to those who replied back thinking I was serious!! LOL!
I was glad to hear the comments from the guys (Luke in particular) on remembering Phoenix & not getting too ahead of themselves. They know (or at least they SHOULD know) not to take this game tomorrow for granted. I want to see focus, determination & a putting down of the hammer from the get-go. Keep the crowd out of it & the McMuggets in a psychologically fragile state so we can take care of business & then get some rest before Round 2.
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!
NO CHAMPIONSHIP? NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 25, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Funny Post Utz
Posted by: Charles | April 25, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I second that Utzworld!!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 11:37 AM
and All Hail: LAKERgurl and the KamBros Blog Masters!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 11:38 AM
this will be AI's and Carmelo Anthony's prayer after we sweep them in Enver and their home crowd begins to boo them:
Dear God, please make me a bird, so i can fly far far away...
10 laker points for whoever can pick up the reference!
Posted by: darock | April 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Off to a busy weekend and will not be able to post till Sunday afternoon. Going out of town and leaving work.
I want to say thanks to Tim-4-Show, Hugo Boss, Lakers4realz (i.e. user name spelling?) for holding down the Lakerdom in Colorado. Just like Jesterguru from up north, rep it to the fullest. I know there might be 1-3 more Colorado Fam members, I apologize if I missed your name(s).
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | April 25, 2008 at 11:48 AM
MAMBA -- please put me on the prayer list.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 25, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Twoody
"The air may be thinner up there, but that will just allow Kobe to fly higher and longer. The ball will be lighter, Pau will be able to block more shots. Less gravity to hold peoples feet to the floor."
I have this picture in my head like Kobe and the Lakers flying all around the court, like they was playing on the moon, in some Disney Movie.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 25, 2008 at 11:55 AM
justanothamambafromanothamotha,
Here's a track for you to bump if your into Golden Era Hip-hop.
Practice
http://tinyurl.com/5afqox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfRF7MWCkts
Posted by: Charles | April 25, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Charles-
i'm currently in Colorado too (graduating from Boulder in two weeks and coming to LA though) and its awesome being a Laker fan here. Their fans are super jealous. I'm going to the game tomorrow and cant wait to see how many Laker fans there are. Everytime I go I would say there are 30-40% Laker fans. I expect to hear MVP chants when Kobe is shooting free throws too. The fans can get pretty ugly too, I've been in a couple of arguments and I've even seen a drunk Laker fan get thrown down a flight of stairs. But in the end, everyone knows who is better...LAKERS
Tim-4-Show, Hugo Boss, Laker4Realz-
You guys going tomorrow too? Gotta show these Nugget fans whats up.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 25, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Good afternoon Mamba24, Charles, K Bros, all Laker faithful!
You can put me on the "I hope Ariza is cleared" bandwagon
We could use him next round against Deron.
Also get well Ronny, these wins are great, but would be even better with him jumping around on the sideline.
Damn, 1 more day til game day. tick tock tick tock.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 25, 2008 at 12:00 PM
*DING*
Wanna Get Away.
Southwest Airlines introduces 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
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 12:03 PM
mrbarneydangles,
My votes for plays of the year are:
1. Coby Karl's behind the back, mega-dunk.
2. Andrew Bynum's monster dunk over Amare Stoudemire.
3. Kobe Bryant's four point fade away three-point shot from the corner against San Antonio (I think.).
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2008 at 12:09 PM
darock,
not even a challenge. FORREST GUMP
Posted by: ahallaue | April 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM
*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
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM
RayRay, Mamba24 and others
Off topic, but I'm having trouble removing some Orange and Purple stuff stuck to my grill and bumper. Any suggestions, ideas????
In case you missed it. I have actual pictures of D'antoni imploding.
WARNING: PICTURES MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SUNS TROLLS
http://tinyurl.com/6bgppt
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 25, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Mamba24,
I am new to this blog site and I love it!!! I would be deeply honored to be part of your Roll Call. Thanks big time!!!
Don't worry, my fellow laker fans, I am making the Laker presence felt in the Midwest.
Your fellow Laker fan in East Lansing,
MichiganLaker
Posted by: michiganlaker | April 25, 2008 at 12:18 PM
God,
Please bless Trevor Ariza and bless him with a positive evaluation of the health and strength of his foot and an immediate return to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Amen.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2008 at 12:20 PM
in case you missed it. I have actual pictures of D'antoni imploding.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty
Obsession.
are you addicted to d'antoni
Posted by: Flame 32 | April 25, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Always a nice day to come into Lakersblog with Mamba24 in the house!
Good on not getting too cocky. This team has won nothing as of yet. We have a big goal in our midst and this "first round" early success means nothing. I seem to recall being up before (provide we're a far different team now but still).
Let's continue to take it one game a time and leave it at that.
While we're at it, play some D lol.
GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Darock
Dear God, please make me a bird, so i can fly far far away...
10 laker points for whoever can pick up the reference!
Posted by: darock
Forest Gump!
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | April 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM
FATTY:"In case you missed it. I have actual pictures of D'antoni imploding."
HAHAHAHHA STOP IT! HAHAHAHAAHA STOP I SAY
LMAO!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 25, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Jon K.-
Totally forgot about the Coby Karl dunk haha, that was a good one. Hopefully we will be blowing the Nuggets out so bad tomorrow that Coby can get some burn and throw it down on his dad's team.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 25, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everyone...
keeping fingers crossed for Trevor....it seems almost certain that Bynum is not returning this year, but maybe he'll pull a Willis Reed...
Long Time Laker Fan,
good thing we have you on the Puke Patrol...
as I have often stated, I do root for Mr. P. Walton, as not only is he a Laker, but we need him to play well and consistent, I also happen to like the guy, he seems to be a good guy, and an apparent positive locker room asset...
my regular feature of Positives For Puke is meant to accentuate his positives, though sometimes it is tongue in cheek....I would rather my report have more positives than negatives believe it or not...
As for his moniker, I was calling him Puke in my living room (way before anyone on this blog referred to him as such) ever sinse he became a Laker, that's just his nickname--I can't help it if he more often than not actually lived up to it this year....
I grew up with a guy named Luke and everyone called him Puke and he was the coolest guy in school--so that's what I call everyone named Luke ---sticks and stones brother....you should hear the nicknames I had to endure--but again... sticks and stones...sometimes this politically correct world takes itself way too seriously (including you AND ME my friend)...
As you stated once, you don't care how long any player plays or how effective they are as long as the Lakers win the game, and I tend to agree with that reasoning for the most part. I would love to see Puke continue to step it up and help us win more games, just as he has the last two...
my main concern continues to be his contract (which he indeed may well earn) and the future status of our team and it's ability to re-sign current players and possible free agents.
I don't profess to know all the ramifications of our current salary cap and such, but I do know I would like to see the Lakers keep Bynum as a Laker for life, as well as Ronny. I would also like to see Famar, Sasha, Mbenga, and Coby Carl stay on the team for the next few seasons as well.
Doesn't Puke indeed have 5 years left on his (after the last two previous games) well deserved contract?
Can the Lakers find better versions of Puke and or Rad?
I don't know...but as I have said before, it sure seems like there should be a lot of players out there that might indeed be upgrades. Of course that is in a perfect world, the same one where the Lakers have the optimum talent possible 1 thru 15...and guys named Luke are not referred to as Puke......
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM
By the way, as I predicted before this series began, I don't think that Kobe's performance in Game Two of the Denver series will be viewed as extraordinary.
I think it will be viewed as an average performance by Kobe within the larger spectrum of this playoff run.
This is going to be the best we've ever seen Kobe play on a consistent level. Never has he been more motivated. Never has he had more reason to step up his game. Never has he been surrounded by such of psychologically and strategically positive supportive cast.
THIS (RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW) is going to be the best we will ever see out of a Top Five All-Time NBA player. And that player is Kobe Bryant.
Jordan, Kobe's going to challenge your legacy. It begins NOW!
Good times. Laker Nation may want to record these series. They're going to be historic and we'll want to share them with our children and grandchildren.
Go Kobe Bryant!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Speaking of Mamba, did you guys catch the YouTube video of Kenny Smith doing a spoof of Kobe jumping over the Aston Martin? All-time funniest sports video EVER. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne247IpUMpw
Posted by: CornerJ | April 25, 2008 at 12:28 PM
AK/BK: suggestion: to help tide us over with these long in between game days (and to keep the infighting at a min)....perhaps Mom can offer up some of her insight?
I think we'd all love to get her perspective. She did help contribute and she is one of the originals. I just read some of your early October 2005 blog entries and you credit her almost at the beginning.
Anyhow.....food for thought.
LET's GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 25, 2008 at 12:32 PM
http://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/
player_main.aspx?id=1083&sport=NBA
Trevor had an MRI in March and April 11th had a CT scan.
Posted by: giantsquid | April 25, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Darock
Quote from Forrest Gump, little Jenny Curran.
Colorado CRUE
I'll be at the game with a Vujacic jersey, probably the only one there with #18.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | April 25, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Floyd,
Stop hating on Luke. He's been playing great in the playoffs and he's been injured all season. Give it a rest.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Congratulations ahallaue !
you are the winner of the 10 Laker points!
runner up: TWoody
consellation prize: a handshake
thanks for playing
fine print: Laker points are only valid on the 32nd day of each month. Laker points have no cash value and cannot be transferred or exchanged. Contest available to legal U.S. residents. No purchase necessary.
Posted by: darock | April 25, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I am very busy right now.
Plus, I don't follow sports. Please leave me alone.
-God
Posted by: GOD | April 25, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I don't think we should be cocky, but we should be confident. We should want to break Denver's will once and for all.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 25, 2008 at 01:02 PM