Time to remove the "like" from "playoff like atmosphere"
Because the Western Conference has been more crowded than a New York subway at rush hour, the Lakers have been forced to endure playoff-esque games for the last month or so. Today, though, the simulation ends and the real postseason begins. And given where they were only a few months ago and the improbable path they took to get here, to enter the playoffs as a real, live #1 seed is quite an accomplishment, one the Lakers feel they're well equipped to handle going forward. LA knows they have a challenge facing the fast paced Nuggets, and Denver knows they have a challenge facing Kobe Bryant, who is itchin' to win in the postseason again. Of course, the Lakers go deeper than 24, whether it's Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, playing for things far bigger than himself, or Sasha Vujacic, who played well enough this year to earn a nickname... or at least one that didn't poke fun.
The Lakers hope to limit the Nuggets attack to Melo and AI, keeping guys like JR Smith and Linus Kleiza from heating up.
Brian Shaw talks about nearly getting the head coaching gig in Sacramento that eventually went to Reggie Theus.
As a reminder, Nene isn't expected to play for Denver.
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Alright Laker cats, let's do this!
Posted by: Benjamin | April 20, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Good morning everyone,
Laker Nation could not be more amped. Our team is about to fulfill its destiny. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 20, 2008 at 09:15 AM
I wasn't around the blog yesterday but the guys on TNT just said Kobe is going to guard Iverson and Vald will cover Carmelo. That second matchup scares me. I don't know if Vlad will be able to slow down Melo at all. However, I'm not too worried. Lakers all day.
ITS GAME DAY!!!!!
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 20, 2008 at 09:20 AM
First of all, congrats!! to the Lakers on a great season. They are a year ahead of where a lot of us thought they'd be. With all that said, we will find out how they have learned and or matured over the year because the playoffs is a whole different animal and the smatest teams, "not the most talented" will win the big prize. The teams that aren't as smart will go home early. When I say smart, I mean the team that does the little things like draw fouls on the other team when the game is in the balance to get them in the penalty. The team that recognizes and takes advntage of the mismatch, the team that mixes up the looks both offensively and defensively. I guess i'm describing the San Antonio Spurs huh? They are the smartest team in the playoffs today. They exploit everything, just ask the Suns who seem to be more talented but not very smart, Amare!!.
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: 70'slakerfan | April 20, 2008 at 09:36 AM
WHAT IF YOU ARE KOBE BRYANT???!!
I bump into this pretty fun game from ESPN, try it ouy and see if you could win a championship as KB24, lol
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3352959
moko
Posted by: moko | April 20, 2008 at 09:52 AM
FO FO FO FO FO
Let's Go!
FO FO FO FO FO
Let's Go!
Take care of today. Carpe Diem.
Strength & Honor.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 20, 2008 at 09:58 AM
mrbarneydangles,
Carmelo likes to shoot from outside. Vlad can at least get a hand in his face, but the likely outcome is that Carmelo would try to drive around him.
I'm quite sure there's a team strategy involved where a Gasol or Lamar would come over and help in that situation... and if Carmelo is your playmaker, that's probably a good thing.
Iverson... well, no one besides Trevor or Kobe has the ability to make his efforts difficult. If Iverson is your playmaker, look out, that's trouble.
Personally, I like the strategy. You'll see some switching between Vlad the Impaler and Lamar.
Going to games 3 & 4?
Me too!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 20, 2008 at 10:01 AM
buenos dias!!!
Game Day!!! let´s rock
Posted by: DC | April 20, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Whoo Hoo! what an awesome PHX vs. SA game. I hate the crybaby Suns but would like to see us get to kick their a** and then hear Slaq throw his team under the next bus. A first round outing would be sweet too. The Suns were playing better without him. Love the hack a slaq, missed free throws, six inch vertical, the layup drill against his D, and the single/single loser performance. Way to go fat daddy. Either way both old teams are beating the snot out of each other and having their key guys play heavy minutes. They should be spent by the time we get them. Utah will handle Houston and We should cruise to the WC finals. As I predicted CP3 destroyed Kidd, so the next series between NO and the other survivor should be another war. Life is good in the Laker Nation. Time to take care of business and beat the Nugs. Go Lakers.
Posted by: HawaiiD | April 20, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Am I the only one who feels like Heisler's been re-writing the same column for a month?
Posted by: Xodus | April 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles, JonK, LakerTom, Pig, Faith, etc etc (mini roll call) & a GREAT BIG GOOD MORNING to this fabulous Laker Natoin!!!!
It's GAME DAY BABY!!!!!!!!
I'm sooooo excited - and I know I like it - lol!!!!!
WOW - the real season starts today & I for one am fully expecting a very exciting ride! As usual, KB24 wants to take on the toughest defensive assignment in guarding AI. Should be fun to watch. I know he's itching to get out of the first round this year - talking all about being at the dnner table & wanting to finish his dinner - lol! GO KOBE!! Also - I think Vlad will do a pretty good job on Melo - he's really been picking up his D lately, plus he's throwing out a more varied offense, so he'll keep Melo busy on both ends. That can only be good, right?! Personally, I think we'll see a little bit of Sasha throwing his neck in front of Melo too....nothing lke a little payback.
TWO HOURS TO GAME TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The BEAN for MVP and FINALS MVP or NO PEACE!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM
It's gameday...
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!
GO LAKE SHOW!!
LIGHTS OUT!!!
Posted by: krifo | April 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
What a magical season. From Kobe drama , AB injury,
Maximus trade, falling into the #1 seed and then the seedings of teams could not have been any better for the Lakers. Something tells me to just enjoy the bumpy rollercoaster ride because everything is lining up just right that is feels like DESTINY.
LAKERS VS CELTICS FOR ALL THE MARBLES.
Enjoy the ride that starts today. Go Lakers!!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | April 20, 2008 at 10:16 AM
GOOD MORNING, LAKER NATION!
GLORIOUS GAME DAY!
FO FO FO FO!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 20, 2008 at 10:20 AM
TIME TO START ANOTHER DYNASTY...
"Overall, the Lakers are the fourth-youngest playoff team behind Atlanta, Utah and Philadelphia."--Kevin Ding
The Lakers under 25 lineup is pretty damn good.
1-Farmar
2-Vujacic
3-Ariza
4-Turiaf
5-Bynum
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 20, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Tim,
Hell with Carpe Diem. Let's carpe Denver.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 20, 2008 at 10:23 AM
¡Saludos, gran Lakers Nation!
The playoffs are finally here... time to bring out the brooms and get ready to sweep!
(optimism is not the same as over-confidence... heh heh)
¿Anyone got a spare dust pan?
Cheers from Spain,
- David
Posted by: David in Spain | April 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Wow, some great games yesterday. Some sucky eastern conference games today, but LAKER BASKETBALL saves the day.
Great days ahead, basketball fans!
Posted by: troy | April 20, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Good morning Laker nation! Man, I'm getting tingly just thinking about the game. My prediction: Lakers win, 121-107.
Posted by: bozz | April 20, 2008 at 10:26 AM
As a Laker fan stuck in Denver, I emplore the guys to take care of business at home. History being just that...history, The Nuggets tend to ramp it up for their first 2 road games of the playoffs (save their debacle against the Clips 2 years ago). I'm confident that Purp and Gold will bring this home, I just don't need this thing lingering in the land where bandwagoning is super king. Keep the momentum Lakers.
Wearing the Gold shorts in Colorado today!!
Posted by: KB | April 20, 2008 at 10:29 AM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT,S GAME TIME BABY!!!!
Now, I don't need to be overly violent by stating I want the Lakers to kill the Nuggets. Thats just a product of todays society as a whole and I refuse to be apart of such violent overtones around what me be very impressionable minds that are reading this blog. So in the end I find myself searching for a term that is a bit less tempestuous. The term always seemed to grate on me...kill. To take ones life...thats not what we are trying to accomplish here folks. We want to win, hurting them is OK..beating them is better! Not just beat, I want to pummel, smash, thrash, thresh, flog, hide, lash, whip, route, assail, assault, baste, batter, belabor, buffet, drub, hammer, and pound them...very very badly.
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | April 20, 2008 at 10:34 AM
WHAT THE HELL IS A NUGGET?
“nug•get – [nuhg-it] – noun
a bite-size piece of chicken, fish, etc., usually batter-fried.”
Of course they taste like chicken. But they are fast, don’t need cooking, and are already cut up into bite-size pieces. Just add a little salt and pepper. They’re on the Lakers fast food lunch menu. Let’s order the 4-piece version. That’s going to be enough. We won’t need any more. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 20, 2008 at 10:39 AM
KB - wearing the gold shorts? Hope you have ugly legs so you can blind a few trolls....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Good Game Day Laker Nation, AK/BK, Jon K., Rick Friedman, Charles, Mr. and Mrs. America and all ships at sea.
First off...Major fist pounds, hats off and my sincere appreciation to Laker Tom who's 'old school' reminiscing of the bygone Purple and Golden Eras ("What a Grand Time To Be A Laker Fan" 4/16 "Bring On..." Thread) and eternal GHF approach/insights to upcoming skirmishes always warm this ancient, addled, analog die-hard fans' heart. What a great perspective!! Anybody else remember the Logo-Baylor-Counts-Goodrich-Hawkins, Van Breda Koff coached pre-destiny years of the 60's? And I second the motion for a AK/BK request of a little Laker Luv from the players in support of this blog (has that ever happened?)...sure beats going to a mattress store just to see Luke jumpin' around.
Speaking of jumpin'...From a few threads back...re: Jon K/Charles's 'Laker Nation BandWagon Band'...Count me in!!...Er, where's the audition?...Who's garage?...I'm a little rusty on the the old keys these days thanks to carpal but I've still got a sound ear and love a good turn of a phrase (as you may have already suspected) with a perplexing penchant for periodic, parodical, pun-filled prose and cons (Always citing original sources, Mrs. Parham...wherever you are!!).
From Jon K.'s 'Early Thoughts...' post to Rick Friedman waaay back yonder...
"We should form the "Official Laker Nation Jam Band"...then compose the "Official Lakers Theme Song"." Hmmm.
Ask and ye shall receive...well, sorta...I had actually been decomposing this mix (and some others) for a few days prior but was still waiting for "Kobe-Showbe-Drew: Season Two: Game Day One", the Ginko to kick in for tongue-in-cheek inspiration and the appropriate artistic licensing agreements to be drawn up prior to posting(Just kidding but...Hey, didn't we ALL think up "Three-peat" before Byron and Riles got their smarmy trademark lawyers on it? Sheesh!!).
With that, I humbly present for Round The Clock Purple And Gold Laker Blog consideration (with kowtows, kudos, and ascerbic songwriting (but not singing) reverence to Mr. Randy Newman)...
I Love L.A. (2008 Playoff Anthem Mix)
Hate San An-Tony-Timmy-Town
They're old, washed up champs
Let the Suns get burnt (or have their way with 'em)
We'll leave N'awlins to Mark Cuban's Kidz
They don't stand a prayer with us 'cause
We're on a mission from the Big Fella
Steamrollin' down that Playoff Highway
With a big nasty frontline on our side
Celtic Final winds blowin' hot from the East
And we was born to ride
Roll out our Towers, Mamba's on top
Crank up the Bench Mob, PJ
Don't let the defense stop
We're gonna ride it 'til we just can't ride it no more
Crush the Nuggets, Jazz or Rockets
Whup the West Side, Thump the East Side
Laker Nation's very happy
'Cause the Lake-Show's back...It's Magic time
Looks like another win today
I love L.A. (GO LAKERS!)
I love L.A. (GO LAKERS!)
WE LOVE IT!
Pullin' in rebounds
Knockin' down threes
Look at that poor coach over there, man
He's down on his knees
Look at our Lakers
Ain't nothin' like em nowhere
Mikan Dynasty (We loved it)
Showtime Dynasty (We loved it)
Shaq-Jack-Kobe Dynasty (We loved it)
Sock's Streak (We love it, we love it, we love it)
WE LOVE L.A.
I Love L.A. (GO LAKERS!)
I Love L.A. (GO LAKERS!)
As always, hope it brings back fond music memories and a new grin or two.
Now lets go pound those Nuggets into Purple and Gold dust!!
THE SUN NEVER SETS ON THE LAKER EMPIRE!
WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER!
TAKE NO PRISONERS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Herb Stempel | April 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
GOOD Morning/Afternoon everyone,
Game day it is..I have been on mum since the end of the regular season, not really bloggin that much. But I just want to say I am ecstatic to be a Laker fan, happy for the team for what they achieved in the regular season. Now everything goes out the window so to speak. We haven;t really "done anything". There is still much to strive for. I am hopeful we can continue to play with intensity and at a high level to help us advance! That doesn't mean I am not nervous, cuz I am...lol
FYI, I already got my "bottle" from the A.B.C. liquor store so I will be str8t during the game.
That's my two cents. EVERYONE Enjoy the GAME! I will likely not blog again until after the game!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | April 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Almost gametime! After watching this boring...extremely boring game between Orl/Tor...im ready for some high flying Laker basketball featuring The Deadly African Black Snake..The Mamba himself...Kooooobbbbbeeeee Bryant. The Long Lanky Spaniard..Father to a 15 footer..Husband to a Pick and Roll..and he shall have his vengeance..in this life or the next..Paaaaauuuuuuu Gasol. The New Yorker who use to don the star on his cranium...Lamaaaaaarrr Odom.
Posted by: lakeraholic | April 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
On the road in Miami today (so much nicer than Portland, ah) so GOOOOOOO LAKES from the East Coast!
Posted by: Jesterguru | April 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Nuggets team bus catches fire.................LOL
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3355619
Posted by: Sunny | April 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Tim-4-Show,
Yea, I see what you're saying, make Carmelo be the playmaker instead of Iverson. I like it.
I'm going to game 3 and am thinking of going to game 4.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | April 20, 2008 at 10:53 AM
moko,
I won! But, it took me 4 tries, heh.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 20, 2008 at 10:56 AM
GAMEDAY - LAKERS VS. NUGGETS: KEYS TO THE GAME
by Eric Pincus for HoopsWorld
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8349
Excellent game site by blog-friend Eric Pincus. Thanks, Eric.
Good update on when Trevor might be available to play – he gets CT scan on 25th:
“LA's best choice against both Anthony and Iverson is Trevor Ariza. Of course he won't know if his broken foot is healed until his CT scan on the 25th. If he gets the green light, he could be back before the end of the series. If not, it'd be another couple of weeks and another CT scan. Considering he hasn't played in months, it may be optimistic to expect much out of him in the first round.”
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 20, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Let's go Lakers! Let's go!
Clap! Clap!
I'm so excited!
Defense! Please play Defense!
Posted by: Faith | April 20, 2008 at 11:00 AM
KB,
We'll probably have a LakersBlog get together before game 3... stick around, keep posting! We've got Hugo Boss, Lakers4life, mrbarneydangles, and myself... we will get some MVP chants going in the Pepsi center I'm sure!
Hugo, get those photos printed 5x7 so THE MACHINE and THE BEAST can sign them!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | April 20, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Denver's team bus caught on fire on their way to the Staples Center. Now that is freaky.
Guys im starting to get nervous, jittery, and I want this lakers to be ready and focused like never before. its' the playoffs, and preparation and focus is the key. Lets go Lakers.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3355619
Posted by: wow | April 20, 2008 at 11:12 AM
16 WINS TO GO
FO' FO' FO' FO
GOOOOOO LAKE SHOW
note:
CHEER CAPS ARE ALLOWED... till further notice
Posted by: Vman | April 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
kb...tim-4 show..
hugo boss?
i am in co springs just like hugo...
we should get together for a game.
i was trying to get tickets..i would love to go to the game...but cant find any...most are like 400.00
well anyway....from the land of the rockies...
GO LAKERS!
colorado..second home of the purple and gold!
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | April 20, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Herb,
Thanks for the shout out. Great rendition of I love LA. Randy would have been proud.
Go, Lakers. Time to sweep.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | April 20, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I'm on a 'mission from God' to post this everyday of the playoffs until we win the title.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=O4Lhw4M-GTg
Stay focused. Give it your best.
And as the wise Coby Karl said, "Go Lakers!"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | April 20, 2008 at 11:33 AM
tim 4 show..remember i am in colo too!!
:)
where did you land the tickets?
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | April 20, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Game Day Baby!
Alright, who rigged the Denver bus so I can give you a high five?
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | April 20, 2008 at 11:39 AM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HI GUYS,
WE ALREALDY KNOW WHAT WE WANT: CHAMPIONSHIP.
THEREFORE, WE HAVE TO IMPROVE OUR DEFENSE, STAY FOCUS AND PLAY WITH THE SAME PASSION LIKE LAST SUNDAY VS SAN ANTONIO.
I AM ALREADY SITTING AT THE TABLE, IT'S LUNCH TIME LIKE KOBE SAID:
"I've been waiting to eat for a while, "The table's set. I'll sit down at the dinner table and I've got to finish my dinner."
THE VICTORY, THIS AFTERNOON WILL BE OUR DESSERT MEANWHILE, GUYS, BE READY TO ENJOY THE MEAL.
BESOS
SEE U LATER
LOVE TO ALL
SHEKOBE
Posted by: SHEKOBE | April 20, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Whoah, Nuggets bus catches fire on the way to the game! Now, let's hope that's the only context in which the Nuggest will "be on fire."
Posted by: Benjamin | April 20, 2008 at 11:44 AM
BLOG CRUE
I'm already getting anxious. Let the game begin.
Tim-4-Show/Mrbarneydangles/CO CRUE
I'll be at game three & SIXX if necessary. Will you be there next Sat?
We need to be aggressive today.
AK/BK
Will you guys be there next Sat?
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | April 20, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I agree with Faith, defense, defense and more defense from our Lakers and we'll be fine.
Good morning to all my fellow Laker fans!!! Lakers all day, everyday!!! Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | April 20, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Does anyone have a link for the game? I know its on ABC but I live in NJ and they are having the papal mass on it for four hours, so the game isn't gonna be on.
Posted by: laker hopeful | April 20, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I saw now Laker flags on cars along 60 & 605. I think more as we go nearer downtown.
Go Lakers, the road to championship starts today against Denver. Make them obey (quote from M. T.)
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 20, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Nuggets caught fire early on their way to the arena. Let's hope more than their bus cooled off since then.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 20, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Does anyone have a link for the game? I know its on ABC but I live in NJ and they are having the papal mass on it for four hours, so the game isn't gonna be on.
Posted by: laker hopeful | April 20, 2008 at 11:49 AM
OK, now even the ABC voice over guy is calling him "Paul Gasol"
Would someone please tell these idiots his name is PAU (sounds like POW!) not Paul, like the Beatle.
Posted by: J.W. Weatherman | April 20, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Oh yeah, none of the Nuggets were hurt or traumatized by the bus fire, apparently. Camby, Kleiza, and JR Smith were "on the bus."
I guess AI and Melo were returning from an all nighter at the local strip clubs.
Posted by: Benjamin | April 20, 2008 at 11:54 AM