Keep on talking...

That 19 point give away in Game 3 was an aberration. The Lakers wanted to close this out in Los Angeles. Foul or no foul, the Lakers were a step or two quicker and the opponents were losing lift on their shots.

Game 5 is the closer. It's nice to keep on talking how the refs blew it and not how well the Lakers played. It is just more fuel to the fire. A fire that might just blow away the defending champions to retirement.

GO LAKERS!

We were punched on the mouth in game 3 with a Spurs blowout. But we had to get past that and learn from it. I'm a firm believer that you win more in losses than wins...and we learned. We learned that we had to go into game 4 with better energy to win.

What I love about this team isn't the youth, it's not even the fast paced offense...and no it's not the commanding defense either (I know you're shocked lol)...but the mental aspect of the game. We lost game 3. We could have hanged their heads and said, they're the champs. But we didn't. We held ourselves accountable and we came roaring back. It wasn't by any means an easy game but by my recollection we controlled the whole game. There was no period of time imo that we were on the brink of losing it...mostly coz they were unable to get over the hump and we just kept on plugging away.

The sign of a good team isn't how much you win by, it's the way you win. We won by getting all the hustle points, we won by not quitting, we won by effort, intensity, energy.

I love this team!

Go Lakers!

P.S. Major props to Sasha and Pau whom didn't have the best offensive game but showed us you can make a difference in the game than just offense. Last I looked Manu Ginobili and TD didn't kill us, Barry did? lol. TD got his points, but he got his the hard way.

I'd like to compliment Rad Vlad for his improved level of play. Vladimir doesn't get a lot of coverage, but in this series he's been able to step up his game when everyone else has gone cold. Many times he's been the difference.

A key is that he's gone from being a one-dimensional three-point threat to attacking the basket and, in doing so, opening up opportunities for other players near the basket with a quick pass (which he has executed nicely).

Well done, Rad. Keep it up.

GO LAKERS!

Roland Lazenby is going to be on today? Awesome!

GO LAKERS!

Let's finish this series off tomorrow!

Any thoughts on who would you rather play in the finals and why?

Hope to hear from you guys.

REPOST:

and one more note:

for the life of me: luke, sasha and vlad - quit trying to help on dribble penetration and stick to brent barry. you guys are below average defenders...quit trying to pretend that you can defend the dribble and STICK TO THE GUY WHO SIMPLY CATCHES AND SHOOTS!!!

the spurs have great spacing.

but phil jackson needs to make sure the lakers stick to barry like super glue.

HE IS THEIR ONLY OUTSIDE THREAT RIGHT NOW.

take him out of the equation and we win by 15 or 20 points on thursday night.

I agreee it was a foul. If Barry had not put the ball on the flor it is a different story. He didn't take advantage of the position he was in. He ducked and ran. Not what a champion does.

People are saying the reff'ing was all Lakers, are you kidding me? Not one foul shot for Kobe. Duncan drives from the locker room without putting the ball on the floor and no travel? Bowen all night long? Give me a friggen break.

I don't say the spurs are old, they were just outplayed. Everytime they got close, Kobe stepped up and created space. He never let them in the game mentally. That is what a Black Mamba does.

Whatever happend, it was a tough game in a tough environment, against a TOUGH team. We got the win and it works for me.

TWoody

I have to give Brent Barry credit for playing an incredible game. And to both he and Pop for taking the high road when inundated with questions about the final play. That the difference between teams that have been there and teams that haven't.

I'm a little surprised that PJ did as much talking as he did about the officiating. To me, that's a little break in composure.

Beyond that though, what a great game from the Lakers! I agree with Shelley Smith who said this was probably their most complete offensive game. They were a step quicker to every ball - made all the hustle plays - and were therefore rewarded by the basketball gods with the ball seeming to bounce their way. Someone once said "The harder I work, the luckier I get" and that held true for our team last night. I like that this team showed some new "mettle" (like Charles put it yesterday). By the way, the thing that got lost in all this was that Kobe was a surgeon last night. Every time the Spurs got close, he kept them at bay. Talk about picking your spots. Also, about this same time in the Utah series, Pau basically realized how tall he was and that he could block/bother shots.

Not being able to get over the hump was exactly the way I'd typify the Spurs' night. Every time they had a chance to get the lead or swing momentum in their direction, the ball bounced the other way. I've never seen so many in-and-outs. Similar to what happened to the Lakers in game 3 - the Spurs just couldn't seem to get the ball down in hole when they needed it. Yet they stayed in the game b/c the Lakers kept fouling them and they were on fire from the line.

I pretty much got everything I thought I would last night. LO in foul trouble. Role players (Luke and Vlad) stepping up with the hustle plays. Pau being more decisive offensively having a defensive impact. And the Lakers stealing one on the road. There was some blood spilt last night and now it's in the water.

Lakers!

Lakers!

LAKERS!

Charles,

I would hate to tempt fate and jinx us by talking about potential opponents in the Finals, but I'll throw caution to the wind here and give my answer.

I want the Celtics. Not even so much for the rivalry and how cool that would be, but because I think Detroit is better and we would have a better chance of beating the Celtics.

Here's what gets me the most. Everyone and their grandmas are all up on how great KG and the "Big Three" are, but I still haven't heard many people mention that not one of those big guys has ever won a damn thing, and these playoffs are showing just that!! I mean, getting taken to seven games by Atlanta AND Cleveland?!?!? Pathetic.

I want Boston in a bad way, if only to see us crush KG yet again and to watch Phil coach circles around Doc Rivers.

If the Lakers get Boston, Lakers in 5. If they get Detroit, Lakers in 6.

>>>refs let the players decide the game, not their whistles.

Wrong. The refs made the INCORRECT call that Derek Fisher's
shot didn't hit the rim. If they made the correct call there, then
San Antonio would have fouled Kobe, he would have made the
two free throws, and it wouldn't matter what happened on
San Antonio's last posession.

>>>I agreee it was a foul.

Maybe. Or maybe Brent Barry moved both feet before he
was fouled and before he dribbled. Maybe it should have
been called traveling. Or maybe it should have been called
a foul. And if it was a foul, it should have been a 2-shot
foul,
NOT a 3-shot foul, since Barry dribbled after the contact
from Fish.

But here's something people forget. Even if the refs HAD
called a foul and even if Barry HAD made his free throws,
the foul stopped the clock, so time couldn't possibly have
expired on Barry's free throws.

There probably would have been at least .4 seconds left.

And we all know how that story goes.

:-)

By the way, I will man up and admit that I was wrong if
the Lakers win it in 5 games instead of 6.

Whoever is that writer for "20 Second Timeout", he's good. THAT'S the type of writer we need for the L.A. Times Sports Section, not that joke T.J. Simers.

If I was the editor of the L.A. Times, I'd fire T.J. Simers today and hire the writer from "20 Second Timeout" tomorrow.

It would be a huge improvement.

GO LAKERS!

Charles,

I think the series is over tomorrow.

I'll be armed with my lucky seat in my lucky bar and I think the Spurs are resigned to their fate.

I got to hand it to them, they didn't complain after last night's loss. That shows a lot of class.

GO LAKERS!

Jon K

Right about Vlad. He's quietly performed as consistently as any player on the roster, especially on the road. His defense has improved and he's finding places to score inside and out.

An instinctive player, he struggled with his triangle lessons but now seems to be flowing on both ends of the court.

charles,

definately do not want to jinx but would love to have Boston...it would just be great to see Kobe in the Boston Garden bringing back great memories of Magic there..

anyone in Wash. DC for the game on Thursday night?

Anybody who doesnt think Vlad had a nice game is insane? All his points came of hussle, they aren't running any plays for him. He was part of the reason why Manu only had 7 points, yeah he had an airball, but when you stop getting the ball and you need to take a shot after not shooting for 1 1/2 quarters you can be off. It was his only bad shot off the night. He was all over the boards. Lakers really need to find a way to get him more shots in the second half off games and he probably should have been in instead of Luke and Sasha in the last 2 minutes, don't know why Phil took him out he was part of the run that put them up by 7 in the first place before Pau missed those 2 freethrows. I have a question for AK, did Phil say anything about Vlad waving him off because he didnt want to come out during those free throws, any comments?

I'll take the Pistons for PAYBACK'S sake...and because Chauncey's too gimpy to keep up with us.

lakers_sth

I know he may get some heat for complaining about the refs but PJ has been known to do that his entire career. He ws only stating the obvious.

I did cringe when he said it and said "here comes the fine" but it was well worth it. The officiating in the 2nd half wasn't nearly as bad as the first when they got Odom and Fish in foul trouble.

On another note...WHERE'S MAMBA24...we ned roll call baby. It's 3-1 just like I said yesterday.

GO LAKERS!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/?eref=fromSI

When it gets archived, listen to the part with Jason Terry. He talks about the last play. Says some pretty ballsy things considering he's an active player.

Charles/bozz/tha show,

I HATE both Detroit and the Celtics.

Why would I like to play/defeat the Pistons?

1. I hate them.
2. I hate that entire city.
3. I would enjoy demeaning that city on this blog during the playoffs.
4. I'd love to shove that "DEEEE-TROIT BASKET-BALLL!" right down their grubby throats.
5. I'd love to exorcize the ghosts from our 2004 defeat at the hands of the Pistons. That loss hurt.

Why would I love to play/defeat the Celtics?

1. I hate them.
2. I hate Sam Cassell after he betrayed the Clippers.
3. The Celtics are chokers. They're lucky they survived the Hawks and the Cavs.
4. I'm looking forward into turning Kevin Garnett into a more intense version of Chris Webber. KG, you ain't ever getting that ring.
5. It's only right that Phil Jackson should get that 10th ring against Red Auerbach's team.
6. A Celtics/Lakers Final means higher television ratings, which means more people get to watch Kobe Bryant get that fourth ring and the real healing from Colorado and the Shaq-Kobe fiasco can begin.

GO LAKERS!

By the way, mrbarneydangles?

Lamar Odom = Finals MVP.

GO LAKERS!

EastCoastJessie:"On another note...WHERE'S MAMBA24...we ned roll call baby. It's 3-1 just like I said yesterday."

Hey EastCoast. I gave you props on the other thread, I guess you missed it. When they didn't call DFish at
the end I swear I could almost hear you scream all the way from Boston. Well The Lakers are holding up their
end of the deal but I don't think your boy KG and the gang are going to get past Detroit.

Any Celtic loss is a good day. THe less KG posturing highlights the better.

Rasheed "both teams played hard" Wallace is entertaining but, they aren't going to beat the green,

*________________________*
LAKERS FOR LIFE THE ENTIRE
TEAM - BANDWAGON
*________________________*
(01) LakerTom - Owner & Driver
(02) MagicMan - Director of balancing The Force
(03) Janaya - Director of BandWagon assignments
(04) Mamba24 - Riding ShotGun

*_____________________________*
I HATE The CELTICS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – Owner & Driver
(02) FEARLESS – Co/Driver
(03) LAKER TOM – CEO – Made an offer they couldn’t refuse
(02) Milo Rambaldi--Team Prophet.
(03) Mamba24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LakerFaze – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse
(06) LakerMan420 – Told Red Auerbach where to put his cigar
(07) HmrHed – Blocked KG’s hook twice
(08) SIimLakerGirl – Reports directly to Jeannie Buss
(09) LakerLegacy – Made Red Auerbach bow down to 9Rings
(10) PigMiller– sent LARRY Bird back to French lick IND.
(11) JEFF - Was born hating the Celtics.
(12) #4 Not only born hating Celtics but will bequeath the hate to his heirs
(13) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(14) JustAnotherMambaFan – Hates them
(15) THE_D – Thinks Celtics fans should go to AA meetings
(16) JON K. - Put the chokehold in the Celtics choking
(17) FLOYD – Fought with Jerry west over who hated Boston most
(18) NEMAIA FALETOGO - Fan of the Purple Hulk - No not K.G.
(19) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(20) CBuck - Played Horse with McHale and made him retire
(21) BZAR - Painted the Parquet floor Purple and Gold
(22) KOBESBAD - Put exploding cigars in Red Auebachs Humidor
(23) EDWIN GUECO – Shaved Danny Ainges hair while he was asleep
(24) JAMIE SWEET - Is not so sweet when it comes to Celtics

Interesting insight about assists from someone who watched the NO/SA series closely:

"it is worth noting that Bryant made several passes that would be scored as assists for Paul; for instance, at the 9:36 mark of the first quarter, Bryant drove to the hoop, collapsed the defense and passed to Vladimir Radmanovic, who took one escape dribble and made a jumper. Bryant did not get credited with an assist but Paul was awarded several assists on plays like that in the game footage that I analyzed. The NBA really needs to zealously enforce one universal standard for assists."

It's a beautiful day in Lakerland.

I thought last night's game was masterfully planned by Phil Jackson. I know there are a lot of naysayers about his methods especially with his substitution patterns and leaving certain players on the court "too long." However, the bottom line was the strategy of having enough energy towards the end of the game to give themselves the best chance of winning.

I think it was evident when the Spurs shot something like 39% in the 4th quarter which is why the Lakers were able to make that final surge. Even Kenny Smith said last night that you start missing shots you usually make when you get tired. This was Phil's strategy, I believe, since the beginning of the series. It was no longer about X's and O's or who would be most effective. As Phil likes to say, it's always a battle of attrition in a 7 game series ... whoever has the best and freshest horses will usually come out on top. That's from the experience of winning 9 championship rings.

The added bonus to letting the inexperienced players play during crunchtime will come to fruition later on in the NBA Finals. Think about this, the same bench the last few years actually becomes one of the best benches in the NBA this year. Why? Because it looks like Phil had a 3-year plan in mind. Let them learn from all sorts of mistakes and become productive players in crunchtime, know how to close out games, and know when to pick your spots on offense when the game is close.

Yes, last night's game was a lesson in what not to do in a close game. But, in the end, despite all the adversity from the bad calls, this Laker team learned how to win and did not overly whine to the refs.

That last play was a foul by Fish, but the play prior to that was also blown by the refs. They should've given the Lakers a fresh 24-second clock since you could clearly see Fish's shot change direction because it hit the rim. Also the fact that Kobe DID NOT even have 1 free throw attempt because he never got ANY calls should be enough to put this stupid argument to rest. The refs didn't call Michael Jordan pushing off on Bryon Russell to take the winning shot against Utah in game 6.

Finally, last night's game is not as important as this coming Thursday's "close-out" game. If the Lakers don't win Thursday, the Spurs get new life. As the saying goes, you want to press your foot harder on their necks and not let up. You never know what'll happen in games 6 and 7.

Go Lakers!!

Hey guys. Show's about to start.

BK

ABOUT THE FOUL:

what most are forgetting about the non-call at the end of the game is that had the referees called it a foul, it was a non-shooting foul. the lakers had 3 team fouls at the time, so the spurs would have gotten the ball out of bounds... no free-throws.

Mamba said, "utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER you know it was your prayer that caused that no-call. Thanks bro."

It was?

Exhelo

That's because Pete Best needs at least 3 days rest between gigs these days.

Good morning Laker family around the Globe,

Still another glorious day to be a Laker fan. No matter what happens from here on in, one has to admire how far this Laker squad has come.

Props also to Gregg Popovich and Brent Barry. They handled the "no call" at the end with class and dignity. As I've said before, the Spurs are worthy opponents and have my respect.

Tomorrow night, it is essential for the Lakers to play Game 5 like it is a one game series and finish the Spurs off, for once and for good. If the Lakers are to go all the way, they must show that they take nothing for granted and understand that any mental lapses this deep into the post-season can be fatal.

All fans should find joy in being able to watch this Laker team grow and mature before our eyes. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!

A shame that the referees decided this game. All things considered, take the referees out of the game, the Lakers still win.

By the way, wasn't Brent Barry fouled before the act of shooting?

GO LAKERS!

BSPN fueling the last call.foul no foul foul no foul.

who cares!?

we outplayed them...

I love LO's response....

he was asked by the media..what did you see.

he said what did YOU see..."a possible foul"

Lo says "i saw possible fouls all night"

anyway...

no controversy..bogus...

and i was wrong...i said lakers in 6..

LAKERS IN 5!!!

"if you touch somebody in the backcourt it's a foul"

So long as your name is not Kobe Bean Bryant.

One of my favorite parts of these live shows are all the great sound effects. Like the 1950's typewriter that someone is using in the background.

FAITH:"However...I want Boston. I would love to see KG's face as he realizes he picked the wrong team! haha."

LOL!! QUOTE OF THE DAY!!

Great game. Unbelievable that the Lakers led wire to wire on the Spurs home court. And although there were plenty of miscues by everyone, the Lakers showed that they have the mental toughness to gut it out. This team is really peaking at the right time.

To those on the game thread who were yelling "trade Gasol", if you were doing anything other than venting a temporary frustration, you're idiots. The guy has completely changed the way this team plays. In brief, he makes the triangle (FINALLY!) work like it was designed to. Passing, screening, cutting, driving to the basket, kicking out to the perimeter shooter...it ALL works now because of Gasol. Yes, he's "soft" on defense. But he's improving, and his rebounding and shot-blocking at the end of games in particular are game-changers.

Lastly, Phil...you're truly a genius. Your handling of the team mentality has been fantastic. Your assembling such a flexible cast that you can shape and morph for any team and any situation is unparalleled. And that is exactly why I want us to face the Celtics. I want to see you light up a cigar IN BOSTON when we beat them in 5 to win the NBA championship...and you get your 10th ring!

Go Lakers!

And I hate the Celtics.

Doesn't that go without saying?

I say D Fish will be in the hall of fame one day... As a coach!

Game 5 is on the horizon. Much respect to your Laker team for being an outstanding team and not being arrogant about being where you guys are at right now. I still love my spurs but it is not looking to hot for us at the moment! This Mt. Everest they need to climb in Game 5 is going to be incredibly hard for them. The spurs have been putting up a fight but have been coming up short alot in this series. And we have no one to blame but ourselves. Im looking forward to Game 5 and seeing what kind of drive the Spurs are going to have. Im still gonna be cheering for my team no matter what the outcome is.

Still say SPURS in 7, though that is not looking to good right now lol.

GO SPURS GO!

If you say tomorrow's it then that's good enough for me.
I got my purple speedo's and purple and gold paint. LOL!
Mamba24

Ahhhhh my eyes, my eyes. The pain... The burning... Make it stop, makeeee itttttt stopppppp. Dammit Mamba, I gotta go to sleep some time tonight, and I gotta see that!??!?!

Hee hee. LOL!!!!

(Sorry ma brotha. Couldn't resist.)

LOL Mamba...too bad you may have to go to Detroit to wear those baby.

And yes...I'll say it again...this series is over tomorrow night!

EE:"whatever happened to life with luke?????????"

GODD@MNIT!! Don't tell me they cancelled it!!! LOL!

Lakers4Realz:"and i was wrong...i said lakers in 6.."
YES YOU WERE WRONG.....BUT IT WAS A GOOD WRONG! LOL!

T.J Simers

This guy makes me so sick! every time I read a basketball article that he wrote, I end up reading something that is completely different than basketball.

This was my 6578452146543rd time :) reading his article and at the end I found a paragraph about baseball or something else... but most of the time is baseball.

I just don't understand why he keeps coming... he should stay with baseball and that's it! I guess he's promoting his favorite sport (baseball) by merging it with basketball.

I don't have nothing against baseball but if you're writing about baseball, start and end with that specific topic! Seeems like he did not take english 101 and 102! Make a statement and support it throughout.

Maxx

My God, Roland Lazenby just said "Four-Peat."

The expectation has just been set.

The Dynasty Begins Now!

FOURPEAT! FOURPEAT! FOURPEAT! FOURPEAT!

NEXT YEAR WE UNLEASH THE BEAST!

THIS YEAR LAKER NATION AGAINST THE WORLD!

GO LAKERS!

cello_the Spurs fan,

I echo magicman's comments.

Generally, speaking Spurs fans have a lot more class than Suns, Kings, or Jazz fans. Way to take the defeat with maturity.

GO LAKERS!

Brian K,

This series is over, brother. Over.

Lakers will not relax in Game Five. The crowd will be frenzied.

Lakers in Five.

GO LAKERS!

*________________________*
LAKERS FOR LIFE THE ENTIRE
TEAM - BANDWAGON
*________________________*
(01) LakerTom - Owner & Driver
(02) MagicMan - Director of balancing The Force
(03) Janaya - Director of BandWagon assignments
(04) Mamba24 - Riding ShotGun
(05) Jon K. - Buying the whole team a drink from my lucky bar seat
(06) Keifo - Director of Scheduling
(07) htj - Director of crowd control

Stick a fork into this series. The Lakers will win in Staples Thursday by 20+ and Next!!!

The spurs know in their heart that their almost decade long championship run is over and are going out as classy champions. Hence the no complains against the no call. If you know you are on your way out, why not leave with class.

I'm hoping the Lakers will face the Pistons in the NBA Finals. For three reasons:

1. Tayshaun Prince is going to bring out the best in Kobe Bean. Prince is now an even tougher cover over Kobe than Bowen. Mr. Bryant is playing the best ball of his life and I would like to see him show us once again the great transcendent player that he is by raising it yet another level.

2. The young Pistons pulled off the greatest upset in NBA playoffs history in the 04 Finals over the old Lakers. Now is a chance for the young Lakers to pay back the now old Pistons. It is also a chance for Kobe to redeem himself since a lot of people put the a lot of the blame for the 04 upset on Kobe's shoulders.

3. I want the Lakers to demolish, pulverize and obliterate the Celtics in the 09 NBA Finals when Andrew Bynum is back in the fold.

Bynum, Gasol, Odom is a legitimate contender versus the greatest frontline in NBA history: the Celtics' Bird, McHale and Parish. And I would place the backcourt of Kobe and Fisher/Farmar certainly over Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge - I mean Danny Ainge! So it will be the 09 Lakers starting five versus the historical ghost of the Celtics starting five of the 80s.