Cram 'em in where you can
We'll obviously have more of our observations throughout the day and into tomorrow morning, but here's one breakdown from back in Salt Lake, courtesy of the folks at My Utah Jazz.com. (That's www.myutahjazz.blogspot.com, for those interested.) No surprise to see them call it Jazz in six, and while I certainly don't agree, rather than simply post a QOTD about your call for the series, I figure I'd post this, and let you guys explain why he's wrong (I'm assuming most of you think he is- I know I do):
Moving onto the Lakers, this series is going to look completely different than the one we just saw with the Rockets. Final scores are going to be in the 110 -115 range every night as both teams want to push the tempo more. Hopefully the Jazz can keep some of the defensive aggressiveness that they displayed against the Rockets. Look for Boozer to be much more effective as the Lakers interior defense is poor at best. Here is my opinion on how the Jazz stack up to the Lakers, position by position.
PG: Williams vs. Fisher - Advantage Williams, big. Deron is playing MVP caliber ball right and now Fish just can't hang with him.
SG: Kobe vs. Brewer - Advantage Kobe, big. I am pretty sure that Kobe will score a few points in fourth quarter.
SF: Kirilenko vs. Odom - Push. Both guys play a similar all-around game with AK being a bigger factor on defense for the Jazz and Odom being a bigger factor offensively for the Lakers.
PF: Boozer vs. Radmanovic - Advantage Boozer, big. Seriously, what are the Lakers going to do with Boozer. Who on this team is going to defend him down low?
C: Okur vs. Gasol - Advantage Gasol, very small. Pau is going to end up scoring more than Okur in this series, but look for Okur to own the glass against him.
Bench: Harpring, Milsap, Korver and Price vs. Farmar, Walton, Vujacic and Turiaf - Push. These are the best two bench units in the playoffs and they are very similar in style. Both teams have the hustling big guy, the sharp shooter, and the athletic streaky point guard.
My prediction for the series is the Jazz in 6, if it goes 7 I don't know if we can win that one on the road. The Jazz should win Game 1 because the Lakers are going to be a bit rusty with the long layoff and all of the Kobe for MVP hoopla. After that all they need to do is hold down home court.
The best point is the one about Boozer. The Lakers don't have a natural matchup for him defensively, and that's hurt them before. Williams is obviously a major concern as well. On the other hand, the Lakers bring a lot to the table themselves. They weren't the top seed by accident.
More to come.
BK
They don't want to see us. They want to be us.
Posted by: never | May 03, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Yup,
I wont be disrespectful and type what came to mind after reading the "Jazz" breakdown, but outside of the Boozer match up, dude has it all wrong !!!!! lol Cant fault them, during the season, I rarely watch the Jazz or anyone else unless its against Us or the tail end of the early game, but I'm glad we're going in this as "underdogs" in their minds. It will make it more enjoyable to see the look on Jazz fans faces when they experience Shock n Awe firsthand.
As for the lay off making the team rusty? Naw.. I think they'll actually play with a chip on their shoulders and win by 12-16 not to mention, hook Staples up with TACOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lakers - 107 Jazz -91
Posted by: complex brotha | May 03, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Wow! I didn't know that Utahans could count to six.
Lakers in five.
And at least one memorable facefull of Kobecrotch for Andrei Kirilenko.
Posted by: The D | May 03, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Long llayoff LOL!!!
This isnt the 2001 Finals. The little bit of rust this team aquired from a five day "layoff" far underweighs the quality rest thier bodies had. That rust will be shakin off about the time the Jazz get fatigued. Just wait!!
Posted by: dan the man | May 03, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Lamar will do a GREAT job on Boozer.
Posted by: Eric M. | May 03, 2008 at 01:55 PM
They really think they can beat us. It is on!!!!!!!!
Posted by: wow | May 03, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Oh , I know what I forgot... The reason I'm not overly concerned with a Boozer match up is simple. We have Phil Jackson.... duh !!!
I'm sure PJ will adjust and bang him around. Jazz folks dont really know about Mbenga and Newble not to mention, how annoying Sasha is on defense and that could possibly get in DWilliams head... They also seem to forget ( cant blame em ) about a dude named Mihm that can also play some ball ( when healthy ughh ) Seriously, I think by the excerpt BK posted above, they're totally underestimating our depth and talent as a Team, and our coaching staff on seeing problems and making the proper adjustments...
nawwwwwwww they got it all wrong.. all wrong..Thanks BK now I gotta be nosey and pop over there and read what they're thinking... not to worry Laker Fam.. I NEVER stoop to posting on "others" blogs.... Puh Leeze!!!! its beneath me heh
Posted by: complex brotha | May 03, 2008 at 01:58 PM
According to Utah bloggers, sweeping your opponent is irrational, b/c it leads to rust.
I admit, we theoretically COULD be rusty. Of course, it's more likely that we are simply recovered.
I'm sure a better stats hound that I could tell us how much better four game sweepers do in their next round than six-gamers do in their next round.
Posted by: The D | May 03, 2008 at 02:09 PM
A WORD ABOUT THE ROLL CALL ARGUMENT:
Enough with this. Mamba is welcome and encouraged to continue doing them. They're popular with many on the site, and easy to pass by for those who don't want to read them. Those of you who go out of your way, either by cuting and pasting massive posts specifically to be an ass simply won't get your posts through.
It's really not complicated. The roll calls have been part of the site for a while, they hurt nobody, and are welcome to be a part of the community.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 03, 2008 at 02:12 PM
To add to BK's statement,
Seriously, everyone. Let's drop the feud.
If you don't like the roll calls, it's not like scrolling past is a particularly strenuous activity. And if you do like the roll calls, simply enjoy them and stop bad mouthing those that don't. But either way, they're not going anywhere, so arguing about them is just stupid waste of everyone's time.
Frankly, if we looked to ban every post that either went on too long, was a little silly or annoyed another reader, everybody, including me and BK, would find themselves getting deleted on a semi-regular basis. That would also be a horrible way to run the site. So let's just be adults about this and put the kibbosh on an argument that's grown beyond ridiculous by now.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 03, 2008 at 02:17 PM
The Jazz are tough; all-star caliber players in Boozer and DW - but no Superstars!
Lakers in 7.
Posted by: ERam | May 03, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Their jersey's have pictures of mountains on them... 'nuff said.
Lakers in 4.
Yeah I said it...
Posted by: Romy R. | May 03, 2008 at 02:20 PM
What, no mention at all of my man, Mbenga? Such total disrespect!!!
My Utah Jazz.Com will be changing their prediction after game one, when fantasy meets reality!!
Posted by: Robyn | May 03, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Odom is a push with Boozer (Boozer more points, Odom more rebounds and assists)
Radmanovic on AK47 is a push.
That leaves us with Pau & Kobe having rather large advanatages. And usually, just having the new Jack Bauer will be enough.
The Lakers will pretty much destroy the Jazz in game 1 & 2.
They'll win game 3 or 4 and finish up in #5.
Book it!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Bynumite | May 03, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Remember guys, the last time we played in Utah, we did so without Gasol. The Jazz have not had to try and fend off the 3 headed monster we now have. We have more help defense that we had in the past. We have long guys that are willing to defend and block shots. Gasol last played the Jazz as a limping teddy bear. Tomorrow the Jazz will face a team that is not locked and loaded, but cocked and loaded. They will face the barrel of the gun and get a belly full of buckshot.
On the down side,the Lakers still have a tendency to play down to almost the level of their competition. This showed in the games with the Denver Biscuts too often, though they had the ability to get their heads collectivly back in the game in time to still inflict 4 games worth of damage. Against the Jazz we will not have time to let up and relax. We can do this. I think we will take care of home court and get one in SLC and comeback here for #5. Utah is banged up for us and that will help.
Oh yeah we have the MAMBA. Nuf said.
TWoody
Posted by: TWoody | May 03, 2008 at 02:30 PM
AK/BK.
on the roll call issue, what do you expect over a long lay off, of course the blog needs to find something to bicker about. My guess is the issue will go away until the next layoff after we sweep utah.
They're good, but we're dynomite even without bynomite.
Posted by: Taliq | May 03, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Thank you BK & AK for bringing down the gavel! Hopefully the tradition of Mamba24 will continue.
Where are you, Mamba24? We miss you!!
Posted by: Robyn | May 03, 2008 at 02:34 PM
To the people posting that the lakers will sweep: Please re-read the legal terms, you have to be 13 years or older to post here!
Posted by: stocktontodwill | May 03, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Seriously, gotta luv the KamBros.... brothas from anotha motha...
I CANT WAIT to watch the Spurs/Hornets in a lil while.. I'm having serious"antsy attacks".. The Paul/Parker match up should be classic stuff. I dont see how ANYONE on the spurs can handle Paul. Dont know why, but I think Duncan is gonna school Chandler. I like the Hornets in this series but Popovich is good at adjusting on the fly so I'm interested in seeing if B can live up to the COY.
I would love a Laker/Hornet WCF just outta respect and love for B.Scott and to show the league why KB should be recieving his 3rd MVP trophy next week.
Posted by: complex brotha | May 03, 2008 at 02:39 PM
"Their jersey's have pictures of mountains on them... 'nuff said. " -Posted by: Romy R.
LMAOOOOOOOOO
Old Skool Enver Nuggets came to mind instantly..
Posted by: complex brotha | May 03, 2008 at 02:44 PM
AK,
"Frankly, if we looked to ban every post that either went on too long, was a little silly or annoyed another reader, everybody, including me and BK, would find themselves getting deleted on a semi-regular basis. "
Not me!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 03, 2008 at 02:45 PM
"I figure I'd post this, and let you guys explain why he's wrong..."
Well, you can start with their belief that Lamar is our SF and Vlad is our PF... Unlike their idiot fans/bloggers, I don't think Jerry Sloan is expecting Vlad to spend much time checking Boozer...
Posted by: SG | May 03, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I think that Fish will do a better job on Williams than most people think. He did a pretty good job shutting down Iverson, and while Deron is a bigger guard, Fish isn't exactly "little" either. He's a tough bulldog-type player, and he knows Deron's game. Who knows... Phil might even put Sasha on Deron every once in awhile. Could lead to Deron's ejection. You know how Sasha gets under people's skin. Ha!
Lakers in 4.
HmrHed, you might want to start a new 2nd round predictathon, maybe even including the EC.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 03, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Andrew K.,
Good comment. Sorry I had an unintended part in starting the ridiculousness. Great name by the way.
Benjamin,
u wit dat?
Posted by: Andy | May 03, 2008 at 03:00 PM
The only sure prediction is that the Jazz fans will continue to lack class and boo Derek Fisher.
Posted by: Laker Seth | May 03, 2008 at 03:10 PM
The D
" didn't know Utahans could count to 6"
As one who used to live in Utah, I find that very insulting. People from Utah, and I have seen this with my own eyes, can count to twenty, with practice, if they take their shoes and socks off.
Bk - I didn't read all the intro and thought that was your prediction. lol
I was thinking WTH??
I don't like the guys match ups
Boozer - LO, Ronny, and some Pau, Even = Boozer scores better, but LO does a ton of little things that are not glorified in the box score
AK (not ours) - Vlad, Luke, AK better D, we better three and passing
Okur - Pau, LO and a monster edge
D Williams - Fish, Little Jordie Farmar, solid edge to Williams, but not as bad as a Smush edge
Key to a closer game and not a complete blow out - REBOUNDS Protecting the glass.
Lakers in 4-5
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 03, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Not trying to insult Utah fans (at this particular moment), but wouldn't everyone here agree that Jazz fans are the least sophisticated fans of any perennial playoff team?
I guess Spurs fans fit in there as well.
Posted by: The D | May 03, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Talking about Cooper!!!
I forget how good a jumper he was!!!
Check this out!!
http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/\wmedia/nba/nbacom/dotn/dotn_080502.asx&
video=blank&nbasite=nba
Enjoy!!!
Peace
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | May 03, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Boozer would be matching up with Odom, not Vlad.
Posted by: Xodus | May 03, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Well at least they believe in themselves, but trying to predict in how many games really dosn't work point by point; min. by min. game by game. And the one to get 4 first wins period, and we really didn't have a hard time with these dudes anyway so go lakers and get your 4.
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | May 03, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Ok..ill let it rest AK/BK!! Enough about roll call...my thing about there position match up is not every team plays man defense. There guna put Brewer on Kobe?? All alone on an island trying to guard Kobe?? Kobe will have his lunch..so I don't care about position match ups..im concerned about the help defense without exposing our weakness all night. Kobe presents so many problems for Utah..Brewer will be in foul trouble..AK will be in foul trouble switchin of of pick and rolls guarding Kobe..Pau will have his way with Okur..or Boozer which opens up LO and Fish to damage them inside out also. You know what's crazy??? Me and my bro was watching the Lake last week when LO and Pau ran a fast break! How often do you see a SF/PF and a PF/C out running everybody on transition?? That's crazy!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 03, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Their jersey's have pictures of mountains on them... 'nuff said. Posted by: Romy R.
haha!
The Lakers in 5 I think. But no easy wins.
Posted by: Tsiry | May 03, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I am a Laker fan, but I pretty much agree with that Utah fan description.
The problem with that analysis is that it is a MAN2MAN description. As if every possession will be a collection of one on one actions. But this will be a battle of teamwork, both offense and defense.
Both teams are pretty good with teamwork. Utah is more consistent. Laker defense varies from bad to good. Laker offense varies from good to INSANELY good.
Also that analysis really doesn't capture how bad Kobe can outplay his opponent. It can literally be a flood of constant point scoring. If Utah can't stop him from hitting that unstoppable gear, their game is over.
What the Lakers must do, is avoid hoisting a ton of 3 shots. They have a bad habit of doing that. If they fall back into the habit, Utah will win. Lakers MUST attack the paint.
Overall, I agree that Lakers might lose the first game. If they do that, then Utah has a homecourt advantage where they are stronger. This team plays much better at home. And they can do it in 6. But game 7 does favor Lakers.
But if the Lakers manage to get their act together and win game 1, then WATCH OUT! Utah will be in bad shape.
Posted by: | May 03, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Lakers in 4. My comment on the Utah blog is below... Also, could somebody please add me back to the Roll Call list?? I've been busy this past season and haven't left many comments, but rest assured I'm still HUGE Laker fan and I have followed EVERY game - either on tv, or online radio.
-------
From the Jazz blog:
Anonymous #1 got it right. Anonymous #2 is here to tell you that it will be a hard-fought series, with the Lakers winning in 4. Yes, 4. When it happens, I want all you Jazz fans to remember reading this comment. Don't be ashamed. The Lakers are simply the better team - with home court advantage. Also: your fellow Jazz fans made a huge mistake when they booed D.Fish in Salt Lake. It was uncalled for, and even if D.Fish forgave you, Kobe did not.
--- Miguelinho
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 03, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Why hasn't anyone countered the hilariously ridiculous point made by the Jazz blogger that Odom is our starting SF and Vlad our starting PF? Yes, Vlad spends all his time at the offensive end on the low blocks...LOL
Posted by: The Dude Abides | May 03, 2008 at 03:53 PM
me seven
Posted by: Craig | May 03, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Gino,
"Just heard on the ESPN radio 710.. Rick Bucher reporting that according to his doctors Andrew Bynum should be ok to play in the Western confernece Finals if the Lakers where to make it that far...He also when on to say that becuase of the amount of questions that have been lingering about his injury, Andrew felt frastrated and he wanted to make a worst case scenerio statment...
This is great news, but it's also news from Bucher for all people......"
Thanks, Gino. Leave it to Bucher. LOL. We can always use a beast in the middle. Anybody else confirm Gino's post?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 03, 2008 at 04:07 PM
although i predicted the denver sweep, i think the jazz match up a bit better with us. plus they play at a slower tempo (something we also prefer) so it'll become something of a grind. particularly as it gets to games 4+.
Lakers in 6
Posted by: d | May 03, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Boozer matchup
"PF: Boozer vs. Radmanovic - Advantage Boozer, big. Seriously, what are the Lakers going to do with Boozer. Who on this team is going to defend him down"
Isn't it odd that the only time the Jazz beat the Lakers this year Boozer didn't even play.
And whoever thinks that Gasol has only a small advantage over Okur is smoking some good stuff.
Posted by: giantsquid | May 03, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Lakers in 5. Utah's real good, but that analysis is seriously flawed. You can't match up that way.
Boozer matches with Odom where he's better, but not by all that much based on how well Lamar has played post Gasol.
Then it's Radman vs. AK47, where AK's better on paper, but really, he's quite erratic. Who knows what you'll get from him?
Then, they totally underestimate Gasol. Big mistake. He's much better than Okur.
Yes Fish is outmatched by a very good PG but I'd take our bench any day. Particularly if Ariza can play, even in limited minute spurts.
Then, of course there's Kobe. You can't add up match-up pros and cons when we have the best player on the floor (by a lot). This is the NBA playoffs. The math never means anything unless you say Kobe's worth like +10 just for the 4th quarter - "score a few points," lol. Anyone watch Joe Johnson? Or LeBron vs. Detroit last year? Or Dwayne Wade the year before that? I could go on (and on). Best player on the floor in the NBA playoffs. 'Nuf said.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | May 03, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Pau Gasol's stats against Utah this season when he was still with Memphis
11pts, 4 reb 1 ast in 26 minutes
Hopefully, he will double that to 22ppg 8reb 4ast per game in this series
Posted by: Botsoy | May 03, 2008 at 04:44 PM
I like to watch.
This is just like television, only you can see much further in between the lines.
Yes. In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again.
Yes! There will be growth in the spring! As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.
All bloggers bloom in/with moderation. Thanks AK/BK.
Posted by: Chance The Laker Gardener | May 03, 2008 at 04:44 PM
We like to rag on Bucher but he's the first one who said Bynum wouldn't be coming back this season. And that was on Feb. 1st when the Gasol trade went down.
It's not like Bucher was making stuff up. If you don't think he was talking DIRECTLY to Kobe when he was saying all that stuff last summer, you're thinking wishfully.
Posted by: Xodus | May 03, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Lakers in 5
The Lakers will steal one in Utah. I hope that doesn't have to be game 6. I think the Lakers will win game 3, Utah will come out on fire in game 4, and the Lakers will wrap up the series in game 5.
Posted by: giantsquid | May 03, 2008 at 04:50 PM
They didn't take into account Phil Jackson vs. Sloan argument, which is just as important. I believe the Lakers are better coached, and hence mentally more prepared as a unit.
I never pay much credence to player to player matchups like this. Its too simplistic an assessment. If they have a gigantic advantage at some position, why would the lakers play it that way? I think disadvantages should be assessed more by the team's defense as a whole as opposed to player to player matchups. The Lakers rotations have been extremely sharp. The Lakers aren't the Phoenix Suns; Phil's teams play defense very well.
Relative to Utah's most recent opponent, the Laker defense is a much more mobile defense than the Rockets with Deke. We handle pick and rolls/flares much better. Deron will still be Deron, a top point guard, but I'd like to see how he'd do against Ariza. While we are worlds better with Bynum, I think Gasol is in sync defensively. He's much better at cutting off the point guard. Because Lamar and Gasol both have foot speed and length skills, they have much better help defense off of screens.
In addition to the limited scope of the assessment, I also don't give much credence to the MVP making the Lakers complacent. This isn't the Shaq's Lakers. If anything, they have been the most humble squad and hard working of any the recent Laker team. However, it gives us a look into what Utahan's (sp?) believe, and is reflective of what they probably believe about LA in general (that we're selfish, style obssessed, and an MVP would be enough for Kobe and us yada yada). In short, this club is hungry and confident and hasn't assumed much about themselves all year.
But, you can't fault them for having a myopic view about their team. It is Utah after all, and we all know how much they love their team. They're Sacramento Kings without the cowbells.
If anyone remembers, people thought that Denver would give us 6 games. I think if Denver had played its game right, it would have went to 6. I know Utah will likely play its game right, and will probably come away with some inspired wins. Howver, they can't deal with the Lakers size and length, depth, and integration on both sides of the ball.
So I say, 6 games going to the Lakers. Utah will come up with 2 inspired wins, but the Lakers efficiency will probably get them 3 wins, and a classic kobe game will get us the closeout game.
Posted by: #4 | May 03, 2008 at 04:55 PM
LAKERS BASKETBALL WILL PREVAIL…
The Lakers showed how to defeat the Jazz when they went into Salt Lake City on March 20th and pounded the Jazz 106-95 without Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol, breaking the Jazz’ 19-game home winning streak and shocking the unruly home town fans.
The Lakers dominated the game from the tip off, hitting 9 of their first 10 shots and leading by 20 points (38-18) after the first quarter. For the Lakers, it was a critical win in their quest for the #1 seed as well as payback for Utah fans booing Derek Fisher. It was also payback for the Lakers only loss to the Jazz 120-96 back on Nov 30th in SLC.
The Lakers ability to dominate at home as well as on the road will enable the Lakers to easily sweep the Jazz 4-0. The Lakers crushed the Jazz at Staples 119-109 on Nov 4th and 123-109 on Dec 28th. Look for the Lakers to win games 1 and 2 at Staples and then close out the series with victories next Friday and Sunday in SLC.
Aside from holding a 3-1 season series edge against the Jazz as well as having trounced them the last two time the teams met, tomorrow’s game will also be the Jazz’ first taste of the Lakers with Pau Gasol at center. I look for Pau to have a huge game against Okur.
I also expect Lamar Odom to neutralize Carlos Boozer, Kobe to torch Brewer, Vlade to hold his own against AK47, and Fish to be physical with Williams. If the Jazz put AK47 on Kobe, then look for the Lakers to counter by posting up Brewer with Vlade and Luke.
The key to this series even more so than Denver is going to be Kobe Bryant. Newly anointed as the league regular season MVP, Kobe will be looking to put his stamp on this series from the start. He has always played very well against the Jazz and in SLC.
Aside from Kobe, Lamar Odom will be a major factor defending Boozer. In the three Lakers victories, Odom was a big factor both offensively and defensively. Also, look for Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic to have big series and Luke to continue to sizzle.
Bottom line, the Lakers Triangle Offense is humming like a fine tuned racing machine, allowing the Lakers to attack the rim relentlessly, play great inside out basketball, and dominate the boards and points in the paint. The Jazz will fall like tall trees in four.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 03, 2008 at 05:07 PM
It will be a major concern in regards to guarding Boozer and Williams. Remember that the Lakers had difficulty guarding the pointguards and the big guys of the opposing teams during the regular season. We got burned by Alston, Iverson, Paul, Williams, Steve Blake, Udrich and the opposing big guys like Aldridge, Chandler and Boozer. Anyway, the playoffs is different than the regular season. This will separate the men from the boys as they say.
Posted by: Botsoy | May 03, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Has this guy even seen the lakers play??
Its like he picked a media guide, glanced at the roster, and took what he thinks he knows about all the players and made some asinine conclusions.
I'm no irrational fan who thinks the lakers will simply roll without resistance, but we are the clearly dominant team.
No match up for boozer?? Turiaf smoked him like 3 weeks ago. C'mon man.
Odom at SF and Rad at PF?? that has NEVER happened, NEVER. Odom will play PF like he has for the vast majority of his time with LA and whats more--HE WILL DOMINATE BOOZER. You watch. Boozer is going to be shut down this series like anthony was last series. We'll focus on taking him out of the offensive equation Utah will have to rely on Williams to get them results. Now I believe he is talented enough to do some damage, but lets be honest, LA is going to take this one.
LA in 5.
Williams vs. Fish---Williams by a hair. Fisher will play him better than most expect, because of his size and his experience. Williams won't be able to exploit a size and strength advantage like he has with most pgs around the league. Fish has more trouble with quick pg's.
Brewer vs Kobe. Well...--...nope I'm not even going to justify a response. This mismatch alone could win us the series. Kobe is another planet (pluto maybe??) than brewer.
Kirilenko vs. Vlad/walton---Probably kirilenko, but not by much. As long as Vlad or luke show up decent each game this adv will be marginal.
Boozer vs. Odom-- Lamar. Not just cuz he's going to outplay booz, and he will. But because the team D will be focused on minimalizing boozer's influence on the game. Odom is a monster in the playoffs. He also thrives without an individual spotlight. As long as odom/kobe/gasol stay healthy, we can't lose this series.
Okur vs. Gasol--Again these guys shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath. Gasol's length will bother Okur's game, becuase he usually hits a jump shot to extend the defense. Traditional centers are reluctant to follow him out to the perimeter. Our team length and Gasol's versatility and mobility will neutralize this advantage. I look for Gasol to utterly smoke Okur on Offense while stifling him on the Defensive end.
Bench's--closer to a push, but our bench has more explosive potential to make big runs, big stops and compliment our stars abilities.
HOME COURT. Utah has proven they are horrible on the road all year long. And we just smoked them on their home court w/o a center.
To the douche who wrote that jazz breakdown, C'mon man watch a game and be realistic. AT BEST the Jazz will make the series competitive, at worst, our team will be efficient enough to give Kobe the opportunity to eat their hearts right out of their chest.
LAKERS IN 5--Only if Will/boozer can man up in game 3 to extend the series.
LAKERS IN 4--If Kobe and crew can hold on in game 3 stem the utah crowds energy and the players knowing that game three is their last stand.
Posted by: jandro | May 03, 2008 at 05:12 PM
dem hillbillies would know the reality of team basketball!!!!
4-0.....!
They have nothing against us!
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | May 03, 2008 at 05:16 PM
This 2008 Playoffs suck!
We get too many layoffs...
Lakers over Utah in 4
Then, Spurs over NO in 7
Another week of no games coming up
Posted by: coolhair | May 03, 2008 at 05:18 PM