All's well in So Cal
The Laker Nation's world waited with bated anticipation yesterday afternoon, fearing the ugliest of shoes dropping with news that Pau Gasol's ankle suffered negative effects from playing Wednesday night. That the swelling was through the roof. That the ankle would require amputation and a transplant. But fear not, purple and gold bleeders. Gasol went through Thursday's practice like a dude ready to rock and roll and will be available for action during tonight's brouhaha against the Mavs (7:30 pm PST, ESPN). Also with plans to suit up? One Dirk Nowitzki, who made a rather speedy recovery from ankle (and knee) problems of his own. This could be a problem for the Lakers. Dallas' problems, however, have been more about Jason Kidd, to a large degree. He isn't playing badly, but his presence hasn't exactly translated to a run of wins. Certainly not in the fashion felt by the Lakers' upon Pau's arrival. Win or lose tonight, stat guru John Hollinger figures the Lakers to finish as a three seed, but doesn't rule out a higher outcome. But can they go all the way? That's heavily dependent on the successful reintegration of Gasol and Andrew Bynum into the mix.
Kobe came in a scant ten technicals too high to be the Pacific's nominee.
K-Mart suspended a game for rough play? No, you get out of town, because it's true (and could possibly affect the Western Conference race).
Shaq's been playing the victim. The Miami Herald ain't buying it.
Paging Dr. Kavulic! Yao Ming, paging Dr. Kavulic!
What does Donnie Walsh's presence mean to the Knicks? Well, if you ask either SI or ESPN or Yahoo!, that Zeke Thomas will be at the Garden next season only as a paid ticket holder. Unless, of course, you ask ESPN again.
While the Blazers' desire to lose Darius Miles from the team and the payroll is understandable, isn't it a touch ghoulish for Kevin Pritchard to be publicly "optimistic" his knee injury will be ruled career-ending? They're called "closed doors," dude.
FIire32
If you really think anyone WANTS the Lakers in the playoffs, you are delusional. Every team will say that they want to beat the best on their way to the trophy, but be assured, no team WANTS the Lakers with Pau, Drew, LO and Kobe leading the way. You may as a fam want the Lakers, but I assure you your team does not.
Looking forward to the possibility of playing your Phuns and sending them home........then just sitting back and waiting for Shaqtus to implode.
As Jon K said earlier, trust us, it WILL happen...........sooner than you think.
Posted by: toad | April 04, 2008 at 01:38 PM
JOHN K,
You very immaturely wrote:
":Laker Truth,
You ....are morons. I bet you two are miserable people to be around and there is no way you guys can have wives or girlfriends. If by some miracle you do, it's because they have very low self-esteem and hate life.
You two are Trolls and pathetic ones at that.
Go away.
GO LAKERS!"
Wow, I don't know what I wrote to deserve your wrath, but next time, just say that you don't agree with my views. Every time I post an opinion about the Lakers that does not agree with yours, for some reason, you find it necessary to make personal attacks at me (or my wife), although I have never responded to any of your posts. I've taken the high road and stayed quiet for the most part, but my patience has worn out you senile twat.
I hereby declare JOHN K the official LAKER BLOG NAZI.
If JOHN K is not making personal attacks at those who do not share in his beliefs, he is threatening to quit this blog (similiar to a 5 year old) based on paranoid notions that that the KBros are deleting his posts. This loser actually quit the blog for a while, but eventually came back because he had nowhere else to go. He is more a fan of blogging than an actual Laker fan.
JOHN K is a paranoid, childish, over-sensitive, grumpy old man that needs to get a life. He blogs about herpes, sick dogs, and herbs on a Laker blog, but has the audacity to criticize posts from fellow LAKER FANS, simply because he does not agree with them. Try the fascism blog around the corner, it's better suited for your...ummm..needs.
Long live the Laker Blog Nazi!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 04, 2008 at 01:45 PM
I hope we get this feeling back into the teams circle (what kobe said in the tunnel) Can't wait to get back to full strenght!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzz9rZwFENA&feature=related
Posted by: bonez | April 04, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Bonez
2nd time this was posted but loved it. I want to add and for those who watched did you notice Steve Nash kicking the ball soccer style with no technical foul and Kobe kicks the ball to BET and gets called for kicking ball soccer style? And the Lakers won 130-124.
For unnamed Trolls who talk about past and 2 playoff wins over Lakers take a look at more recent past as Lakers are 3-1 over Funs and ready to boot their butts out this season. Just watch. NO fear.
I have never been to Funs blog but wonder if the trolls blog on Funs blog and use the same names as here.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 04, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Present for the roll call -- good afternoon Mamba24, Charles, Pig et al.
It's amazing that every article I read about Kobe and the MVP starts with something like this:
>>>It's amazing to think that Kobe Bryant hasn't yet won a most-valuable-player award<<<
And then the article makes the case against him winning it. Shut your pie holes an give him the MVP already.
LaBron's team doesn't look like it will win 50, so the pundits have globed on to Chris Paul --- If Chris Paul falters, they will find a way to argue for Garnet over Kobe, I suppose -- and so on and so on... I remember when the so called exerts were considering T-Mac and Carmello Anthony over Kobe.
It's all unsubstantiated junk. Kobe is the best player of his generation and the only good thing that will come out of him not winning it is how fired up he will be for the playoffs.
Remember that dunk over your greasy head Steve Nash? That was the "you won the MVP now feel my wrath" dunk.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 04, 2008 at 01:59 PM
so guys what is a troll? why do you guys call suns fans trolls?
Posted by: afrojoe | April 04, 2008 at 12:20 PM
This has been explained before as a Troll comes to create havoc and rile up fans. Thai has even been admitted by both Sun trolls. One said he was going to trash talk closer to the playoffs and spoke in backwards compliments when discussing Lakers. He even claimed being annoyed watching our players. So go away then.
The latest Troll self admitted he was here to rile up fans so not even an effort to be civil.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 04, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Come on, people!
Did you watch the Kobe-Shaq commercial I linked above?
I thought there would be more reaction.
That commercial is sweeeet.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 04, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Amazing_Happens ,
That was good.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 04, 2008 at 02:15 PM
quick question,
WHO IS OUR BEST BENCH PLAYER?
Posted by: AFGHANLAKER | April 04, 2008 at 01:17 PM
When injuries are all sorted out??? I would say Ariza. With Ronny a close second.....
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 04, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Ok who left the screen door open?
Posted by: Rose | April 04, 2008 at 12:49 PM
LMAO
Best post today!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 04, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Amazing,
That commercial is sweet.
I'm getting pretty pumped for the game tonight. I think the Lakers understand the magnitude of this game, and the games against NO and SA. They will be ready for those games.
I predict that THE BEAST will return in the Clippers "road" game. He'll have four games to tune up for the playoffs against two high level opponents and the softie Clips, and Queens. I think he'll get a lot of run in that last game to really help him get his wind. Some banging around with a thug like Brad Miller will help him get used to the contact again as well.
Pumped for tonight.
Bonez,
I was at that game, and it was like I was at Staples. There were too many Laker fans to count. Great time!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 04, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Did you ever get to check if bling was still on the AZ blog.
Good one
Posted by: Charles
Every now and then I go on that blog, but the times I have been there I haven't seen the name. Do you know if he goes by another name by chance?
Posted by: Fire32 | April 04, 2008 at 02:29 PM
"How to Serve Trolls" - by Rod "Fatty" Sterling
Needed Ingredients:
1-2 stupid Trolls who don't know any better but come to AK/BK Blog
Directions:
Rub vigorously with factual insults, working it deeply under the skin, like the Suns have never won a title and never will.
Slowly bring to a boil. Reminding them of all the Banners the Lakers have in the rafters and then asking the Troll how many they have.
Now remove from boiling pot and roast them over an open fire. Being careful not to burn them too badly, as to why they can't win a title with the Exec of the Year, Coach of the Year, 2 time MVP, 3 Allstars, and 6th man of the year.
(We don't want them to cry and whine too loudly and not come back.)
Check to see if they are fully cooked by poking a fork into their side. Remind the Troll of the Amare playoff suspension. If they yell and start to cry, (The NBA stole that from us!) they are now done.
Serve and garnish on another Lakers Purple and Gold Championship Platter Banner.
Bon Appettite !
Chef Fat-tie'
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 04, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Fearlesswhackjob and Tim-for-Show
Good to see you.
Its an exciting time to be a fan of the Lakers.
Looking forward to your insightful comments as we march on to the Title.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 04, 2008 at 02:46 PM
toad
Are you sure about that? I personally would like a WCF match up between our teams. Full roster for both teams (hopefully), and NO DAMN EXCUSES for the losers, PLEASE.
Anyways, I said the question other teams are asking themselves is-
Who do we want in the FIRST ROUND and I said, I think they want the lakers. If you think about it first round is when the lakers will be the most vulnerable with bynum coming off his injury and minimal regular season play to get back into shape and thats not even counting his mental part of the game.
I'm sure the other teams are thinking the same, if they're not, they should be.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 04, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I'm so glad you're back Fatty.
Once again, I have a fellow Arizona resident and Laker fan with whom I can sympathize about the pathetic nature of the Funs fan.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 04, 2008 at 02:57 PM
"How to Serve Trolls" - by Rod "Fatty" Sterling
Needed Ingredients:
1-2 stupid Trolls who don't know any better but come to AK/BK Blog
Directions:
Rub vigorously with factual insults, working it deeply under the skin, like the Suns have never won a title and never will.
Slowly bring to a boil. Reminding them of all the Banners the Lakers have in the rafters an....................................................yeah yeah what ever, what ever.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty |
And this is what you guys call a good reasonable post about laker B ball or B ball in general?
If I would to be the one to call someone a MORON, this would be a good time for that, But I aint the ONE.
This actually brings nothing to the blog.
This is actually being a TROLL to this blog. (in a different way)
Posted by: Fire32 | April 04, 2008 at 02:57 PM
FAIRWEATHER FATTY:
You are making me hungry!!!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 04, 2008 at 03:01 PM
AFGHANLAKER,
Ronny Turiaf is our best bench player IMHO.
Posted by: SamII | April 04, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Amazing Happens,
That was a great commercial. But I believe Kobe more, just because they have worked much harder than Shaq, and he does not take a day off unlike Shaq. We all know who wants it more, my man Kobe.
Posted by: wow | April 04, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Fire1 - "Showtime SUNS"????
Man - you guys are soooo TROLLISH you can't even invent your own name....or era....because you've got no banners to point to....aaawwwhhh - poor little troll....
Chef Fat-Tie - LOL!! Excellent receipe - I think I'll have to try your version of BBQ'd troll meat. I don't normally boil them first, but I guess it must make the meat more tender. Tell me, does your dish go well with a side of tacos?!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP or NO PEACE! No peace, I tell ya. I want in on the "Screw Hollinger and his 3rd seed" bandwagon. What a tool.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 04, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Okay - pumped up for the Mavs to lose tonight. We want it more and we know we it's our time (not thinking it's our time).
Bonez and Amazing - great videos - they sure help get you PSYCHED!!
GO LAKERS!
Ciao -
Posted by: psychedlakergirl | April 04, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Fairweather Fatty:
You can serve your "Troll by Chef Fat-tie" at my restaurant , website currently under contruction>>
>>>>>http://www.trollsrestaurant.com/
Bona Appettite!!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 04, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Perhaps I'm just more competitive than most of you....
I want the phx suns as fast as I can get to them. I want to
see the fat man. Nothing would be sweeter than having
home court against the Suns and beating Nash, D'Antoni &
the "Big Lazy".
Seriously, can y'all think of a more poetic run than beating
the Mavs [ Dirk the raining MVP], the Suns [ Nash the thief
& the team slayer "Big Lazy" ], & then ripping the WCF
championship from the Spurs and Tim Duncan.
And then for the money round, facing KG/Celtics or
the Pistons, who took the 4th championship, or LBJ
the "tuture" of the NBA.
Going thru this group of teams would be one of the
greatest post seasons of all time!
NBA League Pass has been worth every red cent I paid!
Posted by: hobbitmage | April 04, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Looking into the playoffs........
Frankly I do not see any difference in playing San Antonio, New Orleans, Houston, or Phoenix in the first round, second round, or conference finals. They are all good teams and are equally dangerous. Having said that, the Lakers are still the team to beat in the WC as long as AB comes back at minimum 80% of his old self.
However, I do like to see a first round meeting with the Suns, just so we can get rid of the trolls in this blog and don't have to listen to Shaq's tirade.
Lakers!! Lets send the Suns packing for their Spring holidays!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 04, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I got to agree with you on that. I don't fear any team and especially the Suns. I think we can beat them Even if AB is not at full strengh. Someone posted that Amare is better than Gasol, Nash better than Fish and shaq better than Bynum. Nope I disagree.
For the matchups it is team with the better match ups. Fish is good for drawing fouls on opponents especially charging and the idea would be to make Nash a scorer instead of a distributer. Worked this season. Second with Pau we run more and Shaq cannot clog the middle because he will have to come out to cover him which opens middle for passes and drives and dives. Amare can't defend and will be taken off dribble if he covers Pau on perimeter. Then Shaq will come over on help and either Lamar or Vlde will dive to basket or Vlade will shoot open shot. We also can play D with our bigs back and I left Kobe out of the equation as I don't have to mention even your coach fears him.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 04, 2008 at 03:16 PM
LakerTruth and GiantSquid,
I said it when the Suns first aquired Shaq and everyone spelled doom and gloom for the Suns, that I think Shaq will be in shape and motivated by the time the playoffs rolls around. Even if the immediate benifits aren't realized.
Then, the Suns went through that rough stretch and all the Nay-Sayers seemed vindicated.
However, I remember that playoff run where Kobe completely carried the Lakers throughout the final push of the regular season and through every series in the playoffs and Shaq took over in the Finals and looked completely like Superman. Overnight, it seemed.
I remember Shaq winning that Finals MVP (which he earned), though Kobe did not get a playoffs MVP (there isn't any to give), though he deserved it.
There are two places where Shaq is going to look to dominate. And I mean DOMINATE. The first place is against the Lakers, and we must beware of that. Acutely aware of that. The next place is in the Finals, if he makes it that far.
Even at 100%, Bynum may not be savvy enough. The analogy I chose at the time was the way a young Shaq let an old Hakeem school him all over the court during Shaq's first visit to the finals when he was with Orlando.
If everyone isn't careful, history can repeat itself, and all the sacrifices made by all the players this year would be for a simply little, "maybe next year."
Just my $.02
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | April 04, 2008 at 03:37 PM
HmrHed
Wattuo man!
Posted by: Charles | April 04, 2008 at 03:37 PM
I hope the Knicks play like they have nothing to lose, and succeed against the Hornets. LET'S GO KNICKS!!!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | April 04, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Delicious post Fatty,
Are you the same Fatty in Arizona from last season?
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 04, 2008 at 03:41 PM
TIME FOR THE LAKERS TO WIN OUT…
Now that Pau Gasol is back in the lineup and Andrew Bynum in the wings, the Lakers need to continue their season-ending march to their 15th NBA championship by winning their remaining 7 games of the regular season to finish at 58-24. By winning out, the Lakers will have an excellent chance of earning the top seed in the West, assuming the Hornets and Spurs will lose at least one game each to a team other than the Lakers.
Here are our remaining 7 games: Fri 04 vs Mavs, Sun 06 @ Kings, Tue 08 @ Trailblazers, Thu 10 @ Clippers, Fri 11 vs Hornets, Sun 13 vs Spurs, and Tue 15 vs Kings.
Tonight’s game against the Mavericks at Staples is one of only three games that the Lakers have remaining against playoff teams. That Pau was able to play 32 effective minutes against Portland on Wednesday without any ill effects afterwards is great news for the Lakers, as they will need him to play better tonight if they are to beat the Mavs and Jason Kidd, both of whom have been playing better as of recent.
With Dirk miraculously making it back into the Mavs’ lineup after suffering what was thought at first to be a season-ending injury, the Mavs were able to rout the Warriors on Wednesday in a critical game that may have knocked the Warriors out of the playoffs. Dirk’s return obviously has rejuvenated the Mavs and given them new hope that they will be able to become a better team post-trade for Jason Kidd.
While Pau was obviously a little rusty on Wednesday, he should be play much better tonight, especially after having an excellent practice on Thursday. This year, the Lakers have generally come out and played their best basketball against their best competition. I look for more of the same tonight, with Kobe and Pau running a lot more pick and rolls and the Lakers defense again holding their opponent below 100 points. More tacos!
Like all Lakers fans, however, I am anxiously awaiting the moment when we finally have our dream starting lineup to begin the game. I am hopeful that we will see this on the upcoming 2-game road trip against the Kings and Trailblazers, but most recent comments make it more likely to be during the last 2 or 3 games of the season, all at Staples. At any rate, with another 3 days off before the start of the playoffs, I think it should be enough time for the Lakers to work out the kinks. Anyway, that’s what I am hoping for.
Time to watch the Making of a Beast again! Time to Believe! All GHF from now on!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 04, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Fatty:
Well played, sir!
If you had a show on Food Network, I would quit complaining each time my wife starts watching that damned channel!
Posted by: The D | April 04, 2008 at 03:44 PM
There is always that sense of unpredictability or inconsistency whenever Lakers plays a game even for a below .500 team. (Bobcats, Griz, Sacto, Portland to name a few) Why is it like that? Lakers don't seem to exude that sense of invincibility or consistency to any team even for those below their ranking. In fact, it seems they don't get any respect from them. Something is missing and until the Lakers have that "missing link" looks like the "Championship dream" might just be like that... a dream.
Posted by: CuriousFan | April 04, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I find it interesting that Suns fans would think the Lakers are sore losers. That's kinda like the kettle calling the pot black dontcha think?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZcRnjfUt_Gw
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 04, 2008 at 03:49 PM
"Mamba,
Put me on all the lists, just for the fun of seeing the title I earn. I can then justifiably put it on my resume, citing the authority of the Lakers Blog, the most thirst-quenching oasis in the national press.
Tsphere"
Sounds good to me, too! How about an "BANDWAGON BANDWAGON" bandwagon? Put me down as "Minister of Naughtiness".
RMA
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | April 04, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Mamba24,
After being a daily reader of the blog (certainly not a frequent poster) I must say that you really are amazing with your wittiness...you literally have me cracking up at those job descriptions....LOL!
On another note, living in South Florida and also being a laker fan, I have had to take alot from so many Heat fans who were so excited about the arrival of Shaq. I was never convinced that it was all Kobe's fault and always saw through Shaq's manipulative ways. He had the media fooled in believing he was so innocent and because of their blatant dislike of Kobe (simply because he did not toot to their horn) they all blamed him for Shaq not being kept in LA...even the majority of Laker fans were manipulated into thinking Shaq was ran out by Kobe...Now EVERYONE is starting to really see the real Shaq...Penny nor Kobe said anything negative about Shaq when he constantly talked about them in public...Shaq is what he is...a manipulative, conniving, spoiled, want everything his way, unappreciative jerk...I am so glad I was never sucked into his conniving ways and I certainly believe the media owes Kobe an apology...Yeah Kobe has his ways but Shaq certainly is not exonerated from it all....
Posted by: LakerGurl | April 04, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Yeah! Nice ROLL CALL Mamba24!
Posted by: Tsiry | April 04, 2008 at 04:11 PM
The Suns are definitely worse with Shaq on the team. Marion was a huge loss defensively. With his absence, the Suns are still getting tooled by most of the good teams. Not a great sign for their chances in the playoffs.
Posted by: greenpaz | April 04, 2008 at 04:24 PM
with such a scrumptious recipe...maybe we do need to feed the trolls lol.
Posted by: Faith | April 04, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Laker Tom,
Yes. Thank you for your input! KLeep it b-ball sir.
Posted by: Charles | April 04, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Fire32, props on that response to toad. Most logical thought coming from another teams point of view. Face the Lakers early when we aren't fully awakened, and Bynum is still getting in the flow. I do think other teams believe the Lakers are vulnerable for that same reason.
However, we've been able to maintain our advantage given our injury situation, which shows some poise and resilience on our part.
You do realize that if we we're to meet in the WCFs, Bynum will most likely be a whole different beast by then. Maybe not back to where he was leading the league in FG% or 2nd in dunks, but you and I both know a Laker team with a young, svelte center like him and Gasol are going to be really scary.
With the utmost of respect, are you sure you want to face us in the later rounds? Its rhetorical. I know your answer, and yes, it sure as hell is going to be fun.
Might be time to call up my old ASU buds that are Suns fans to put out a friendly wager.
Posted by: #4 | April 04, 2008 at 04:27 PM
What is a troll?
"An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who posts controversial and usually irrelevant or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, with the intention of baiting other users into an emotional response[1] or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.[2]"
(source wikipedia.org)
interesting stuff.
then there's this:
"Experienced participants in online forums know that the most effective way to discourage a troll is usually to ignore him or her, because responding encourages a true troll to continue disruptive posts — hence the often-seen warning "Please do not feed the troll""
haha, it's unavoidable sometimes.
Well for something Laker related:
With Pau being relatively "pain free" after a game...does that mean we were being way too conservative in our "holding him back"? And could in fact be doing the same for our other players?
At this time of the year, everyone is banged up. it's time to play. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 04, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Laker PHAT GURL,
GLAD TO SEE YOU DO A POST FOR A CHANGE. NOW TO YOUR STATEMENT.
".I am so glad I was never sucked into his conniving ways and I certainly believe the media owes Kobe an apology...Yeah Kobe has his ways but Shaq certainly is not exonerated from it all...."
I GUESS THE MEDIA OWES KOBE AN APOLOGY FOR SHAQ STEALING HIS FINAL MVPS? YOU, KOBE APOLOGISTS ARE SO AMAZING WITH THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR HIM. NOW, LETS JUST WORRY ABOUT OUR SHINY BOY GETTING US OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND.
I WILL BE AT EASE TO SEE "OUR LAKERS" FOR THE FIRST TIME GET OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND. I THINK THAT'S THE ONLY GOAL WE SHOULD BE SHOOTING FOR FIRST.
Posted by: Gunner | April 04, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Amazing_Happens,
Sick commercial. If you just focused on the middle, you could their faces become one.
Posted by: laker hopeful | April 04, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Welcome back Fatty,
Mitchell
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | April 04, 2008 at 04:34 PM
HOBBITIMAGE,
"I want the phx suns as fast as I can get to them. I want to see the fat man. Nothing would be sweeter than having home court against the Suns and beating Nash, D'Antoni & the "Big Lazy".
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO BEAT THEM IN TWO YEARS SO, HOW IN THE HELL DO WE WANT TO SEE THEM IN THE FIRST ROUND?
I RATHER AVOID THEM AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
Posted by: Gunner | April 04, 2008 at 04:35 PM
open Letter to Fire 1
Fire 2
Hello soldiers ready to follow me into battle.Hay Fire 1 how about some respect for your elders hahhahaah and that is me Fire #3 ready march boys and follow Fire 3 into war with the Lakers hahaahaah
Posted by: Fire 3 | April 04, 2008 at 04:38 PM
GUNNER REPORT CONTINUES....
I see us playing Houston or Phoenix. I rather play Houston than us playing a healthy, motivated
Shaq team.
Strengths of playing Houston
- No Yao
- Tracy McGrady and Kobe have something in common. (Never got their teams out of the first round)
- One allstar where we have 4 potential allstars
Weaknesses of playing Houston
- they shoot 3's well
- Battier defends Kobe real well.
- they have been one of the teams this year who has defeated us consistently
Strengths of Playing Phoenix
- No bench depth for the Suns
- No Kwame which means Kobe has no excuses
Weaknesses of playing Phoenix
- More playoffs experience
- Motivated Shaq and Amare could get our BIGs in foul trouble. I wouldn't want to say, "I told you so", if Shaq knocks us out of the first round.
- A long drawn out 7 game series could tire us for the second round. If Kobe can finally lead us there.
- We have never beaten the Suns in the last two playoff seasons.
And the team we are playing today Dallas, we don't want to see them also in the first round. Hope Phoenix and Houston can keep ground on the 5th and 6th seed.
IF I WAS PHIL JACKSON?
I would settle as much as possible into that 3rd seed. If we can't get the #1 seed, then we don't want the #2 seed. We either want Houston or Denver or Golden State. We don't want Phoenix or Dallas. Let San Antonio or New Orleans contend with those teams. Those will be definitely longer series.
Well troll or no troll, I'm a basketball fan first and Lakers fan second. And if Kobe does not lead us out of the first round, I WILL HAVE HIS HEAD FOR DINNER!
I'LL SEE YOU LATER FOR THE GAME
Posted by: Gunner | April 04, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Laker Truth,
Yes, I'm one of the five original Arizona Lakers Fans bold enough to admit in public, while risking our lives, that we are Lakers Fans and D*mn proud of it.
Fearlesswhackjob,
I want the Suns. D'antoni beat our wounded and then boasted about it. They've never beat a good team in the playoffs, yet the Suns feel they are approaching greatness. They won't be an easy win in the first round. But if we play them, we will prevail. 4-3
2nd round, our guys will be much tougher and better prepared to humiliate the boys from PHX. 4-0
Robyn,
Are you really making a sight? lol haha
Fire32,
My post wasn't really directed at you, but more for Fire Minnie Me. But if you want to take it that way, then I guess you're done as well.
The Phoenix Suns:The best team to never win a Championship. And proud of it.
But hey, this is a Lakers site. We have some business to do first. Beat Dallas.
Let's go Lakers!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 04, 2008 at 05:07 PM
edwin
glad to see someone still remembers me haha
Lakers look good to win tonight, i'm gonna go out on a limb and predict that Ira Newble will win his match up with Devean George tonight
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | April 04, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Don't know if anyone posted this link yet...but I love the purity of it.
http://www.emptythebench.com/2008/03/28/does-anybody-in
-nba-history-better-personify-petulance-than-shaquille-oneal/
Posted by: LakerGurl | April 04, 2008 at 05:20 PM
#4,
First of all let me thank you for writing -point of view- Instead of POV with this right next to it (point of view).
Ok, I watch alot of laker games, but I watch them way more relaxed than you guys do (goes without saying), I'm relaxed when I watch the games b/c I simply don't mind if you guys win or lose, I really don't.
Now heres what I've seen, I have seen Lamar play good ball lately, he's been a rebound monster , but his 3 or mid range J isn't quite that good. Now Vlad, I consider probably your best 3 point shooter and plays more out on the perimeter also.
So heres where I see you guys struggling in the playoffs, which can spell doom for you guys since theres Not much room for the minor set backs. Bynum coming back to his center pos and gasol moving to PF, which moves odom to SF and vlad coming off the bench. You guys will lose the 3 point threat that vlad brings, which keeps the opposing defense honest and keeps the floor spacing open.
Now with odom at the 3 spot, without a true mid or 3 point threat, the defense will be able to collapse alot more also odom wont be as close to the rim for all those boards.
AND I know you guys don't want him close to the rim anyways, with bynum and gasol, he's(odom) liable to hurt his own team again fighting for boards.
I mean I think I read hear before that you guys think odom is jealous of bynum, right.
>>>>>However, we've been able to maintain our advantage given our injury situation, which shows some poise and resilience on our part.
Well you guys have had injuries , but the injuries haven't been all at the same time. How many games have the lakers actually played with only Kobe and the role players. I mean yeah bynum went down, but soon after gasol joined. So far Kobe's has been the only one on board for the full season.
I know we will never know this, but where do you think the lakers would be if gasol wouldn't of joined after bynum went down?
What happened to the lakers in the short span after bynums injury pre gasol or now no bynum yet and injured gasol?
Posted by: Fire32 | April 04, 2008 at 05:24 PM