Thursday Audio
If you're looking for any more signs that the Lakers are hot heading into the playoffs, forget that they've won eight of nine. How about this one? During yesterday's day off, Pau Gasol not only passed his California driver's exam, but scored an impressive 35 of 36 on the written. Damn fine work. But it will take more than a deep understanding of this state's rules of the road to knock off the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. With that in mind, here is some audio from Thursday afternoon's pre-film session media powwow. AK and I can't make it to practice today, but I'm willing to guarantee you there won't be much spoken that's wildly different than what was said on Thursday.
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_4.17.mp3
- Derek Fisher (good stuff in here not just about the playoffs, but also how his perspective is different heading into this year's postseason, given all that was going on in his family at this point last year): Download derek_fisher_4.17.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_4.17.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_4.17.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_4.17.mp3
BK
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Slackers.........
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | April 18, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Thanks for the audio BK. I love days when I get to put laker interviews on my ipod! Especially like hearing Fish!
Posted by: poyorick | April 18, 2008 at 12:42 PM
WOW! How could you guys NOT be at practice today? At least one of the two of you.
I have a solution, though. Have your Mom adopt me and I'll do that dirty work job for ya! AK, BK and TK! {:>)
Posted by: toad | April 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I AM TALKING TO YOU!! DON'T MAKE ME REPEAT!! And DON'T MAKE ME COME AFTER YOU WITH THE HEAT!!
Where is the slacker kid BYNUM? Any news? Is he still pretending to be hurt so that he does not jeopardize signing $80 million for 5 years?
Lakers will need Bynum once they get past the first round deep into the playoffs and finals against the Detriot!!
kapish!
The Mob Boss
Posted by: The Mob Boss | April 18, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Jon K,
We can't risk Bynum coming back at less than 100%. We want a dynasty spanning the next decade not a run at just one title. We don't want him compensating or playing tentatively because he's scared of hurting a less than fully healed knee.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Jon K, X:
Vegas has the Lakers at 2:1 for the title.........without Bynum........the Celts at 3:2.
I want to see him back as soon as he can be back, but I don't want to jeopardize the future either. We're up for a loooong run at the top and multiple rings, and as someone said on the last thread, imagine how the rest of the Association will feel if we win one this year without Drew?
Scary! Let's just not rush AB back for expedience sake.
Posted by: toad | April 18, 2008 at 01:23 PM
WHAT TIME IS IT?
As Mamba24 says, “PLAYOFF TIME!!!!”
But it’s also about time that…
…The Lakers get out of the first round of playoffs
…The Lakers win the Western Conference title.
…The Lakers win their 15th NBA Championship.
…The Lakers start another NBA basketball dynasty.
…Kobe wins his first regular season MVP award.
…Kobe wins his first post-Shaq NBA championship.
…Kobe wins his first NBA Finals MVP award.
…Drew shows everybody he is the next great Lakers center.
…Drew shows he should have been the MIP this year.
…Drew shows he is ready to dominate the center position.
…Pau raises his playoff win-loss percentage over 50%.
…Pau wins his first NBA championship ring.
…Lamar shows that he is ready to be an all-star level player.
…Lamar proves to be the best power forward in the playoffs.
…Lamar wins his first NBA championship ring.
…Lamar shows that he deserves a contract extension.
…Derek wins his fourth NBA championship ring.
…Trevor shows he can be the Lakers key perimeter defender.
…Luke gets healthy and proves he is worth his contract.
…Sasha proves he is a prime-time 3-point sharpshooter.
…Jordan shows he is the Lakers point guard of the future.
…Vlade proves the Lakers were right not to void his contract.
…Ronny shows he is a better player than cheerleader.
…Chris shows the Lakers were right in sticking with him.
…Coby shows that he has some Kobe in him.
…Ira shows that he can really play defense.
…D.J. shows that he can be a valuable backup.
…Phil wins his 10th NBA championship ring.
…Phil wins his 2nd NBA Coach of the Year.
…Mitch resigns Sasha and Ronny.
…Mitch wins the NBA Executive of the Year.
…Tex starts to get some Hall of Fame love.
…The LA Times Lakers Blog wins its first blogger awards.
…The Lakers blog revels in its first NBA championship.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 18, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I do not hear anything about the prospects of Andrew returning? What about Trevor ? Can anybody update me please !!!
Posted by: novolakers | April 18, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Anybody who thinks Stern will let Detroit kill another Finals ratings is naive. Its going to be Boston. Remember Dallas-Heat finals? Do not disregard Dave's powers please.
Posted by: novolakers | April 18, 2008 at 01:29 PM
BK
Why is there an audio link for Luke Walton? Who cares what this guy thinks?
Posted by: pfunk36 | April 18, 2008 at 01:30 PM
On the other hand , Stern will probably favor the Lakers in the finals , LA-Boston sounds great.
Posted by: novolakers | April 18, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Xodus,
"We can't risk Bynum coming back at less than 100%."
If an American GI, can go back to Iraq 3 to 4 times of duty after their hands or feet or body blown off, Bynum at age 20 can play in the NBA playoffs. Believe me, after playing in the playoffs he will be 125% strong and has matured to 27 years old.
"You gain strenght, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror, I can take the next thing that comes along.'....you must do the thing you think you cannot do." - Eleonor Roosevelt
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 18, 2008 at 01:58 PM
LakerTom,
WHAT TIME IS IT?
It is Friday afternoon, time to practice those big shots, those stick-it-to-your-face defense to prepare for the first game on Sunday.
However, what you uttered could happen because my granddaughter told me that fairy tales can come true! (jk only)
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 18, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Edwin,
So you're saying we should bring him back if he's not ready. We just heard Bynum say a week ago that he feels pain when he jumps and moves laterally. I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure you need to be able to do that if you want to play NBA ball.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Don't know if anyone saw this, but Simmons picked the Lakers to beat his Celtics in the finals in his latest podcast.
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Bloggers
I am extremely concerned about this series with Denver......not because we don't have the talent to beat them, but What will Phil Jackson do?
MY CONCERNS:
Phil Jackson coached teams this decade have not been prepared in playoff series especially in Game 1. Do anyone remember Game 1 of the 2001 Championship series with Philadelphia? A.I. dropped 48 points in a big upset win against the Lakers who looked shell shocked and very unprepared for what Philadelphia put on them.
Game 1 2004 Championship series against the Pistons another lackluster performance and poor planning on the part of Phil Jackson. Phil Jackson's game plan to plant a declining Shaq in the post and force feed him the ball played right into the hands of the Pistons as they SINGLE-COVERED Shaq and stayed at home on everybody else and stymied the "celebrated triangle" offense. The Pistons focused their attention on Kobe Bryant resulting in double and triple teams when Kobe touched or drove the lane. It is no mistake that the only game the Lakers won that series was game 2........the game where everything went through Kobe and the pick and rolls......freeing Kobe to either score or assist in the fourth quarter and overtime of that game.
The Pistons countered with an adjustment in game three.......Phil never countered..........again out-coached by Larry Brown
Denver presents a very athletic team that depends a great deal on flow and momentum. Will Phil Jackson cut his rotations in this series and limit the play of Luke Walton?
Will Phil Jackson call quick timeouts if Denver starts a run.........or will he "let the team figure it out for themselves"
What about pick and roll defense.........How will they play it? Will they be prepared going into game 1 or will Phil finally make adjustments.........IN GAME 3!
Will Phil's game plan call for Kobe to come out and "get everybody involved" or will it call for Kobe to be aggressive immediately and allow Denver's defense to dictate whether to pass or shoot?
Who will Phil carry on the playoff roster and who will be eliminated? Will Ira Newble be used more against Denver's high powered offense?
These are some things to keep an eye on this series.
I'm concerned.
Posted by: pfunk36 | April 18, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Focus on getting that first game guys.
I personally don't think Denver has enough fire in its belly (or brains in its collective head) to beat the Lakers over 7 games. They are talented, but not in the overwhelming David and Goliath-fashion the Phuns were vs. us the past 2 years.
The key is, we play the game we were built to play. That is, run the triangle to death. The great thing having all of these players for a couple of years and adding a glue guy like Pau is they know every little nuance of that offense. Additionally, the team collective mind can now understand what they need to do and do it. No searching for answers anymore; they look extremely confident in each other and in their own abilities.
But we have got to find a balance between aggresiveness and playing right into Denver's game opportunistic game. Too many turnovers, long rebounds, and we keep them in the game.
Especially key as well will be controlling the X-factors for Denver, namely JR Smith and Kleiza. Kleiza seems to play well against us. If AI and Carmelo can keep them within striking distance, I see these two guys as being factors in many ways, be it 3 point shooting, rebounding, weakside defense, etc.
But remember, our advantage lies not in Kobe; it lies in Pau and secondarily in Lamar on offense. Establish your game, guys. Make yourselves into threats, because no one is going to double off Kobe. Their help will come from everyone but Kobe's man, so find those open men, make their defense cascade into failure. We all know Kobe is going to be keyed upon, but its up to Lamar and Pau to become triple threats on offense and take the attention off of him.
Lastly, Farmar, Sasha, Fish, and Vlade better bring it. Combined, 4 of them represent the 4th scorer, so I hope that they are on, and they drive or take smart shots....otherwise, their shots become fastbreaks the other way.
#4
PS Charles, hope you feel better.
Posted by: #4 | April 18, 2008 at 02:38 PM
#4
Thanks... *sneeze* I Appreciate it. *cough*
Posted by: Charles | April 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
pfunk36,
I think the one game that we lose, I picked the Lakers in five, will be the game that Phil decides to let the players figure it out on their own. While this may hurt in the short term, ex. tiring the players, I definitely think it'll benefit them in the long run. Not so much the vets like Kobe and Fish, but Farmar and Sasha for sure. Lakers in five.
Charles,
Thanks for the great Stan Getz link yesterday, truly a genius. Hope you feel better.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | April 18, 2008 at 02:55 PM
It appears to me that there is an enforced news blackout on the real conditions of Bynum & Ariza. Knowing Phil, he must be up to something and is using the situation, playing mind games with the opponents.
I watched that video of Bynum running in the pool and he seemed to be in pretty darn good shape. It would not surprise me at all if Bynum's or Ariza's return are done with an element of surprise.
Posted by: Robyn | April 18, 2008 at 02:56 PM
I want audio from Sasha. I want to hear him describe how Anthony Carmelo tried to rip out his adam's apple in destail. Why? I want it acknowledged that this game is very personal. Apparently, some think there is no bad blood between these teams. As a Lakers supporter, my blood is boiling for vengence!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 18, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Just before the New Orleans game, someone hid a camera in the Lakers locker room and filmed Phil's pregame speech.
After watching it, I got so excited, that I stood up, clapped my hands, ran out the door of my house, and down the street.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Lhw4M-GTg
Go Lakers!
Stay focused, and don't forget what got you here. The LATimes Lakers Blog.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 03:03 PM
We don't need to see Bynum until the second round. I believe he will be back and at just the right time. We are giving him all the time we can possibly spare so he'll be as strong as possible upon his return.
Go LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | April 18, 2008 at 03:05 PM
pfunk36,
Your mention of that series with the Pistons brings back bad memories. Aaaaah... I remember those games too, just the way you described it. That was a nightmare!!
Hopefully, we don not see a repeat of the same mistake by PJ.
Posted by: Robyn | April 18, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Edwin,
The Lakers winning the 2008 NBA Championship considering where we were last summer totally qualifies as a fairy tale come true in my book.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 18, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Xodus,
I see your point, but, man, everytime I was injured in sports, when I came back I was never 100%, nor were the vast majority of players I played with. It justed seemed part of playing sports.
When Pau Gasol came back from his injury, he wasn't 100%.
When Chris Mihm came back from his injury, he wasn't 100%
Luke Walton's been playing through injury half the year.
What I'm trying to say is that you play through the pain.
Do I want Bynum coming back TOO early in a way that may make him succeptible to gross reinjury, jeapordizing the length of the next Lakers Dynasty? ABSOLUTELY FRICKEN NOT!
However, do I think we're being a bit too gentle on the kid by expecting him to be 100% before he hits the hardcourt again? Yeah, probably. I don't think that playing through a 90%+ healing of an injury is too much to expect to ask of a professional athlete.
I don't know. We'll see. It sure would be great to have him back by the second game of the second round.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 18, 2008 at 03:14 PM
ZEKE DONE
NEW YORK (AP) - Isiah Thomas was fired as coach of the New York Knicks on Friday after a season of listless and dreadful basketball, a tawdry lawsuit and unending chants from fans demanding Thomas’ dismissal.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 18, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Sorry if this has alrady been posted, but a good column on the MVP award:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24150526/
Posted by: exhelodrvr | April 18, 2008 at 03:28 PM
rayray percantage odds for temas to get the RING
1- Your Boston Celtics (22%): The most important aspect of this selection is the Celts will be given the freedom by the Refs to play their physical style of basketball. They hit you hard and get calls. And then they have KG, the Truth and Allen, a good coach and supporting cast
2- My LA Lakers (19%): The best player in the game, the best coach in the game, and a team on a sick roll. When even the most anti-laker people are calling them the team to beat, there must be some thing about them. They can do damage from all over the place. watching out for them is in order.
3- Detroit...Basketball (15%): Don't you ever underestimate a team that has experienced starters and confident reserves. Flip has finally got this team play his style of ball and they can D it up as good as anyone.
4- the reigning Champs (15%): Are you gonna under estimate the heart of a champion. Do yourself a favor "never under estimate a heart of a champion."
5- Shaq-Nash-Amare's Suns (10%): I know I know Shaq talks too much, most of it crap but he told us he'll help Amare elevate his game. We might wanna start listening to that one.
6- the Home team Jazz (9%): If all the gmaes were played at Utah, the Jazz win it all. Since thye're not they gotta become a different team from what they've been in the regualr season and unless you're the Champs or atleast been in the finals, it AIN'T HAPPNIN.
7- the other MVP's team (3.5%): great PG, a good SF, a good PF, a good C, an OK bunch of role players, and our Byron who's been there done that both as a coach and a player. they have a chance
8- Kidd-Dirk MAVS (3.5%): On papers this team is worth way more than the 3.5%. on the court they're too soft. Even with JKidd.
9- the CAVS (2.5%): LeBron James plays for the CAVS. Right? They have a chance then.
10- the Magic (0.5%): If "you live by the three and you die by the three" becomes you live by the three and you win by the three, then the Magic have a chance.
Everybody else, see you next year.
Posted by: rayray | April 18, 2008 at 03:31 PM
JohnnyP-
If you talk to Sasha bout that he's gonna offer you the DVD of that game. Sasha offering DVDs on every post game he plays well at just cracksme UP.
Posted by: rayray | April 18, 2008 at 03:33 PM
"thoo you vant the DVD?" Sash would say! (hahahahah)
Posted by: rayray | April 18, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Good Afternoon Everyone!
Just got a small bit of time to drop by before my schoolwork calls.
Hope you feel better Charles!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | April 18, 2008 at 03:35 PM
The -bozz- of the blog,
Thanks for the greetings and that link actually had Chick Corea in it.
Regards
Posted by: Charles | April 18, 2008 at 03:41 PM
EDWIN GUECO,
My thoughts abour Bynum's return is very similar to yours..
What is 100%? There is no such thing as a 100% healthy in the NBA. When you play in this league at this late of the season, you are lucky to be in the game playing hurt.
As long as there is no long term detriment to his condition, Andrew Bynum needs to return as soon as possible. I have said it before and I will say it again, this year is as good as any year to win the championship. A player has to have a bit of a warrior attitude to be successful in this league.
Putting all our marbles into next year is nonsense. I really believe that we should count ourselves really lucky to be where we are now and Bynum returning even at less than optimum condition has to be considered.
Using the same analogy as yours. Because George Bush senior did not finish the job the first time when he had a golden opportunity, his son, George W is paying
the price now!! Kobe and Co do not want to make the same mistake!
Posted by: Robyn | April 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM
JohnnyP has inspired me.
We MUST hate them or we might lose the series. So....without further adoo......
My Top Ten reasons to hate the Denver Nuggets:
10. There in our way for the March to the NBA Finals.
9. Their name Nuggets is way too close to my favorite McDonalds food, Chicken McNuggets. http://i25.tinypic.com/5374fd.jpg
8. They boo Kobe every time he touches the ball and refuse to chant MVP, when he shoots free throws.
7. Melo choking Sasha and then saying Sasha was giving the choke sign to him as he was rolling on the floor in pain.
6. George Karl saying he would not be talking to Coby Karl because he refused to be the butt of insulting jokes.
5. Because Martin once beat our local college NAU with a put back in the NCAA's.
4. For firing GM Kiki Vanderwiegh, a former UCLA player.
3. Melo's 'Sissy Punch' of a NY player, then running away like a scared rabbit.
2. AI's "Practice, practice, I don't need no stinking practice." line.
And the number one reason we should all hate and loathe the Nuggets.
The city of Denver lobbied congress for the USA not to go Metric, so they would not lose their 'Mile High' status.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 03:47 PM
What's Drews website? Also, does Odom have a website? I think I remember reading in the blog a year or so ago that he got a website.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 18, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Caliphilosopher
One love!
Posted by: Charles | April 18, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Kobe being considered as MVP is just all hype.
He hasn't really shown his leadership skills in carrying this Lakers team. Lakers is on top not because of him but due to big improvement from his teamates and addtiion of Gasol. Take this out and the lakers team is lotto bound. His stats also does not show any MVP stats. His attitude / ego is a big question. It seems he doesn't bond well with other NBA players even with his Lakers team. I doubt if his teammates like him? Openly they may be smiling but deep within them they may have reservations. The only reason they like Kobe is they are afraid to lose their contract with the Lakers.
Kobe is still very much a selfish animal and you will see it will come out once they star losing this playoffs.
see ya..
Posted by: spiderman | April 18, 2008 at 04:20 PM
No offense to our boys in purple and gold, but how can an objective observer like a sports blogger pick the Lakers over the Celts? I know WE can, because, well, we have a certain bias. But we lost both games to the Celts, and didn't really compete. We're a better team now, but better enough to say, "Yeah, Lakers in 6." I'm not asking incredulously...I want to know what the rationale is so I can share that confidence.
Besides, we still have to get there, and it's a rocky road ahead. Boy, I love this time of year!
Posted by: Marty | April 18, 2008 at 04:26 PM
spiderman
OMG! I never looked at it that way before. lol
Me thinks you've been into the spidie juice a wee bit early this afternoon.
Jealousy is a terrible thing to waste in a post like that. It hurts doesn't it? Seeing Kobe and the Lakers playing so well.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 04:30 PM
spiderman,
Dude, Kobe Bryant has over 4,000 assists and has normally lead the Lakers in assists for years.
Ball don't lie!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 18, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
Okay. You've convinced me.
I hate the Nuggets.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Jon K,
Whenever Andrew Bynum comes back will be a glorious occasion. Hopefully, it's by the second round, so he'll be rolling on all cylinders for what I believe will be an epic showdown with the Phoenix Suns. It'll be the Western Conference Final to end all Western Conference Finals. I'm getting jittery just thinking about it!
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Xodus,
Playoffs is all about mental toughness. Honest guys finish the last. You need to psyche your opponent eventhough you have no cards. OK, he said he's in pain and may not be available to play, what if on Sunday
Suddenly....
Game 1 with the Nuggets, Socks is there in uniform, shooting, people at Staples are roaring, cheering, laughing.... while the coaching staff of Nuggets are figuring out on the next move. it's all about psyche, that alone, you felt victorious on the first scene, even his teammates are wondering whether he can play. Walton becomes a braveheart because of the presence of Drew. the next act to follow is another thing. Karl strategy will all turn upside down on how he will placate K-Mart and Camby now that Bynum is uniform. Is he going to play or not? It remains to be seen but it's part of the ball game. It's playoffs baby, you need all your cards on deck even if you have only a two (2) of hearts which represent two unstable feet. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 18, 2008 at 04:46 PM
LakerTom,
Lakers - Champion in 2008, I guess that's the dream that we all agree. Why are we wasting our time blogging if we are not aiming for Championship? But to go into details on your wish list....Disney will not accept them. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 18, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Robyn,
There we agree....
Kobe is nto 100% on that torn pinkie but he's still playing.
Pau has bad back and recovering from ankle injury but he's playing
Fisher is 32 with all kinds of ailments on his body but he is still chasing PG at age 21.
Wow, Bynum can run around the pool. There used to be no pool in NBA. His presence alone cures all the pains of his teammates. Even this blog will turn upside down if they see Drew in uniform. Half of the battle is won by perception, the other half is all hardwork.
However, Robyn I'm sorry to disagree with your analogy, Bush I was correct for not going to Baghdad in order to maintain the balance of power between the Shiite and Sunnis... Bush II, what can we say, people's survey says it all....he should have just stayed as Texas governor.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 18, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Heads up everyone, Fish's 0.4 game is on ESPN CLASSIC!
Posted by: Xodus | April 18, 2008 at 05:01 PM
One game at a time...
better yet...one defensive possession at a time lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 18, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Required playoff movies to watch.
‘Hoosiers 2′
A remake of the Hickory High School Championship season classic.
Re-told as only Hollywood can re-tell it.
A story about an insignificant little NBA Franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers, that in spite of all odds, through an improbable season, rise from the dust to win the NBA Title against the vaunted Boston Celtics.
Coached by Phil Jackson, (played by Dr. Phil), the dysfunctional Lakers Team is ‘Counseled’ on to victory.
Side note: Phil Jackson uses the movie as a platform to promote his New Religion, Zin Zen Tao of Philism. Commonly known as ZZ Tops.
This film is rated for Immature Audiences and is NOT coming to a theater near you.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 18, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Marty,
“No offense to our boys in purple and gold, but how can an objective observer like a sports blogger pick the Lakers over the Celts? I know WE can, because, well, we have a certain bias. But we lost both games to the Celts, and didn't really compete. We're a better team now, but better enough to say, "Yeah, Lakers in 6." I'm not asking incredulously...I want to know what the rationale is so I can share that confidence.”
The rationale is the addition of Pau Gasol added to Kobe Bryant and a healthy Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom make the Lakers a stronger team than the Celtics. It’s a rationale that I believe 100%. The Lakers that the Celtics will face in the playoffs will be a much stronger and more powerful team than they beat twice during the regular season. Right now the Lakers are the hottest team in the league heading into the playoffs. As we saw the last two years, it’s the team that peaks at the right time that wins the championship. Right now, that team is the Lakers. Furthermore, no Phil Jackson team has ever failed to win the NBA championship after winning #1 seed. I fully expect Phil’s record in that regard to improve to 5-0 after the Lakers win the NBA championship this season. I will also thoroughly enjoy seeing Shaq and the Suns and Garnett and Allen and the Celtics get punked on the way.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 18, 2008 at 05:44 PM