Luke Walton: U.R.I.

May 4, 2008 | 12:07 pm

And by "U.R.I.," we're referring to the dreaded "upper respiratory infection," the ailment currently making Walton feel sick. I didn't see him in the locker room at all, but I was told by another writer that he didn't look too hot yesterday at practice. Phil Jackson said he'll suit up for action, but how much he'll play (and how effectively) remains up in the air. I have no idea if he's battling the same sickness Ronny Turiaf just shook, but the thought did cross my mind.

Beyond that, not too much in the way of news. Phil emphasized again that he's expecting a very physical series and that his players seem properly geared up for such an environment. When asked about differences he foresees playing against Utah vs. Denver, he noted the sharp discrepancy in the amount of shots attempted against Denver vs. how many Utah took against Houston (PJ estimated around 10 fewer). To put it in metaphorical terms, the speed limit will be honored more often in Round 2. Not that Utah, can't or hates to run, mind you. But the Rockets looked to put the kibosh on that whenever possible, and the Lakers will look to follow suit.

Anything else? Not really, except Vlad Rad is now beardless, which I imagine provides little comfort to those superstitious fans who eschew the notion of changing anything mid-postseason. Then again, it's not like his shooting touch could really grow much worse, so perhaps this will be the spark needed to kick the motor into fifth gear.

AK

Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_5.4 preGame 1.mp3

Comments

Seriously isn't there a hospital willing and able to give our might Lakers some vaccines or something?

I mean we can't have any more of this! lol.

Posted by: Faith | May 04, 2008 at 12:12 PM

Well it looks like Vlad better step up today.

FINALLY a LAKER game!!!

Posted by: Fire32 | May 04, 2008 at 12:19 PM

Bad news about Luke, we really need him on the floor. Utah is clearly a very smart and disciplined team and Luke really helps the Lakers in that arena. Hope Luke gets well soon.

GO LAKERS

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 04, 2008 at 12:27 PM

Faith,

Wherever you're doing your nurse thing, I think you're needed more at Staples Center. Please report immediately to the Lakers locker room and bring your vaccines with you. This series will depend on your healing powers, since the current staff seems to lack them.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 04, 2008 at 12:27 PM

I lost the little respect that I had for the celtics. I hope that D. Sterns other love L.B.J takes them out, I'm sure the commish will find a way to make go 7.

Posted by: Fire32 | May 04, 2008 at 12:33 PM

I am by no means a Laker fan (lol I'm saying this on a Laker blog).

But I hope the Lakers shut down the Boston Celtics.

I have no respect for Garnett or the Celtics at all! Anyone watching game 7? Look how good they think they are? They are in game 7 YES SEVEN! against what? the lowest ranked team in the eastern conference playoffs! Also I love the refs. 3 Boston players can be all over a Hawk, but dare 1 hawk player to lay a finger on a Celtic and OMG it's a big deal. Total bull crap If you ask me. Holy crap! did you see Garnett take out that dude (don't remember the guys name) on the hawks. No whistles or anything (they did call it a foul and garnett went out for the game) This is just ridiculous.

Anyways sorry for the wall of text and the crappy grammar. I just had to vent some fustration...

GO LAKERS! I HOPE YOU GUYS DESTROY THE STUPID CELTICS!

(new topic)

Posted by: Walty | May 04, 2008 at 12:35 PM

wow, the celts just murdered the hawks. 99-65

I mean murder in the first degree. premeditated.

Posted by: | May 04, 2008 at 12:39 PM

Posted by: Kelli-Kell | May 04, 2008 at 12:40 PM

U.R.I. ....University of Rhode Island.

School of :
#5 Lamar Odom
and yours truly...

Wondah

Posted by: wondahbap | May 04, 2008 at 01:46 PM