Second verse, close enough to the first
It was kind of like Game 1, in the sense that the Lakers received a superlative performance from a star player and won going away while down the stretch the Nuggets dissolved like Hammer's career. But Wednesday night's 122-107 win also had some unique features, namely the 49 points and 10 assists from Kobe Bryant, who rebounded in the biggest way from a disappointing effort on Sunday. The Nuggets threw the kitchen sink at 24, doing everything from working him one-on-one against Kenyon Martin or Linus Kleiza to zoning up the purple and gold to doubling him to get the ball out of his hands... and it's fair to say that none of it worked. Early on, Kobe was red hot, drilling jumpers George Karl would call "undefendable." Later, in a critical stretch of the third, Kobe became a distributor (five helpers in the quarter), tearing apart the Denver zone and giving his mates a host of easy looks. Late, he was a lot a bit of everything, racking up 19 points on 6-7 from the floor while still logging three dimes.
Just as they did on Sunday, the Lakers showed that they are clearly the better team. More disciplined, more composed, more versatile. The Nuggets are talented enough to make the Lakers play- remember, Denver did win 50 games in a brutal Western Conference- but as long as the Lakers stick to what they do well, they're the better team. Tonight, while the effort wasn't necessarily even for all 48, LA did more than enough to get the job done.
AK with the breakdown below.
BK
The Good
Kobe Bryant: Most folks figured Kobe's 9-26 Game 1 shooting struggles wouldn't carry over into today's sequel. Those same folks weren't off base. So sharp, in fact, was Kobe's aim that he managed to carry his squad through a first half when the supporting cast was collectively frigid. Kobe banked 20 points in the first frame alone, hitting a ludicrous 80% of his attempts (8-10). 25 points in all before halftime Gatorade and orange slices off a red hot 10-15 shooting performance. From there, his teammates began to catch fire, in large part because Bryant did a fantastic job setting them up. His second half dime tally matched his old jersey number, the assists coming either off post-penetration kickouts or spotting dudes cutting towards the basket.
But the facilitating mode didn't prevent him from nabbing his own buckets. Another 24 points over the final 24 minutes, including 12 fourth quarter points in just under three minutes. Aside from being just a terrific performance, tonight was one of the most controlled games I've ever seen Kobe play. I don't mean that simply in regards to his shot selection, which was almost entirely unforced. I mean "controlled" in the most literal sense. Simply put, Kobe controlled the action, however he decided it was supposed to be happening.
DJ Mbenga - Ronny Turiaf's illness created an opportunity for DJ Mbenga to grab some rare second quarter action, a chance he didn't take lightly. Mbenga remained continually active during his five minutes on the floor. Five rebounds. A dunk. A steal. Preventing an admitedly rusty Nene from having a bust out offensive game. "You've got to be ready when they need you, " said Mbenga of his goals after the game. "You've got to contribute." Tonight would qualify as a mission accomplished.
Luke Walton's second half: Kid Big Red's first half was solid (5/3/2, with a couple turnovers), if nothing necessarily to write home about. And he actually began his quick third quarter entry in shaky fashion, lowlighted by an awkward turnover off a goofy two man game between him and Vlad Radmanovic. But then Walton not only settled down, but played a large role in helping ward off a Denver surge. All 10 of his points came during the frame's final six minutes, helping to create a steamroll effect that put the Nuggets on the ropes. From there, he continued to play well, drawing a charge on K-Mart, scoring three more points, grabbing four boards and setting up a trio of buckets. Aside from perhaps Kobe, I don't think any Laker did a better job of breaking through the seams of Denver's zone and rendering it useless. He also softened any blow that could have come from Lamar Odom's whistle magnet issues. "Luke saved me tonight," gushed Odom.
Three point shooting: The Nuggets made a point of packing the paint and forcing the Lakers to hit more from outside. Given how the Lakers destroyed Denver inside on Sunday, the approach made sense. It also didn't really help. Even in the first half when shots mostly fell for just Kobe, the Lakers still managed to hit their share from behind the arc. Six of their dozen attempts went down, including a pair each for Kobe and Vlad Rad. From there, long distance accuracy continued at a reasonable 6-16 clip (if maybe a few too many in the third), rounding out to a 43% night. By now, Denver must be wondering if there's any way they can reasonably expect to defeat the Purple and Gold, save perhaps breaking Kobe's arms.
Pau Gasol: He overcame a slow start (4 pts on 1-5 shooting) to round into a nice statline. It won't blow minds like his Laker postseason bonanza, but 18/10 and a block ain't nothing to get upset about, either.
Ball Movement: Need I really explain why 33 assists is a quality stat? Chalk it up to the power of good decision making.
The Bad
Lamar Odom: Foul trouble (five whistles in all, the last one coming 30 seconds into the fourth) made it tough for LO to be on the floor much (22 minutes). When he was out there, the output wasn't all that spectacular. 2-9 from the field for a quartet of points. Only four rebounds. The six assists were nice, but four came during the first quarter, meaning Odom didn't have much impact from that point on. "I'm the benefactor of being on a great team," smiled Lamar, acknowledging the fellas that helped pick up the slack while he struggled.
Vlad Radmanovic: 3-10 from the field for 8 points (6 of which came in the first half), plus some mostly ineffective defense on whoever he matched up against. I realize that Carmelo Anthony is hardly the world's easiest cover, but there were times when the assignment looked a little too hard.
Rebounding: Not terribly shocking, given that Odom is the team's best board man and was often locked to the pine. That being said, it's still up to everyone else to do their share to prevent that void from being felt. For the night's majority, all glass felt owned by Denver.
DJ Mbenga: Download dj_mbenga_denver_2_postgame.mp3
Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_denver_2_postgame.mp3
Lamar Odom, Part I (with some good stuff about Kobe's ability to play angry): Download lamar_odom_denver_2_postgame_1.mp3
Lamar Odom, Part II: Download lamar_odom_denver_2_postgame_2.mp3
Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_4.23 Post Game 2.mp3
Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_4.23 Post Game 2.mp3
AK
VIDEO
howdy
Posted by: wasssssssup | April 24, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Very good game by Kobe. He was making his shots today and picking apart the defense with beautiful passes. Such a turnaround from Game 1. If Kobe can keep up this kind of game we will win the championship 100%.
As for this series, this is over.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: David Whang | April 24, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Good Night Family.
Posted by: Charles | April 24, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, but a WIN IS ALWAYS A WIN... What can you say 2-0, more to come, we love you in Germany!
Posted by: Franz Ellers | April 24, 2008 at 12:34 AM
I love that Kobe got 49 points AND had 10 assists. Just beautiful game all around. Ballhog? I think not. That's MVP caliber.
Luke did a great job too, glad to see him playing much much better than the regular season.
All in all, I had near heartattacks for the first and third quarters, but the WIN was what was important. Can't wait for Game 3!!
Posted by: Peanut Butter Spread | April 24, 2008 at 12:37 AM
great laker game
where is bynum?
Posted by: Haha | April 24, 2008 at 12:43 AM
OK. OK. I know I'll pay for this post......
If I had to give an award for outstanding play over and above what is expected for the first 2 games combined, I'd have to give serious consideration to one Mr. Luke Walton.
He had two exceptional (by his standards) games whereas the big three each had one great to exceptional game and one fair to midland game. (Again, the big three's standards being quite a bit higher than Mr. Waltons.)
Nice job Luke!
Take this A-game you've flashed before our eyes these past two games along with you to Denver.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 24, 2008 at 12:49 AM
I get the feeling Kobe didn't like being in BK's "not so hot" spot...so he "suited up" (pun intended haha) for tonight's game.
Boy was that suit loud! lol.
How does a filipino nurse gamble? A LOT. Seriously. Ever wonder what they do on their days off...well you'll find them at Morongo haha. I'm 24. Hope that answers all the questions lol.
As for the game itself,could have been better. And really it should have been.
By the way anyone else laughed a little when Kobe said, LO will be plenty rested for game 3? Hilarity.
Happy for the win. Want more D. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 24, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Great Stuff from Didier. Hardly ever heard him speak before- sounds like a great teammate, and showed some good stuff tonight. He helps our depth. I hope to see him back next year, how long is his contract?
Posted by: Gabe | April 24, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Quote of the night by Kobe.....
Better learn not to talk to me,Bryant said of Smiths jabbering,
YOU SHAKE THE TREE A LEOPARDS GOING TO FALL OUT.
Classic just classic
Posted by: Thirty2 | April 24, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Okay, I was wrong about Sasha making a career high in points tonight, but he sure did make some timely shots. On top of that, he got into the opponent's skin again--always a good thing in the playoffs!
How about my main man, DJ Mbenga? Like I also say, this guy has some potential.!!
Posted by: Robyn | April 24, 2008 at 01:02 AM
If game two wasn't played in LA with all the b.s. calls the nuggets would have won this game. There's nothing worse then seeing a great athlete like Kobe get too cocky and start with the overzealous body language. Disrespect and over confidence is what F- - K KOBE and the team that follows his false and wrong directed lead. NUGGETS WILL TAKE OVER THIS SERIES!
Posted by:Fire 32 | April 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Posted by: | April 24, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Amazing how Kobe needs to get jacked, feel the battle rage, to reach his peak. This team is must be too happy for him at times, but tonight was vintage.
Posted by: Vman | April 24, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Fire32 - Don't you have some other blog to be whining on? Look, we welcome contrarian views - as long as you don't make asinine comments. There was no referee bias, no B.S. calls. Look at the FT taken. If anyone got favorable whistles, it's the Nuggets (36 vs. 24 ft taken). They have no one to blame but themselves. Their "me-first" attitude (12 assists??) is rampant and won't get them anywhere but to an early vacation. One on one basketball is inferior to team basketball any day of the week. And the Lakers are a better team.
By the way, how are the Suns doing?
Puddle
Posted by: puddle | April 24, 2008 at 01:24 AM
"Posted by:Fire 32 | April 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM"
Nice try punk.
The ORIGINAL Fire32 is a Phoenix fan. Also, he/she has too much class and too much basketball knowledge to leave a post such as yours.
Go home punk.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 24, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Because it bears repeating:
Luke Walton OWNS the Denver Nuggets!
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 24, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Fire 32 is surely a kobe-hater. when you're in the game, displaying some confidence ain't that bad especially if everybody's trying to mess up your game and they just can't do anything about it. get out of here, no matter what you say. my man kobe is still the MVP.
:P
Posted by: erick_truelakerfan | April 24, 2008 at 01:36 AM
@ Fire 32
B.S. calls? Did we watch the same game? The only reason the Nugglettes were in the game was their rebounding. And that only happened because the zebras were not calling all the over the backs from the Nugglettes.
Posted by: Pustoolio | April 24, 2008 at 02:01 AM
The Mamba played one of his best games ever. He only took about 4 bad shots!
Posted by: Todd | April 24, 2008 at 02:43 AM
Odom's 5th foul was inexcusable. You wait for half a quarter to get back in and contribute and you blow your time in 30 s on a completely unnecessary foul? The dude needs help, therapy or something.
Something is critically wrong with that man. I've known people that got just plain stupid when they drank. Maybe he gets stupid in late game situations due to either pressure, fatigue, or both.
I thought there was some ticky tacky nonsense on many earlier fouls. I could actually relate to the players incredulous looks many times this game. Which I often can't.
I was worried for a bit there that the Nuggets might surge and win, but I keep forgetting this isn't last season's Lakers team. We're really very tough. It's pretty sweet to see.
Kobe did an extremely nice job of picking up the slack for Odom and Gasol tonight just like they did for him in game 1.
I agree with AK, it was an incredibly controlled game by Kobe, just a masterwork of a basketball performance. His shot selection in this game is how I want him to play always, only forced shots to beat the shot clock or that result from drives that don't quite come to fruition.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 24, 2008 at 03:00 AM
Umm, actually, don't make Kobe mad. Unlike Shaq, when Kobe gets mad he does win championships. Shaq just picks up offensive fouls. JR Smith (who is mad talented on offense) started talking to Kobe and Kobe decided to show him what's up. Just a bad idea. JR Smith is not in Kobe's league except he may have slightly more athleticism. Kobe makes better use of his athleticism though.
Faith,
If you're gonna gamble, you should pick up poker. You can actually make money instead of giving it away to the casino! That's assuming that you haven't, of course.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 24, 2008 at 03:06 AM
Fire 32,
are you frustrated because your Suns are setting? The Nuggets have as many chances of taking over this series as your Phuns against the Spurs, i.e. none.
In a week's time Shaq's fat ass will be on a beach in Florida and Mike D' Antoni will be fired. Just read the AZ Republic blog and check what your fellow Phuns fans are saying about your coach. In 4 years the furthest you got was the Conference Finals: sorry, you had your opportunities but you didn't take them, now it's Showtime again in LA LA LAND.
Without the bs calls, Lakers would have won more easily. Just look at what kind of calls AI gets...
And honestly, Kobe can be as overconfident as he likes since he's the best player in the league.
Posted by: Francesco | April 24, 2008 at 03:10 AM
If game two wasn't played in LA with all the b.s. calls the nuggets would have won this game. There's nothing worse then seeing a great athlete like Kobe get too cocky and start with the overzealous body language. Disrespect and over confidence is what F- - K KOBE and the team that follows his false and wrong directed lead. NUGGETS WILL TAKE OVER THIS SERIES!
Posted by:Fire 32 | April 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM
=====================================
What's up with you man?
Posted by: dice8up | April 24, 2008 at 03:35 AM
This is kinda look like a 4-0??? I just want to belive!!!
Great play from Kobe "MVP" Bryant. LO and Pau as it was written have a less productive games, Denver guard both of them sharp... but that left Kobe free for fun! And I like when Kobe gets some fun :).
See you Laker Nation.
Posted by: HugoSpain | April 24, 2008 at 03:37 AM
YAH, WE GOT GUNS NOW!!! WE GOT A LOT!!!
4-0
ITS FUNNY HOW GUYS CAN TALK THE TALK BUT CANT WALK THE WALK...
WHO'S THE MAN NOW? WHOS YOUR DADDY KMART??
Posted by: juanman888 | April 24, 2008 at 03:41 AM
Lakers did well tonight and they had to step-up to everything that was sent their way. Wow LUKE WALTON finally where have you been all this year, keep it up they will need you.
Go LAKES ARE NO FAKES
2-0
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | April 24, 2008 at 04:07 AM
Ok as usual, addressing the Kobe Haters:
If game two wasn't played in LA with all the b.s. calls the nuggets would have won this game. There's nothing worse then seeing a great athlete like Kobe get too cocky and start with the overzealous body language. Disrespect and over confidence is what F- - K KOBE and the team that follows his false and wrong directed lead. NUGGETS WILL TAKE OVER THIS SERIES!
Posted by:Fire 32 | April 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM---
You moronic prick, you are just mad because your team with the cockiest SOB of all (Shaq) can't manage to help keep the SUN up in Phoenix, Ralph Nader has a better shot at winning the presidency than the Suns have of advancing. "The sun will rise in Phoenix..."---Shaq, well guess what, Tim Duncan's 3 is still blotting out the rays of the sun, Nash and company better get used to playing in the shade, then again they can't since they are incapable of putting together 60 seconds of DEFENSE.
What Kobe did is called swagger, you obviously didn't see Jordan in his days, neither did you see Magic, how about Lebron James or even Paul Peirce doing the gun thing and talking smack. Go back under the very rock from which you came, maybe it's the Arizona Desert Mirage, have you been bit by the Spurs scorpion? Here, have some cactus..right up your @$$.---get back at me!
Now on to the other kind of Kobe Haters, I specifically remember after Game 1, someone posted about how Kobe was being Kobe and nearly cost us game one, they chastised him for going 9 (or maybe 7) of 29 from the field, finnishing with only one assist. Well Hi, I would like to introduce you to something called a bad game. If you have ever played sports or even fired a weapon (at a shooting range or in war I hope) then you should know about bad shooting days. His assist numbers were abysmal...WHO'S FAULT DO YOU THINK THAT WAS? My point exactly, the players, newsflash, it is not considered a stat if Kobe passes the ball then the shooter misses...they score first, then Kobe gets the assist. So what do you have to say now? Oh let me guess 49 points (14-23) 10 assists isn't good enough, right? Oh maybe he should've gotten 10 rebounds too, so he was still a ball hog for this game right? Oh I know, Kobe will always be a selfish ball hog until he gives you and every bestial (read your Aristotle) hater that he can reach, a shoe shine...maybe then Kobe Bean Bryant, one of the greatest in history to play this game, will elevate (in your eyes) from a ball hogging team cancer to a player that MAYBE worth the value of a second rounder.---The sarcasm was brought to you by yours truly, tell me if you want more.
Ok, now that I have addressed all the Scribes, Pharisees, and Fundamental Extremist of Basketball (Who now officially deserves more water boarding than a terrorist), I will talk about the game.
Luke Walton continues his good play in Game 2 until he got jinxed by Marv and he fell one point shy of his playoff career high. Could it be that Walton is one of those players who turns it on in the playoffs? Nah, I won't give him that title, but something about Denver that he sees and is taking advantage of, I wonder, maybe its that Pop Tart defensive scheme that Denver employs...I'm telling you its real. The Pop Tart system (which our Lakers sometimes play) allows the other team to consistently score over 100, effortlessly.
The Lakers, to me, still have this "I can turn on/off" the intensity level mentality to them and it worries me somewhat because if this were any other team we would have been close to serious problems---ok any team except the Suns. The Suns remind me of that speeding car I shot up in Iraq...that thing was leaking more than a strainer (I'm still mad the guy crawled out alive")---but I'm not pronouncing them dead yet, though that is a different story.
Lamar Odom seemed destined to have a bad night prior to the foul trouble, especially when Denver played a Karaoke to the Zone Defense, he just went turtle on us.
The Machine remains the Machine, Vlad-Rad had an ok game too.
Then there is Kobe Bryant, don't know what else to say about the player that he is. He did whatever he wanted, he understands that he had a bad game...That right there Mr. Fire 32 is an example of humility. Kobe was humble enough to leave Game 1 knowing it wasn't his best of nights, game back in game 2 and busted out of the gate, you don't call that cocky, that is understanding you weren't at your best and has come back and done something about it. Kobe's trash talking/antics with the gun is called Swagger, something the NBA has not had since...2002! That Swagger-less type of Basketball is the main reason behind the NBA getting Soccer-like ratings for the 2 of the last 3 finals...its a shame when WWE puts on a better show than a Spurs-Cavs, Spurs-Nets finals. Sorry to bust your bubble but your team would be no different...we are the freaking Lakers, how's that for cocky.
Good job to the Lakers, now we know they want the series...can Fisher, Kobe, and Phil pass on that 'close the deal' mentality on the Nuggets, on their home floor? Closing this series is going to be so important...and they need to do it in Denver, the Lakers need this psychologically speaking, more than the Nuggets, because if they do advance to round 2, then it is that psychological edge that will carry itself over.
Posted by: Rhon Salmon | April 24, 2008 at 04:51 AM
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning EastCoastJessie My Latina Queen
TOAD, BRONXLAKERFAN thanks for having my back when I left the blog
yesterday. I owe you both. THHHHHAAANNNKS.
JustAnotherMambaFan, Bozz, HmrHed, Edwin, PsychedLakerGirl, Lakergurl
Toad, BronxLakerFan, Edwin. 2 DOWN 2 TO GO!!!!!
*___________________________________*
*.LAKERS SWEEP DENVER / DAGGER
IN THE NUGGETS BANDWAGON
*___________________________________*
(01) LAKER TOM - Owner
(02) FAIRWEATHER FATTY – Driver
(03) HAVA98 - Game 1 Win Director
(04) TWOODY – Taught Kobe the Crossover
(05 WHITEMAMBA24 – Game 2 win Director
(06) MAMBA24 –Riding ShotGun
(07) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - Game 3 Win director
(08) JAIMSYY – Game 4 Win director
(09) THE OUTLAW – wrote the “TALKING BOUT PRACTICE” speech for AI.
(10) LAKERS LEGACY – Has his own banner in the rafters next to Magics
(11) MICHAEL H.- Gave Jamaal Wilkes his nick-name.
(12) DAVID IN SPAIN - Convinced Pau Gasol to join Lakers
(13) TOAD – Member of Kobe’s inner circle
(14) JANAYA – Made Camello back pedal in fear
(15) KOBESBAD - Made Kobe raise his game & took Carmelos Booze.
(16) JAMIE SWEET – Defender of Truth, Justice & the Waltonian Way.
(17) JOHNNY P. – Director of Vacuums
(18) EDWIN GUECO – Bus maintenance for Denver Sweep
(19) FEARLESS – Taught Kobe to jump over Bandwagons fearlessly
(20) LAL_FAN - Fined by NBA for allowing Kobe to jump over car
*_____________________________________*
THE LAKERS 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP AND
14 WINS TO CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
AKA “2”, “FO”, “FO”, ‘FO” BANDWAGON
*_____________________________________*
01 LakerTom – CEO_______________(36)JesterGuru – Assignment Director
02 Andrew Z - Owner______________(37)Nik Kannan – Blog Team Trainer
03 RICK FRIEDMAN – Driver________(38) BZAR – Director of Win Countdown
04 VMAN – Co Driver______________(39)Doc4DaLakeShow – Blog Dr.
05 JAY JAY Director of Bandwagons __(40) Happy Gilmore – Golf Director
06 Jeff – Security Chief_____________(41) TRIO – 3 Laker Fans in 1
07 Xodus – Enforcer_______________(42) Laker North– Director of North Cal.
08 utzworld – The Banner Holder_____(43) JUNNO – Director Win # 5
09 The Outlaw – Director of Fines_____(44) JustAnotherMambaFan– Director of Mambas
10 KobesBad – And that’s good.______(45) BrownMamba– Asst. Director of Mambas
11 WhiteMamba24 - Ride Director_____(46) DK - Reports directly to Jerry Buss
12 TSIRY – Director________________(47) LakersRydeOrDie – Enforcer
13 AB – Crowd control director________(48) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors
14 LakerTruth – Judge & Jury_________(49) Milo Rambaldi Team Prophet & Alias star
15 HappyDaze - Morale Director_______(50) SimiLakerGirl – Rpts. directly to Jeannie Buss
16 LAL-Fan - Freakin La Laker Fan_____(51) PsychedLakerGirl - Director of Motivation
17 TSPHERE – SuperDelegate________(52) HMRHED – Director of Good Times
18 Staples24 - Helped Kwame pack____(53) LakerFan - Backup
19 JustALakerFan – Enforcer__________(54) KOBESBAD – Director of win 7
20 LakersLegacy - Keeper of Flame_____(55) LAKERGIRL1980 – Director of win 8
21 Tha SHOW – Keeping it Real________(56) ALLAN – BRAZIL Director win 6
22 ANDO – Director of Superstars_______(57) TIM-4-SHOW Director of win 2
23 RDLEE - Directorof Win1____________(58) NEMAIA FALETOGO director of win 10
24 SAMLL Director of win3 ____________(59) ROKY Director of win 11
25CBUCK Director of win 13___________(60) HUBBIT Director of win 4
(26) JON K. Director of win 9___________(61) GREEK DUDE Director of win 14
(27) Mr.BarneyDangles Director of wins___(62) LAKER TOM – Producer, Director & Enforcer
(28) CHUCK23 – Director of win 12_______(63) TOAD – Director of the Win Directors
(29) EastCoastJessie__CFO____________(64) THE LAKE SHOW – Supreme Escort.
(30) The Original J.J. – Ring Master_______(65) DC – Director of Strategic Wins
(31) DICE8UP – Consigliore of 9Rings_____(66) KEIFO – Heir in waiting
(32) LAKERBANDIT – Countdown Director__(67) PK-IN-THE-MESA – Tennis Director
(33) TWOODY – Taught Kobe the Crossover_(68) FearlessWhackJob – Kobe’s Advisor
(34) David Whang – Taught Sasha art of the J.(69) PurpleHeart - Director of Courage
(35) FearlessWhackJob - Kobe's Advisor ____(70 ) Lakergurl – There can be but one.
*___________________________________*
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT
WIN THE MVP THEN SOMEONE ‘S GOING
TO JAIL BANDWAGON NO MVP NO PEACE
*___________________________________*
(1) NIK KANNAN –Owner & Driver__(22) EASTCOASTJESSIE
(2) CBUCK____________________(23) BROWNMAMBA24
(3) VIOLATER_________________(24) WHITEMAMBA24
(4) OUTSIDERGUA_____________(25) BLACKMAMBA24
(5) LAKERTRUTH ______________(26) TIM-4-SHOW
(6) ALEXINH017________________(27) CHUCK.L.OHNIO
(7) DREREK___________________(28) TSIRY
(8) SHAQFAN__________________(29) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN
(9) JANAYA____________________(30) PSYCHEDLAKERGIRL
(10) JON K_____________________(31) SBPIMP
(11) IVI8KRS____________________(32) JEFF
(12) JOE DUBB__________________(33) JESTER GURU
(13) FEARLESS WHACK JOB______(34) DOC4daLakeShow
(14) TSPHERE__________________(35) HMRHED
(15) ANDO_____________________(36) RICK FRIEDMAN
(16) HAPPY GILMORE____________(37) KEIFO
(17) CHRIS H.___________________(38) MILO RAMBALDI- --Team Prophet.(47)
(18) DREW PAU KOBE____________(39) SIMI_LAKER_GIRL
(19) LAKERLARRY_______________(40) TSPHERE
(20) MAMBA24 __________________(41) JOHNNY P.
(21) MARKY THE ARKY___________(42)
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 24, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Good morning Laker friends:
They say home court is worth about ten points. That means for the next game: Lakers 124, Denver 119.
The truth of the matter is that the Lakers are A LOT better team than Denver this year. More flexibility, more self control, better superstars and better coaching.
KOBE MVP
Mark
Posted by: MarkytheArky | April 24, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Isn't it funny that Kobe - who has a reputation for being a selfish ballhog (ain't that right, Gunner?) - proved it by racking up 49 points and 10 dimes, just 2 less than the entire Denver team?
Of course Kobe played a little over 42 minutes and the Denver team only played a total of 240 minutes!
Posted by: Tsphere | April 24, 2008 at 06:30 AM
GOOD MORNING LAL FRIENDS!!!
Ahhhhh, the sweet taste of VICTORY!
What a great game and so much for my want of defense but KB24 lighting up is great.
Can't wait to hear what everyone has to say today.
LET's GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 24, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Great game by Kobe, but not surprised. Luke is finding is groove..Pau needs to stay aggressive and just go hard..
Good "D" by Sasha, and timely baskets..
Great game by the Lakers
Ballhog = the Nuggets, they are the ONEs not assisting the ball
Posted by: | April 24, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Mamba24 & LakerNation!!!!!!
Real quick before I forget. If anyone missed "Inside" after the game last night, you missed a CLASSIC!!!!! Kenny remixed the Kobe commercial ( car jump ) and it was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!! I'm still CTFU !!!!!!! On another Note, next week they'll announce KB is MVP !! Thanks Mom and Dad for having unprotected sex in Carson,CA and bringing me into a world were all I know is Purple n Gold. I'm forever grateful....
Posted by: complex brotha | April 24, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Tonight's game was never in doubt. Even during the Lakers' third quarter malaise, when the Thuggets took the lead, I knew Denver's lack of character and LA's composure would ensure a Laker victory.
I know it's only the first round, but there hasn't been a moment too big for any one of the Lakers thus far. They're poised.
Posted by: Dalton | April 24, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Inquiring minds want to know:
1) Did I hear the crowd yelling "D-U-I" while Melo shot free throws?
2) Did Karl pretty much concede in the post-game that they're not winning this series, and they're just trying to extend it? (his body language certainly said it)
3) How funny was that spoof on TNT? For those that missed it: http://www.prefixmag.com/forum/prefix-forum/757/
Bring on Utah!
Scott
Posted by: StuckinNY | April 24, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Fire 32
You orange trolls just don't quit on the "the whole world is slanted in the Lakers favor and Stern won't let us win it" do you? Conspiracies definitely give you a crutch to try to explain why your disfuntional Phuns won't get a ring.
Sad, just really sad. I felel sorry for you.
Posted by: toad | April 24, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morniing Charles & everyone else in this HAPPY LAKER NATION!!
Reposting a couple of comments from last night:
WOW!!!!!!!!!! What a game!!!! I'm so happy to come out of that with a W. Kobe was brilliant - we are so blessed to have such an amazing talent to watch every game. A once in a generation player indeed.
I feel bad for LO - guy picked up a couple of fouls there that were mystifying to me (and Stu & Joel & the fans & PJ and....well you see my point). Oh well, we had the great white hope LLLUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKE step it up for him!! Very nice! No more Puke comments - ever - or there will be repercussions - serious repercussions! Lol! Even so, LO was happy for Luke and that's what we all love to see - a tight team rooting for each other to succeed.
Is it just me or was Kobe's suit loud?
Also - during the post game interview with Coach Karl - did he have drool on the side of his mouth? He kind of started off his interview burping and not really looking or sounding all that coherent.....add in the drool and it made me wonder if he & Melo had been drowning their sorrows in the visitor's locker room.....I'm just sayin....
Anyhoo.......great victory tonight! We're 2-0 going into Denver and have some time before the game Saturday to figure out how to play some D before then (that's for you Faith). Let's hope they bolster the defensive effort and put these McMuggets away for good ASAP!
GO LAKERS!
The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 24, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 24, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Good morning my fellow Laker fans.
It sure is lovely in Lakerland today. I was up 'till 1:30am watching the game and I couldn't have asked for a better result. Kobe was unconscious last night...he was off the hook.
Now let's go to Enver and show these idiots what a real NBA team is supposed to play like.
Oh yeah, one more thing. lamar, please stay out of foul trouble.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 24, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Man, someone should slap Skip Bayless upside the head, LOL. He said Kobe was taunting the Nuggets with his pistol act and was happy that JR Smith was trash talking with Kobe. Reggie Miller use to do the same thing in big games, KG talks to himself and to opposing players all the time and throughout the game, all the Thuggets are constantly talking trash, Shaq is constantly whining and talking trash against the Spurs, Amare likes to staredown people after a thunderous slam which is equivalent to "posing" after hitting a homerun in baseball and so on.
Skip the Stupid then fell back on his dumb argument that Kobe isn't Michael Jordan when it comes to playing angry. Kobe isn't MJ, he's Kobe and his legacy isn't finished yet. Much like MJ yet very much different, Kobe and these Lakers are writing a new chapter in Laker lore. Skip the Lip sucks big time and is just a hater. He also had the gall to say that Kobe was playing last night as if he were jealous that Pau had such a great game 1. What an idiot!!! He refuses to see that the Nuggets obviously focused on clogging the lane to make it much more difficult for Pau and LO so Kobe read the defense and took what was there while still involving his mates. If Skip is trying to be a contrarian, he's doing a terrible job at it.
Good morning Laker family. Good morning Faith, Charles, LakerTom, Pig, JonK and the rest of the awesome LakerWakers. I salute Mamba24 the Dean of this blog and the All-seeing KBros. On to Denver to rip out their hearts in game 3!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 24, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Good morning Mamba 24, everybody!
Damn I’m tired from staying up last night, but it’s worth it just to see our Lakers kick some azz. How nice is it to see Luke turning it up a notch? The great thing about this team is when on player is down, another will take his spot and have a great game. Pau for Kobe in game 1, Luke for LO in game 2. I think that’s what separates this year’s team from the last couple of years, they collectively want to win, no matter who has the big game. Now let’s finish out the Nugs as soon as we can!
-bozz-
p.s. Am I the only one that thinks this punk "Fire 32" is not the same Fire32 that's we've love to hate? Hmm...
Posted by: bozz | April 24, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation!
It is again a beautiful day here in the Laker Nation!
Mamba, no thanks needed, man! You are too much an integral part of this place for any of us to not have your back 24/7. Any more instances like that and the entire Laker Nation will rise in an awsome display of unity and support for the HOF blogger that you are!
Another win on the way to 15 is down and done! On to Denver to continue the sweep..............hope the guys packed the brooms! And this time we only have to wait 2 days for our fix.
14 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 24, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Toad,
"the whole world is slanted in the Lakers favor and Stern won't let us win it" do you?"
Yeah - look at the Lakers success in the 2005, 2006, and 2007playoffs.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 24, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Mamba24...
Add me to your bandwagon!!!
Posted by: Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | April 24, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Next to the Lakers winning last night, which was SWEET!!
How 'bout Kenny Smith's shoe commercial on the TNT post game show...that was AWSOME!!
Kobe seemed to enjoy it when K-Smith was knocked outta his shoes...that was some funny stuff!!
The Purple & Gold will continue to roll.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: Laker Dodger Die Hard Fan In Upstate NY | April 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Kobe doesn't role in a drop-top Impala, it just ain't him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkYTXHZycPE
Posted by: HeWhoHoops | April 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
PICK YOUR TYPE OF POISON
This is what AI said to Fox interview about the Lakers:
"You can make him give the ball up, that's about it," Nuggets star Allen Iverson said. "But he's willing to do that ... and once you do it, the other guys make you pay. They put shooters around him, and those guys knocked shots down. So it's one of those pick-your-poison type things."
Yeah, which type of poison do you prefer? Venom from Mamba, Tapas from Catalan, Great White Hope, Slovenian ivy, Montenegro Sherbet, .04 red wine, NuYok LO, Bruins delight and finally the unexpected one, DJ's congo flavor. For dessert, the appearance of the son with a smirk on Father-Coach. Haha priceless!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 24, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Jon K...............props to you, my friend for that Melo/Nacho post last night.............ROTFLMAO!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | April 24, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Kobe's more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTaGtYh6Xaw&feature=related
Posted by: HeWhoHoops | April 24, 2008 at 08:18 AM
It really is all meshing for Kobe. He's got the rock star's hold over the emotion of the entire building. He has the technical skill of a virtuoso at his prime. He's got the hearts and minds of his teammates like a seasoned platoon leader. He's got faith in his team like a holy warrior.
Add his unquestioned gifts, his discipline and his desire to win, and it smells a lot like Laker glory.
Awesome.
Posted by: The D | April 24, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Just to piggy back on my last post regarding Skip the Stupid. There has been a lot of trash talking in the Cavs/Wizards series with LeBron flexing his bicep and pointing to it. CP3, Tyson Chandler and David West are subtle trash talkers as well. It's part of the game. The Nuggets were talking a lot of trash in the first two games and I expect them to be do even more in Denver and be even more demonstrative as well. Kobe maybe arrogant and cocky, but he's also showing how happy he is with his team and to be in LA especially after how the past three years have been since Shaq left. It's just jubilation that's bubbling over right now for Kobe because the situation in LA has completely turned around. His jersey poppin' tells me that he's not going anywhere and he will finish his career as a Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 24, 2008 at 08:19 AM