The waiting is the hardest part
Generally speaking, we consider Tom Petty a sage. But in this case, waiting is actually pretty easy. A perk, even. Having polished off the Denver Nuggets in four games after last night's 107-101 win at Pepsi Center, the Lakers can kick back and wait for the conclusion of the Jazz/Rockets series, which continues tonight back in Houston, with the Rockets down 3-1. In the meantime (which might not be that long, if Utah closes things out) the Lakers can bask in the glow of their first playoff series win in four seasons. The fork-sticking win didn't come easy, unlike the first three, because Denver finally showed up to play all 48 minutes. They made LA's 10-point halftime lead disappear, took a lead in the third, and kept things tight in the fourth, but it wasn't enough to overcome a huge fourth quarter for Kobe Bryant, who had 31 points as Carmelo Anthony continued to struggle for Denver. But it wasn't just Bryant -- Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Vlad Radmanovic, and Luke Walton all played a role in the win and the box score shows once again that the Lakers used some solid ball movement to score points.
If there was a central theme of the series -- beyond Denver's inability to cope with stress -- it was LA's ability to share the ball. They finished the four games with a 66.2% assist rate. When the Lakers move the ball that well, they're very difficult to beat. It's that teamwork that separated them from the Nuggets, who undoubtedly have plenty of talent.
The Lakers managed to do what no other team could in the playoffs -- sweep an opponent. Still, they'll have to improve throughout the postseason if they want to advance, especially since they can't count on seeing a team as undisciplined as Denver -- who will not be missed -- the rest of the way.
The Nuggets have a decision to make about George Karl. Currently, though, his job is considered safe.
When you look at how the dominoes fell in the Western Conference arms race, it's pretty clear that the best one landed in LA. Needless to say, Gasol is happy to be on the right end of a sweep.
On Ariza, from the Daily News:
Trevor Ariza is scheduled to undergo another CT scan on his broken right foot in a little less than two weeks, which the Lakers hope will show that there is sufficient healing to allow him to play. He has been sidelined since January.
"He's cleared to do all sorts of activity levels up to dunking the ball," Jackson said. "He can't play contact basketball yet, but he can do all the basketball drills and shoot baskets - all that kind of stuff. We know there's a still another two weeks before he can be cleared to play."
Hornets coach and former Laker Byron Scott was selected the NBA's coach of the year. Certainly he's a worthy choice. In other coaching news, Pat Riley is done working the bench in Miami, and Larry Brown will return to the sidelines in Charlotte.
Lakers Legacy/AK,
Ummm... yeah... the blatant disregard for the orders of the ref and the push-away, while it wasn't "grevious", it probably deserves a one-game suspension.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 29, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Kiwi,
I never got it either. Many consider 'Sheed to be the best player on the Pistons but I'd take Billups and maybe even Hamilton over him any day of the week. He's good, but he's not great, and I can't for the life of me see why everyone praises him as much as they do. Give me LO anytime over 'Sheed.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | April 29, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Mamba24,
Thank you for not forgetting to put my name in your list of die hard LAKERS fans, eventhough I rarely blog for the past months.
More power to our beloved team and hopefully I can attend that parade in Dept. of Water & Power again.
Dacsila
Posted by: dacsila | April 29, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Prediction:
Lakers vs Houston (Lakers in 4)
Lakers vs Utah (Lakers in 5)
dpk
Posted by: dpk | April 29, 2008 at 03:29 PM
DPK!!!
Posted by: Charles | April 29, 2008 at 03:30 PM
AK,
Umm... yeah, after watching that clip again, with David Stern in the audience and all... man, he's GOT to suspend Kevin Garnett. He has to, for the integrity of the rules. If he doesn't, he's making a statement that the NBA is rooting (conspiring) to get the Celtics into the Finals.
And even though I respect Garnett as a player and would love to see the Lakers beat the Celtics in the Finals, it's just not right of Stern to work to ensure that happens.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 29, 2008 at 03:33 PM
dpk,
We're playing Utah. It's that simple.
And Utah is a far more disciplined team than Denver. They're not going to self-destruct. No way.
I predict a hard fought series won by the Lakers 4-2, but the series will closer in terms of competitiveness than 4-2 would normally convey.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 29, 2008 at 03:35 PM
... And what's up with Pierce throwing gang signs --- You're not a gangsta dude, you're a poser -- and unfortunately for the Celtics you're their captain -- Dumbass.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 29, 2008 at 03:37 PM
... Larry Bird and Kevin McHale are rolling over in their graves ... oh sorry.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 29, 2008 at 03:42 PM
cheers bozz. I feel sane again... kind of..yeah I dont remember him playing big the championship season it was Hamilton though the playoffs and Billups in the finals.The cult of personality I guess...T's and guarantees and good interviews.Hes hit some crazy shots during the regular season but I cant remember any in the playoffs...as you say Hamilton and billups are the clutch guys...
Posted by: Kiwi | April 29, 2008 at 03:43 PM
DOES THE SUN-SURS SERIES REMIND YOU OF ANYTHING?
Let’s see. It was two years ago. The Phoenix Suns had been favored to beat the Lakers easily in the first round, just as they were to defeat the San Antonio Spurs easily this year. After 4 games, the Lakers behind a miraculous shot by Kobe Bryant to steal a game had seized a 3-1 lead and looked ready to close out the Suns at home in Game 5, just as the Spurs now lead the Suns 3-1 due to a miraculous shot by Tim Duncan to steal a game and are looking to close out the Suns at home in Game 5.
We all know what happened in that series as the Suns came back and won Game 5 in overtime and then Game 6 at home with the coup de grace coming in Game 7 at Staples as the Lakers blew their big 3-1 lead and lost the series in heartbreaking 4-3 fashion. Tonight the Spurs look to close out the Suns for the second time. If they fail to get the job done tonight, then the series shifts to Phoenix and the Spurs may be in danger of being the first NBA team in history to blow a 3-0 series lead.
Watching the Spurs lose Game 4 to the Suns showed me a team that still lacks that killer instinct of previous Spurs’ championship teams. To see Parker, Ginobli, and Duncan laughing on the bench while the Suns demolished them on the floor was revealing. The Spurs are not the same team as last year. The last thing the Lakers want is for the Spurs to blow this series and blow life back into the carcass that is now the Phoenix Suns.
Time for the Spurs to prove themselves tonight. If they lose tonight, I predict they will eventually lose the series 4-3. I wonder if the Suns see the irony and similarity between their situation right now and 2 years ago against the Lakers. Watch out, San Antonio. You are treading in dangerous waters right now. Time to close out and stop laughing.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 29, 2008 at 03:44 PM
HmrHed,
Those guys only look like the're dead.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 29, 2008 at 03:45 PM
"The Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks escaped discipline for a Game 4 skirmish in which Kevin Garnett pushed off a referee while players on both benches stepped onto the court.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Tuesday there would be no fines or suspensions. Four technical fouls resulted in a game Atlanta won 97-92 to tie the best-of-seven series at two games apiece." ESPN
Stern you mouse!!!
Posted by: HmrHed | April 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Milorambaldi,
You too have my deepest sincere sympathy having to live in the land of the frickin' leprechans---how can you stand the smell?
Yes i know I am in great vast host of company in my Celtic hatred--we are all brothers and sisters in arms!
Tullymoxness,
yay varily yay, the '84 series burns deep in my memory--combined with all the seven game losses to the Celtics in the 60's-- only redemption can rectify such injustices.....
and redemption is coming !
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
HmrHed, Laker Legacy
Paul Pierce is as Gangsta as Dr. Dre in this picture.
http://tinyurl.com/55q4pf
Posted by: Charles | April 29, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Celtics, Hawks escape punishment for skirmish, leaving bench
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3374218
I'm not surprised.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 29, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Wow. No suspension for Kevin Garnet. Or any of the Hawks or Celtics.
I'm very disappointed in David Stern. It seems all my previous criticisms of him are accurate.
Not good.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 29, 2008 at 03:54 PM
To all that wanted a replay link to last nights game, I tried to post one just a little while ago, but my post was rejected because of too many links in it.
The game is broken into parts and hosted by Youku.
Here is the last segment where the fourth quarter heroics occurred:
game 4: Lakers @ Denver
http://player.youku.com/player.php/sid/XMjU4MDY4OTY=/v.swf
Yeah, the commentary is in Chinese, but at least you can see it again.
If you want the rest of the game, I can break up the links and post them individually.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 29, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Edwin Guerco,
Congratulations are in order and well-deserved.
Mamba24,
When does the loquacious LakerTom get honored?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 29, 2008 at 03:56 PM
HmrHed,
I love the cover up story coming out of Boston for that too.
"Blood, sweat and tears?" you got the blood part right.
And Boston fans are trying to say its a B for Boston or he's holding up a 3! Are you kidding me?
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 29, 2008 at 03:59 PM
How does the Beast, Andrew Bynum match up with Superman, Dwight Howard?
After watching Dwight Howard & the Orlando Magic in their mini-series against the Raptors, and seeing that the Celtics and Pistons are struggling in the first round, I think no one should look past the Magic going all the way to the Finals.
Posted by: Robyn | April 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Charles, LOL!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Did the NBA news release of 'NO SUSPENSIONS' carry an apology to the Phx Suns?
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM
LT:
Couple of differences from the 3-1 deficit the Suns are in now and then.
1. The Suns would have to win 4 straight against the Spurs, as oppose to 3 straight back then.
2. The Lakers had Kwame and Smush -- ‘nough said
Posted by: HmrHed | April 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM
With the Utah-Houston series likely to continue (go Rockets), the Lakers next series might not start until next week. Friday at the earliest. If Trevor is cleared to play a week from Friday, it seems likely he'll be available for around a game 3 or 4 in the next series, unless Rockets and Utah goes 7 games. If that's the case he'll probably be available for game 2 or 3. We're gonna need his perimiter D in the next series.
Bottom line, we're all Rockets fans in this series.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | April 29, 2008 at 04:08 PM
No suspention for pushing a ref--un frickin' real---
Perhaps the Laker / Kobe conspiracy has merit after all.....
any word on Kidd and his unnatural / on purpose act?
Stern just lost a lot of credibilty....
yet another reason to hate the lucky Celtics....
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 29, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Laker Legacy, Charles:
I want to know which guy at the NBA offices spoted the sign and determined it was a gang sign. hahaha.
Some dude in a suit is like "hey - that looks like a bloods sign -- I saw it on that movie 'Colors'." hahaha
Posted by: HmrHed | April 29, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Wow. No suspension for Kevin Garnet. Or any of the Hawks or Celtics.
I'm very disappointed in David Stern. It seems all my previous criticisms of him are accurate.
Posted by: Jon K.
Dude, all this means is that any player is free to punch any ref in the throat when they don't like the call.
Posted by: Fire32 | April 29, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Pig --
Embalming fluid not withstanding.
Posted by: HmrHed | April 29, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Floyd--
"...how can you stand the smell?"
I live in a rural state, and when the wind blows just right, the slightly sweet smell of manure that is used in the fields masks the pungent odor of the average Boston fan quite nicely.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | April 29, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Hmrhed, lol!
Maybe Stu Jackson was a G.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | April 29, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Just how good are the Lakers since Pau Gasol arrived?
Lakers are 26-4 with Gasol playing the whole game.
That's winning at a .867 clip.
Translated to a full 82 game season would give the Lakers a record of 71-11.
That would be 2nd best in the history of the NBA.
This is not a win streak, but a pattern has developed to clearly show just how good they are. These 30 games, many under pressure against quality teams, is a strong indicator supporting Laker(s) Tom assertion of a dominating performance in the playoffs.
Yes, the Lakers are that good when Gasol is in the line up.
Fatty - Just give me some stats and I can prove anything 75% at least 50% of the time.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 29, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Milorambaldi,
That is quite possibly the best post I have ever seen on this blog-----vast props my friend Huzzah indeed!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | April 29, 2008 at 04:36 PM
complex brotha,
It’s going to be a very hard playoffs on us Lakers fans this year because we are going to have big delays between each round as we sweep our way toward our the championship. Even if the Jazz win tonight, our next game probably won’t be until next Sunday. And if the Rockets prolong the series, the Lakers round two would probably not begin until the middle of next week. Tough for the team or its fans to hold onto an edge that long.
At any rate, I just replayed the Making of a Beast and a couple of other Andrew Bynum YouTube videos to get back to your earlier request to reprise our discussion as to whether Drew is a power or finesse player. Knowing your penchant and prior posts, I suspect that we both are thinking pretty much the same about Drew. He is going to be a very unique combination of power and finesse as a center. Perhaps the greatest ever to play the game.
What first impresses anybody watching Drew are his soft hands and incredible footwork, which are the pure embodiment of a great finesse player. Unlike most young big men, Drew is uniquely coordinated at 20, able to use his great footwork to spin around players or drop step to get inside position as gracefully as the great finesse centers in history. His hands are clearly among the very best in the NBA. If he touches a pass or board, it is his. With the best hand-eye-foot coordination seen in years by a center, Drew is definitely a great finesse player, who will eventually even become a good mid-range shooter.
What makes Drew special as a player, however, is his ability to finish as a power player. When he is back to 100% next year, he will lead the league in dunks, which he will get by throwing down lob passes and rebounds as defenders futilely try to keep him out of the middle and away from the rim. I have never seen a player who was more able to go after any pass thrown his way because of his athleticism and great hands. Because he is far more athletic than Shaq with greater height, length, and hops, Drew will be a far easier center to get the ball to than Shaq, who was only a power player.
Finally, the key that is going to make Drew the greatest center to ever play for the Lakers is his startling high basketball IQ for a kid who basically only played one full year of high school basketball before entering the NBA and his Kobe Bryant-like work ethic and dedication to becoming the best at his craft. His growth and understanding of the game, especially defensive angles and spacing as taught by Kareem, will make Drew the next great defensive center in the NBA. If he is healthy all of next year, Drew will lead the NBA in blocked shots, rebounds, and shooting percentage from the field next year and will come in second to Yao Ming in votes for starting center of the West All-Stars.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 29, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Charles,
Tennis who?
Posted by: Eric M. | April 29, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Edwin, Rizzo, et al,
There were several other posters who also predicted that the Lakers would sweep and there are several who agree with me that we will sweep all 16 games.
Not a totally crazy prediction because, after all, we are the Los Angeles Lakers and God IS a Lakers fan. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 29, 2008 at 04:54 PM
IMO, KG pushed the ref harder and more deliberately than when Nick the Quick "pushed" Ronnie Garrison... half the Van Exel thing was just Nick running up and Garrison freaking out and jumping up onto the scorer's table.
If I recall, there was a HUGE suspension for that.
KG literally pushed the ref, and pushed him HARD and gets nothing.
David Stern is showing his true colors this year.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 29, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Tennis who?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 29, 2008 at 05:02 PM
bozz, justanothermambafan, dpk, Fatty, Edwin,
Thanks for the props. Happy you guys are as excited as I am about this team.
I was just amazed when I looked at how many guys on this team are playing the best basketball of their careers. It is truly miraculous and puts the Lakers in the cat’s bird seat for these playoffs. You gotta just love this Lakers team. And Bynum will be back for the conference of NBA finals.
Kobe for MVP. Los Angeles Lakers 2008 Undefeated NBA Champion.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 29, 2008 at 05:05 PM
HmrHed,
You're right. And Kwame and Smush were quite a handicap for the Lakers. Other than that, however, the situation is eerily similar. If the Spurs don't take out the Suns tonight, they are really at risk of letting the Suns back into the series, which was what happened when we let the Suns hit that jumper to send Game 5 into overtime. Don't count the Suns out just yet.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 29, 2008 at 05:09 PM
lakertom i agree that the suns would be at least in the series with a win tonight....but in all honesty the spurs are jsut too good to lose four times in a row.The spurs are much better and much more experienced than that laker team.Its not impossible but its basically impossible
Posted by: Kiwi | April 29, 2008 at 05:27 PM
As much as how well Kobe, Gaso, Fisher and LO played during this series, what I was really impressed about was how Walton played defense and scored almost at will. We all know how well Luke can play, but this year he seemed to be very inconsistent and lost a lot of playing time to other players. Not sure what caused the big turnaround, but it sure is good to see him play well. I hope he keeps his level of play up during the next round and the entire playoffs.
Posted by: 2BRich | April 29, 2008 at 05:36 PM
BK/AK
Is there a way for fans to make a complaint to the NBA about the FO??? Of even just let them know that we know they show favorites??? How can Kobe get suspended twice, after the fact, and there be no suspension for KG or JK? Remember, when Sasha got hit in the throat? No suspension!
This is so obviously a conspiracy against the Lakers or just Kobe hating by that jerk Stu.
Posted by: tellitlikeitis | April 29, 2008 at 05:38 PM
As usual I just got back in the afternoon to read the additional posts greeting for the hullaballoo created by Mamba24. Since when would a pessimist deserve an award? lol! I think Jon K should get a worthy recognition, he has invested everything to this Lakers, every comment, every thread and the blog is part of his dream. I will unperturbed if I were referred as idealistic fool, because that is what we have been after going through the years of excellence from Baylor to Kobe. We always crave for the ideal team, if it falls below expectation the whining begins. huh!
Indeed, it was not only LakerTom who predicted the sweep but his high-profiled post overwhelms every Laker sunshine, he has the connection to the heaven above and knew fully well the allegiance of God in the playoffs. lol! He is a prophet in the Gasol era compensating his faulty predictions the Kwame-Smush years, so rejoice to all for the 1st round advance.
Congratulations to the idol of Inglewood, Coach Byron Scott. When new drafted Byron Scott was traded to the Lakers, nobody welcome him in this team because he was replacing another PG legend in the early 80's, Norm Nixon. From that time on, he has crossed a lot of bridges and ravines in the Lakers saga of joyous years and not glorious ones. In his senior years, he is finally recognized as Coach of the Year. The recognition should STOP THERE. For as long as he is competing against the Lakers, he does not deserve to win a single game in Round 3 presupposing our teams meet the Western Finals. LOL. I think he will give in because a Laker is always a Laker for life.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 29, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Hey thanks for the game link Milorambaldi! i appreciate it
Posted by: hyacinth | April 29, 2008 at 05:39 PM
BROWN NOSER AWARD GOES TO:
Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo Nemaia Faletogo
Next brown noser roll call to follow
Brown Noser association
President
Posted by: Brown Noser | April 29, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Now that is a funny post, LOL, since the President's name is Brown Noser. Funniest post I've read on here today. I nominate Brown Noser for the Brown Noser Award, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Posted by: | April 29, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Kiwi
"ts not impossible but its basically impossible"
Okay Kiwi, are you back to sending comments from the pub again? jk
Good to see you humming and typing on the Lakers Blog.
Cheers!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 29, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Bootlicker Award Presentation:
The Award goes to President Brown Noser for his outstanding job of licking boots.
Job well done Mr. President. This is a lifetime achievement award.
Posted by: | April 29, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Other Luke nickname possibilities (besides Cool Hand Luke or Nuke (thanks Floyd))
The Comeback Kid
The Rejuvenator
The Glue
Posted by: giantsquid | April 29, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Hey All,
Could someone explain to me why Game 5 of the jazzrock series was played in Houston? Doesn't Utah have homecourt advantage which would put game 5 in Salt Lake City?
Posted by: Tio | April 29, 2008 at 10:55 PM