Resistance is futile
Whether you're referring to how the Lakers steamrollering the Nuggets 102-84 made it even more perfectly clear who'll win this series or a literal description of the effort Denver put forth in resistance, the Star Trek catchphrase is appropriate when discussing this series. As Denver remained its own worst enemy throughout the series, the Lakers adjusted to whatever tempo and D was presented, continuing to exploit their opponent through non-stop, crisp ball movement. Whatever home court advantage supposedly in Denver's pocket was quickly negated, or at least the part that would potentially result in shots being made. The Lakers played some enthusiastic D, but their opponent's inability to hit the broad side of the ocean didn't exactly hurt (meaning they have something in common with Vlad Radmanovic). The Lakers' win also featured nice balance beyond just its big three in the box score contributions. Five dudes in double figures, including a wholly rejuvenated Luke Walton, who can't recall stringing together a better consecutive trio of games than the ones in this series. Derek Fisher, who hit a pair from downtown in the third quarter, was another role player who helped deliver some knockout blows.
Of course, the Lakers pursued victory armed with a distinct advantage, in that Denver played with a vigor that would embarass a corpse. By its own teamwide admission, this sucker was abandoned with plenty of PT still on hand (and if you ask some players, such slackerish behavior extended to the coaching staff). Even mascot Rocky showed more guts than the team he represents. Moreover, this series has only served to magnify problems already plaguing this squad. One can hardly blame the "MVP' chants going for Kobe Bryant as the fourth quarter came to a close. If the hometown squad isn't going to provide a cheering magnet, the next best option would be a visitor.
One man's flagrant is another man's flop, if you're asking Eduardo Najera about Sasha Vujacic.
Everyone always warns against looking ahead to the next series. After all, going up a series is hardly reason enough to start blocking off areas of Figeruoa. But looking ahead toward who may actually be available during the next series isn't considered a problem. And that being the case, it seems perfectly responsible to mention that Trevor Ariza is expected to suit up at some point during round two.
Will the TNT crew need to find a replacement jokester for Kenny Smith? Rumors are also flying about Larry brown coaching next season in Charlotte. Of course, if he doesn't get that gig, there might be a spot open for Mr. Wanderlust in Phoenix.
The LeBron/Jay-Z v. DeShawn/Soulja Boy rivarly is taking a hilarious turn.
Go lakers
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | April 27, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Just want to say hey to all my Lakers brothers and sisters - the postseason is going even better than I had hoped, and I'm right up there with Laker Tom as a GHFer.
Does anyone else think the Lakers have a decided edge in a possible showdown with the Celtics? Aren't the Nuggets several orders of magnitude better than the Hawks, and we're beating them like a Persian rug. Meanwhile the Cs drop a game to the worst team in the playoffs? The Celtics have been exposed, as far as I'm concerned.
On to Utah, baby!
Posted by: SBPimp | April 27, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Happy Sunday all!
Great win last night, it really showed how much we have matured as a team in such a short while. Now we just have to finish it off on Monday.
The Laker huddle-Rocky mascot was a great moment for our team, really symbolic of the guys gelling.
Najera calling the flagrant a flop? Thats lame, sure Sasha is a flopper but you could totally see the elbow hitting him in the chest. Only a Enver Nugget would whine about that call.
Just a heads up that 2nd link is a Simers link.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM
So how good is our team at this point?
Can't tell by Denver, they haven't beaten even an injured Laker roster all year. They just don't match up. LA ain't the course for their horses.
You have to like that the Lakers are building, believing. A different player is the story each game but one deserves more ink.
Mister Fisher has hit the timely shots and played his minutes as consistently on both ends as anyone. He's one of the reasons our belief is founded in something solid, and solid is the most apt description of that man.
Posted by: Vman | April 27, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Big Cactus cost -- Marion, $45+ million plus luxury tax.
Big Cactus angry -- Liable to win Zero playoff games.
Suns 1st round swept and in disarray -- Priceless!
Go Spurs!!
Posted by: SG | April 27, 2008 at 11:26 AM
My prediction? Either Dallas or Phoenix (or possibly both) will not make the playoffs next season.
The Gasol trade has not only made us a much better team, but it has led to reactionary management decisions which will lead to the internal combustion of our enemies. Just fantastic.
Now what we need is for Andrew Bynum to get back on the court, crush our enemies on course to a victory in the Finals and sit back as panic infects Western Conference management front offices like the Plague overcame Dark Ages Europe.
Nothing ensures well-balanced, long-term decision-making like panic. Nope. Nothing.
Good times.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:27 AM
AND winning attracts those who want to win. Who wouldn't want to play with Bynum-Gasol-Bryant-Odom?
Mitch Kupcheck isn't going to have to make any calls during the off-season. But he is going to have to field a lot of calls from the agents of free agents.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:29 AM
God bless Kobe and his 'K-Mart is closed' game. 49 and 10 is what happens when the bully meets the corn-fed farm boy in to visit aunt Melba.
The thing about Kobe is that when he cracks your dome he doesn't leave it at that, he uses it as a way into your mind.
He's playing mind kung fu with these guys like he's Pai Mei and they're emissaries from the evil Ching Dynasty.
Ka-pow!
http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_110705a.htm
Wes
Posted by: | April 27, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Edwin,
But there wasn't an 8-week "deadline," there was an 8-week minimum, something too many people have ignored. If Bynum and Ariza could play, they would play. You can question the ability of the training staff to get these guys faster, but saying the Lakers or players themselves just don't want to come back is crazy.
If they could play they would. Bringing them back againsta tougher opponent in Utah or whomever we would/could face in the conference finals makes no sense.
Posted by: Xodus | April 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM
SG,
I prefer the moniker "The Big Mistake" to "The Big Cactus".
I guess we'll have to wait until next year to personally humiliate the Suns. Until then, the best we can ask for is a sweep over D'Antonio/Raja Bell/The Big Mistake's Suns.
So... as much as I cannot believe I'd ever type this...
Go Spurs!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Hey! Anybody seen Fire32 around Laker Nation recently?
That's odd.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM
how is sasha flopping, if najera elbows him in the throat. Now it think that sasha stayed on the floor way too long so he could draw the flagrant foul, but hey, thats sasha.
Posted by: greek dude | April 27, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Also, I really wish that lunatic Michael Teniente would come back for this run to the Finals--as well as former master bloggers JJ and Andrew Z and such.
After struggling together for years, they should be here when there is objective reason to celebrate together.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:37 AM
To quote my sarcastic self: "Nothing ensures well-balanced, long-term decision-making like panic. Nope. Nothing."
And THAT'S why we all owe Mitch Kupcheck a toast of our next beer.
He didn't panic.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Jon,
Right. This next mid level should bring a high quality veteran to this team. Any ideas who we should sign? My dark horse, outside hope is Elton Brand.
Wes
Posted by: | April 27, 2008 at 11:40 AM
More photos of Kobe against Denver:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2382076160/ch0001814
Wes
Posted by: | April 27, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Whatever happens to Nuggets on Monday or next week, George Karl will be retained as the Coach of the Nuggets
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/apr/26/karls-job-appears-safe-win-or-lose/
However, AZCentral reports D'Antoni is planning to move to Toronto Raftors, he can see eye-to-eye with the decisions of the front office or Steve Kerr.
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/22405
On the Coach of the Year Award, I hope they'll give it to Jerry Sloan. He has been coaching since 1989, only the Lakers, Bulls and Spurs have frustrated the Jazz from getting the Championship and yet Utah Jazz always produced a great team under Coach Sloan, a span of 20 years of services with zero award.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Are we gonna get a game 3 breakdown? I love reading those, especially after a win.
Posted by: Justin N | April 27, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Oh God, I hope Mike T. never comes back. It was so much harder to enjoy the blog when you've got 25 arguments about Kwame Brown's calves at the same time.
Posted by: Xodus | April 27, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I find it amusing and amazing that the big Cactus hits his freebies only after the refs forced him to set his feet, instead of that lean over the line.
cheers, Laker nation. Today the Funs fizzle.
Posted by: EHomp | April 27, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Why would Elton Brand sign for the mid-level. And more importantly, why would we need him when we've got Pau, LO and Ronny? There's no space for another PF.
Posted by: Xodus | April 27, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Wes,
"He's playing mind kung fu with these guys like he's Pai Mei and they're emissaries from the evil Ching Dynasty."
Simply brilliant.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Wes,
The only problem with Elton Brand (who is one of my favorite players) is that we'd have Pau Gasol and Elton Brand at power forward. Not enough playing time, particularly if we resign Ronny Turiaf, which it looks like we will.
We need either another point guard (Derek Fisher should see less minutes next season and if he or Jordan Farmar gets hurt, we have a problem) or another center (I don't see both The Banger Mbenga and Chris Mihm back next season.)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Amare interviewed at half of todays game.
He sounded and looked like he was on the way to a funeral.
In all the Az papers, many of the Suns have been giving their take except one, Shaq.
Amazingly the Big Cactus is nowhere to be found.
Not worried about Spurs. They can play the D, but they are having trouble scoring, except against the Suns.
15 above average. Won't happen if we are fortunate enough to play them in finals.
Not with this new and Faith approved defensive version of the Lakers.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 27, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Xodus,
'If they could play they would. Bringing them back againsta tougher opponent in Utah or whomever we would/could face in the conference finals makes no sense.'
That is again another assumption. We don't know the real story. It makes sense to play them against tougher opponents, the curse of Kwame-Smush still stay with the Lakers after leading 3-1 we failed to finish. We don't leave anything to chances, Bynum and Ariza when healthy will put that curse into rest. Great defense from these two players will guarantee us the Championship with Mr. MVP, LO, Pau and the supporting cast.
Never again we will be frustrated. Jon K is in a blu goo mood because he got drunk on the day we lost Game 7. We will not rest until we pass this 1st round, nothing is impossible from this team. Nobody likes Mike T. on clinging to Kwame so much but he too proved his passion and loyalty for this team. To the last seconds we were all clinging to hope just to be frustrated by Tim Thomas 3 pt. shot on Game 6 in LA.
Xodus, we have scars, we suffered from past frustrations, so WE ARE NOW CRAZY to seal the deal. No tomorrows, just give us the Championship this year. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 27, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Edwin,
What I meant was it makes no sense bringing Bynum and Ariza back against tougher opponents if they were actually capable of coming back during this series.
Posted by: Xodus | April 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I like Brand because of his talent and size. Whoever we sign I just hope he's big for his position and shows an interest in defense.
Wes
Posted by: | April 27, 2008 at 12:28 PM
We got to get Kobe to grow those long white eyebrows that the great Kung Fu grand masters always had. That was a good look. I miss those old fashions...
Or maybe the single-haired mole tradition?
Go Lakers
Wes
Posted by: | April 27, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Le Bron got bailes out by Delonte West and Boobie tonite
Posted by: shneurson | April 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Resistance is futile.
Complete assimilation of the NBA has begun.
Fans are being assimilated and becoming part of the one Lakers Borg body, chanting Kobe is MVP in every city.
Lakers are united into one purpose and thought. Total and complete domination. There can on;y be one.
Please comply or plan to be destroyed and face annihilation.
Thank you.
Fan of the Borg - Fatty Locutus
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM
F. Fatty,
"Big Cactus is nowhere to be found."
He is standing tall at the middle of Arizona desert, he prefers that desert heat than be scorched by Arizonians. A cactus remain as a cactus, touch him and you get stung!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Edwin,
I called you a pessimist, maybe I could have chosen my words more wisely. You seem to take the information out there and come up with the least logical conclusion from that information. That illogical conclusion usually seems to be a worst case GHE conclusion that goes against the majority of the evidence.
Come to think of it, I was right you are a pessimist. Get over it. And when I start insulting you, you will know it............
Xodus,
It is nice to see someone using logic before they post, keep up the good fight............
Posted by: pslakerfan | April 27, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Shaq just asked out of the Phoenix game
Posted by: shneurson | April 27, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Did anyone notice the Jazz beat the Rockets despite going oh-fer 12 on 3s yesterday?
If the Thuggets (my new name for them -- and not because of the way they look; I don't judge on haircuts, only play) hail from Enver because they lack D, does that mean we should call Utah's team the Azz (No J)?
The Rockets are terrible. The Azz are over-rated. We are gonna kill them.
And does anyone else see the Dallas/New Orleans series as the Raps-Magic of the West? Irrelevant.
Bring on the Spurs. God, I know you're busy, but I have to tell you I can't wait for that series. You really should follow sports.
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 27, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Shaq just looks lost, i feel bad for him I wish that i never get to watch Kobey playing at such a level of decline...
Posted by: shneurson | April 27, 2008 at 01:03 PM
The only thing better than John Denver is Star Trek. Lakers, sorry, but you're a distant third.
I, for one, wouldn't miss Kenny Smith. The TNT studio team is fun but he's the weak link -- his parody of Kobe's Aston Martin commercial notwithstanding.
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Shaq's record for his last seven playoff games, all first round: 0-7.
The big question tonight: will he win one before losing eight?
And the bigger questions for next year? What line will he be taking? Will he hang around in Phoenix for a couple of years and take his 40 M? Will they buy him out so he can sell himself as a backup center at the veteran's minimum?
Just as I still want to see an interview with McHale about failing to trade Garnett to the Lakers, I want to see an honest interview with Shaq about his effect on the last two teams he's played for.
Posted by: Tsphere | April 27, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Kenyon Martin must have a very strange sense of humor. For some reason he is always laughing, even while getting his butt whipped and playing like a D-Leaguer. What exactly is so funny about coming out and laying a major egg in the biggest game of the year? I don't get it.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 27, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I could be crazy, but: Does anyone else see this Spurs-Suns series as one that could still go either way? Like it could be tthe Sox-Yanks series of basketball, the first ever 0-3 playoff comeback?
I tell you what, if that happens, I would not wanna play the Suns. Just saying, we may not have seen the last of Fire32.
Then again, that'll NEVER happen, right?
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 27, 2008 at 01:08 PM
If Andrew was a 12 year vet he might be playin' next series at least. Keeping him out is a luxury due to the wins, and sensible given the potential length of the career ahead.
THe money, his age, his family, the Laker org, all figure into the formula. He isn't at 100% but neither are Luke, Kobe or Fish. Who knows how Pau's lower back feels, or Lamar's shoulder. Vet time is now.
Posted by: Vman | April 27, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I'm reading articles in which pundits are worried that we'll get a false sense of confidence because this series has been so easy (not done yet mind you)...and I have to wonder do they even know WHY we wanted to be #1?
I mean of course for the sake of saying 'were #1! we're #1!' but also because that gives us a more favorable path to the championship...theoretically. I mean come on, a false sense of confidence? Maybe the lakers of old, but this team has vets in it. Vets that have played in the FInals. Leaders that have shown capability to lead, and it's paying off.
Maybe they're just hedging their bets because these are the same people that have counted us out earlier in the year.
Whatever. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 27, 2008 at 01:12 PM
San Antonio seems like there throwing The Suns a bone and letting them run up the score! Why would you wana blow out a team then during game 4 go away from everything that got you were you are right now!! Geeezzz...i hate to bring up conspiracy theories but something seems alil fishy about the Spurs "D". There running a weak high pick and roll..Iso's..and jumpshots. that's not there game. Suspicious!!!
Oh..dang just as I'm writting this The Spurs are going on a run. I suppose The Sterns...ooppsss...i mean The Spurs trying to keep veiwers tuned in by giving PHX fans hope
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 27, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Jesterguru,
you talkin reckless..
Kenny Smith is one of the best analysts out there.
Posted by: Korey | April 27, 2008 at 01:23 PM
I forgot cheesecake and women.
The list:
1. Star Trek
2. John Denver
3. Cheesecake
4. Lakers
5. Women
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 27, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Funny article about Eduardo Najera. In a similar article in the Rocky Mountain News a pot was quoted as saying "The kettle is black..."
Posted by: j. d. hastings | April 27, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Message to the Lakers: You haven't won ANYTHING, yet. _enver isn't _ead until you stick a fork in them. Every team good enough to get to the playoffs has latent qualities of a vampire. They can easily come back from the grave when you least expect it.
The Thuggets were humiliated on their home floor on Saturday and they know it. Bet on this: They're gonna give it one more go on Monday night. They WILL show up.
Neither the Laker players nor us fans should be blinded by the glow of the post-season's great start. It is still April. There is a lot of basketball to be played between now and June.
All I'm saying is, let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's a time to celebrate. but it's not here yet. The Lakers need to continue to play one game at a time. If you're old enough to need reading glasses, you know if you use them for distance viewing, you're likely to trip and fall. The book is still open. It's all about preparation and execution, game by game. We are all blessed with an amazing Laker team, capable of playing basketball for the ages. Destiny will be here soon enough. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 27, 2008 at 01:43 PM
AND winning attracts those who want to win. Who wouldn't want to play with Bynum-Gasol-Bryant-Odom?
Mitch Kupcheck isn't going to have to make any calls during the off-season. But he is going to have to field a lot of calls from the agents of free agents.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I agree with you on that. I think in the past big names did not want to come as much because they probably believed the ballhog tag given to Kobe. They felt to come here was to be sidekick and no touches.
This year with the dishes and all around balanced attack more FA's will want to come. Heck it already started with Gilbert Arenas already saying he would take less money to play for the Lakers. I am sure more will follow.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM
I hope the Lakers can use the Spurs as a motivation...
You HAVE TO KILL to close out a team...
You must come out WITH ENERGY!!!
Posted by: Korey | April 27, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Korey,
Think so? I would say Greg Anthony is the best in the business and Kenny Smith is somewhere in the middle of the pack -- but still way above Legler.
Don't get me wrong, I like Kenny. I just think he usually states the obvious and takes awhile to do so.
It's always up to Ernie to bring the other two back to coherence.
Ernie and Chuck are indespensible on that program. Kenny, not so much. At least for me.
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 27, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Wes,
The only problem with Elton Brand (who is one of my favorite players) is that we'd have Pau Gasol and Elton Brand at power forward. Not enough playing time, particularly if we resign Ronny Turiaf, which it looks like we will.
We need either another point guard (Derek Fisher should see less minutes next season and if he or Jordan Farmar gets hurt, we have a problem) or another center (I don't see both The Banger Mbenga and Chris Mihm back next season.)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 27, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Not really. I think with Brand he would be split minutes like Luke/Rad and we could lose both Mbenga and Mihm as Pau could be backup center as well. Rony could be back up to both and LO to SF.
I think we need younger established pg while Farmar continues to learn and Fish gets older. I also say keek Sasha.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 27, 2008 at 02:03 PM