Hard to go the entire playoffs without getting blown out
But give the Lakers credit, because they went a remarkably long time in the postseason before being handed an arse whuppin'. Tonight, however, that good fortune ended with the Lakers suffering a 103-84 beatdown at the hands of the Spurs. It's not hard to figure out why the margin between the teams was so decidedly wide. Save Jordan Farmar and Vlad Radmanovic, Kobe Bryant was offered little in the way of proficient help to match his 13-for-23 shooting performance (30 points). Harsh struggles to unite the ball and the net were experienced by Derek Fisher (one for four), Pau Gasol (seven for 18) and Lamar Odom (two for 11), the latter of whom also added five turnovers to his "woe" list. The Lakers D wasn't a whole lot more inspiring. The three-point arc in particular went disturbingly unprotected, allowing a team yet to can 30% of their attempts to go batty. They were 10 for 18 on three-point shots, with five makes alone belonging to Manu Ginobli, who diced the hell out of the Lakers after getting nada going in L.A.
All in all, not the most pleasurable of purple and gold box scores. But save for that 2001 team that went 15-1 in their title acquisition, you'll be hard-pressed to find many championships squads that didn't suffer a doozy or two along the way. Hopefully, the Lakers will limit their tally to this one.
AK
Well....Well....Well.....................The stat that hits home hardest for me......3 assists in the first half.......3....3.......3
Ball movement fuels the offense ....Move that damm ball....
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 25, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Buck up, Lakerland!
There seemed to be a "last gasp" quality to this game. The Big 3 had to carry the Spurs over the finish line. The Lakers suffered from 3 things: 1) subpar play from 2 starters -- again; 2) settling for jump shots, which cut down on offensive rebounds; and 3) favorable officiating on behalf of the home team, which of course happens in most playoff games regardless of the matchup.
All in all, the Lakers seemed to cruise. I expect a pretty good rebound for Game 4. It will be closer. I get the feeling that the Spurs are running out of answers. They can't play like this the whole series.
Lakers can get this in 5, maybe 6. But they're overall a deeper, better rounded team. San An can win this series on experience alone. But that is not altogether likely.
Posted by: Peace | May 25, 2008 at 09:10 PM
LAKERS will get back and WIN GAME 4!!!
4-1 Baby :-)
Posted by: BrownMamba24 | May 25, 2008 at 09:12 PM
SPURS RUNNING OUT OF ANSWERS ? ? ? ? ? ? ............................. THOUGHT THEY HAD A PRETTY GOOD ANSWER TONIGHT......................
Posted by: KARL MALONE | May 25, 2008 at 09:17 PM
SO EVERYONES GOOD RIGHT?????
I Mean, does this really feel "bad" to anyone? I'm still on cloud nine and HAPPY for this young team for totally overachieving. We got beat in Utah and won the series, theres a possibility we may lose twice in Texas, I doubt that and have bucks riding on a different outcome, but READ THIS SLOWLY.. WE WILL WIN THIS SERIES IN 6 GAMES!!!! Enjoy the games and dont get stressed out like Spurs fans.
GO LAKERS !!!! STAY UP LAKERVILLE !!!!! Its All Good
Posted by: complex brotha | May 25, 2008 at 09:18 PM
JustaLakerFan,
So are you saying we lost this game by 20 NOT because LO, Pau and Fish probably had their worst games of the playoffs all on the same night?
Why does someone always have to be the sole reason why the team lost? The Spurs Big 3 played out of their skulls and our guys out of desperation to stay alive. This isn't a surprise, by any means. A loss like this will help us re-focus for Game 3, where hopefully we'll play much better.
Posted by: Xodus | May 25, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Well....Well....Well.....................The stat that hits home hardest for me......3 assists in the first half.......3....3.......3
Ball movement fuels the offense ....Move that damm ball....
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 25, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Ya and make the shots so the assist counts!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 25, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I am still upset over the Laker loss...:-(
Posted by: drew | May 25, 2008 at 09:30 PM
What hurt the most about Sunday's game was seeing the look of disgust and disappointment in KB24's face as he sat on the bench at the end of the 4th quarter. Kobe knows how little support he got from the team mates he embraced all year long.
After the game, PJ talked about the indecisiveness on the floor by Odom and Gasol. These guys had the Spurs on their heels and played with indecision instead of aggression. How could this be possible? And where was D-Fish, who went only 1-4 and let Tony Parker have his way with him all game long?
Gasol had only 5 rebounds, no steals, and no blocks. The "weenie" label will stick if he has any more games like this. Duncan had 21 rebounds. Pau was outmaneuvered in every way possible. And, as we've so often seen, as goes Gasol, so goes Odom.
The smothering Laker defense we saw in Games One and Two at Staples Center must have been left in baggage claim. I have all the respect in the world for the Spurs, but the Lakers made it far too easy for them.
Jordan Farmar was the Lakers third leading scorer, with only 19 minutes on the floor. I'm happy for Jordan. He's about the only one who seemed to have gotten Kobe's memo about playing with aggression.
Here's the Charles Barkley quote again: The Spurs are like cockroaches. They won't die. You have to kill them.
I'm hopeful that in Game 4, the Lakers as a team will come out and play with the necessary killer instinct.
The Spurs earned their victory on Sunday night, but are still vulnerable. Quite a few Lakers need a game where they redeem themselves. Stealing one in San Antonio would be that opportunity. These guys owe that to their leader. And I mean Kobe. The MVP needs to lay down the law in the way that only a great leader can.
The Lakers can still rise from the ashes of this game to go on and win the Western Conference, and then the Championship. There can still be a magnificent parade that winds its way to Staples Center in June. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 25, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Ugly! But, so far, in the big picture, not much has happened: the home team has won. I'm looking for the Lakers to change that on Tuesday with a big road win.
Have to get much more out of Fisher, Odom, and Gasol. I know Gasol is more of a finesse player, but really, he's over 7ft. tall---- just stuff the ball in the basket and stop with that lazy, weak, flipping the ball towards the hoop. A bit of authority, please.
Would have liked to see more of Ariza out there- he couldn't have looked any worse on defense or offense than Fisher did tonight.
Glad that (my guy) Farmar is starting to play with more confidence. I expected Sasha to have a better game.
All in all- I was really hoping for a Laker win but, realistically, didn't think they'd sweep S,A. Didn't expect this blowout either. But, sometimes, I think its easier to forget about a bad loss- we stunk, wasn't even close, let's move on and get them on Tuesday. Those real close losses are the ones that haunt you.
Lakers in 5, well, maybe 6. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Jesse | May 25, 2008 at 09:49 PM
I know I said I would leave but I have to say this. Fisher and Odom are our PG and PF respectively. The Spurs PG and PF? Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. It's a matchup that on paper the Spurs are supposed to win. Between Iverson and Martin, Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, I'd say that Fisher and Odom are abliged to have a bad game here and there. I say this. Kobe is guarding Bruce Bowen, where I believe he should be guarding Ginobili.
Posted by: The Lake Show | May 25, 2008 at 09:50 PM
In order to get its "Black Belt" in playoff basketball, a team has to learn to win big games on the road. The Lakers are still growing in that respect. Tonight was a definite setback.
The only thing I'm disappointed about is the lack of effort
on the part of The Show. The Lakers didn't run their offense with any efficiency. And they seemed to play with some fear of failure. Credit Ginobli with hitting those 2 first quarter 3's. Those were HUGE! Totally turned the game around. Gave his team confidence, got their crowd into it and planted the seeds of doubt in the Lakers.
Sometimes it's just comes down to making shots. If Manu misses those 2 shots, who knows how the game unfolds? The Lakers should come away with a good lesson from this game...don't ever think that ousting SA will be easy. And don't buy into SA's BS about being "tired" and "shutting Manu down" because of his "injuries". The Spurs lulled the Lakers into a false sense of security with such talk.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 25, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Three Laker starters were subpar. Basically Spurs got 84 LA only 63. The shooting percentages are the most telling stat. Manu and Parker 60%. Oberto 100%, Duncan 47%. Pau took 18 shots, most of them wide open looks that he missed . He shot 38%, Odom 18% Kobe 57%, Fisher 25%, Rad 43%. The only persons that looked aggressive to challenge Spurs was Kobe, Rad and Farmar off bench. Odom, Gasol and Fisher need to step their games up on the road if LA is going to win in San Antonio.
Posted by: KB24 Forever | May 25, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Cmon guys, this was pretty predictable, there was no way we were going to sweep the Spurs. I expected them to come out and blow us out and they did.
What I wasn't expecting was such a bad shooting game from Lamar. He kept lunging instead of going straight up. We need him to drive and look for his shot but it seems like he's almost been a ball hog lately. Every time he touches the ball he drives to the basket, sometimes leading to a forced shot or an offensive rebound. We need Lamar to be much more efficient then he was tonight. I really don't want Lamar shooting more than 10 or so shots.
Gasol also looked horrible. Talk about soft and weak. Jeez. I don't even want to get in to it, I'm sure you all watched the game.
Oh well, we lost, not a biggie. I still predict this series to go 6 games. We just can't lose our composure and I don't expect us to do that. Lets regain the confidence and come out with some fire on Tues.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 25, 2008 at 10:13 PM
WOOT!!! Awesome job Spurs! I knew they wouldn't just roll over. Its good that they are making this a series now. AND ITS ABOUT DAMN TIME GINOBLI WOKE THE HELL UP! I think it is gonna be a battle of the home teams if you will. This series WILL go to game 7 going back to LA and both teams fighting hard to the end. I can't wait for game 4!
SPURS IN 7!
GO SPURS GO!!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 25, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Not to sound silly, but what Pau needs is a night of passion with a hot latina. His mannerism suggest to me that he may not like the presence of a woman. Pau needs to be more manly on the court, and not flip his hair or sissy the ball up. He's very, very effeminate on the court. I'm starting to wonder about him.
If Dr. Buss wants his Lakers to win, he needs to send two of his 19 year old prized ho's to Texas and have them rock Pau's world until they force some machismo into his blood.
Posted by: troy | May 25, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I believe in you Kwame Brown.
Posted by: never | May 25, 2008 at 11:14 PM
JustaLakerFan.....Really good point.i forgot to mention that...
We finished the game with 13 assists .....The last game we had 20.....
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 25, 2008 at 11:15 PM
If the Lakers can win in Utah, they can definitely win in San Antonio
16...15..14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 25, 2008 at 11:18 PM
So my Gilligans island song didnt help our boys tonight- I guess that smoking a bowl and blogging does not help the Lakers win.........Except for the one and only LakerMan420 who does it all the time- damn cant I be just as cool as him for once?? LOL
I digress, It was not the refs who screwed us over tonight so I cant be mad at them- I'm not really mad at all, I guess just disapointed would be what I want to use here......
Pau, Lamar, and Fish.... can you please shoot the ball? ..oh and get it in the basket?
Ariza kinda looked a little lost to me tonight, why didnt we play Mbenga?
Why do we bench Kobe in the first 2 minutes of the fourth and the last 3.5 mins??? Phil? Explanation???
All in all probably not the worst game I have seen them play but it was not good.
I still call Lakers 4-1- we cant get blown out like that again.
Root for the pistons tomorrow and i will see you on Tuesday for the smack down... it will be like Keith Jardine going down in 36 seconds..... we will wipe the floor with the spurs blood.
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | May 25, 2008 at 11:27 PM
i'm not surprised by the loss. the Spurs are a good team at home and it was a must win. the Lakers needed to play a good game and instead they shot poorly. let's hope that they get it together for game 4.
Posted by: man | May 25, 2008 at 11:36 PM
That punk Amico of pro basketball news who said the Lakers will lose the series was actually civil for once. It's more shocking than the spurs win.
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_052608.html
Posted by: MattWesterhold | May 25, 2008 at 11:38 PM
AK
u r totally biased against kobe and
pro farmar
farmar was not aggressive. he was spastic.
he never initiate the offense, except one play on the right side or left WING when he does get back the ball to shoot or to penetrate.
000000000000000000000000 ASSISTS
if that is your definition of a POINT GUARD with 0 assists, please stop watching basketball
same with rick friedman: farmar is his favorite player.
so what id he hits a 3 pointer from time to time?1
defense?! he was nowhere. like a feather in the wind blown by Parker?! who is the second smallest point guard in the west.
i do not have problems if he is missing shots or with his poor defense.
farmar problem is his MENTALITY.
ME firs, my BOX score, and the 2 paragraphs in tomorrow's paper
i know he is Kobe's clone and that he tries to emulate him. but he also thinks that he can do WHAT KOBE can do.
bad news. he will never be kobe and he will become a mediocrity soon. (in my eyes he is already there)
if anyone considers his block on UDOKA in game 2 a great play, yes it was.
but one defensive play in 82 + 12 + today's game, proportionate with the minutes he played, that's 95x15min. average= 1425 minutes
1 good play in 712 (i devided the time in 2, what is not correct, because when he has the ball he takes a shot)
Farmar is a DESERVICE for this team. he was embarassed by all the point guards in the WEST that r very young. and even by their substitutions.
i hope that the FO is not blind and ships his a## out a.s.a.p. especially that fish is getting old and seeing a game like this, not always very smart.
congrats to spurs for bouncing back. at the same time i will say that it was lakers mistake letting manu get back in gear and getting beck his confidence. i think rad is too slow for manu. kobe will be fine but he will spend too much energy on defense.
and for our, fan
-----------------
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles
----------------------------------------
that just show your ignorance for basketball. wait for him to be an allstar. NEVER. just a versatile role player.
SOME LAKERS PLAYERS REALLY HAVE TO LEARN THEIR function, and role ON THIS TEAM
at this moment in the playoffs, leaving out, DJ, ariza, ira , mihm
FARMAR is the weakest LINK.
what is sad about it is that a POINT GUARD has to establish the rhythm and the offense.
it is a second game in the playoffs that both
FISH & FARMAR = 0
00000000000000 ASSISTS
that is a very sad, dangerous STAT
Posted by: Zin Master | May 25, 2008 at 11:47 PM
It's just one game.... Lakers can easily bounce back from that loss...
Lane
http://LosAngelesSource.com
Posted by: Your Source Los Angles Tickets | May 26, 2008 at 12:22 AM
The Spurs win 1 at home - no surprise there.
Lakers in 5.
Posted by: hoping | May 26, 2008 at 12:27 AM
It may be time to sic Kobe on Manu ...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 26, 2008 at 02:01 AM
I'm not sure what happened, except that the Game 3 loss was really hard to watch. I was hoping that the Lakers would come out guns blazing, passionate and driven, so that even if they did lose, it wouldn't be for lack of effort.
But besides the obvious blowout that I was getting really fond of not seeing the Lakers experience, there were just too many missed opportunities of attacking the rim and distributing the ball. I don't know why Pau and Lamar were just settling for jumpshots, because that was exactly what San Antonio wanted them to do. And most of Lamar's attempts just never seemed to go in. Tough luck, but he needs to slam those in. I would say the same for Kobe, he needs to drive more and finish instead of jumpshots or looking to distribute when he does get into the paint because the Spurs were expecting him to dish out and it resulted in turnovers when he did. Derek also needs to show up, this alternating of one bad game, one good game, is not beneficial against the Spurs.
Bottom line is, guys have got to make shots or look to be aggressive, especially in the paint. Finish strong at the rim and not just settle for jumpers or 1-on-1 plays.
Hopefully Game 4 will show a new aggression to the Lakers, something that I had expected in Game 3, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Shots weren't falling, the Spurs on the other hand, were just on fire. That Ginobli 3-pointer with Sasha in his face was just pretty much the dagger 3, even if it was pretty early in the game. Because Sasha played incredible defense and Ginobli still sunk that 3.
Still, no matter what happens, this Lakers team has come far, exceeded beyond any expectations, and I'm proud that they are in the Western Conference Finals duking it out with the champs. I want to see Pau abuse Tim Duncan, I want to see Lamar slam it home, I want to see Kobe abuse Bruce Bowen, I want to see Sasha BE the Machine offensively and defensively, I want to see Fisher contain Tony Parker, but most of all, I want to see the Lakers not get discouraged after this Game 3 loss.
The guys will bounce back. They've come this far, I know they'll bounce back. Show the defending champs, whose time it is, Lakers! Go KOBE, go PAU, go LAMAR, go DEREK, go VLAD, go SASHA, go JORDAN, go RONNY, go TREVOR, go LUKE!!! Attack and show no fear!!
Posted by: PeanutButterSpread | May 26, 2008 at 02:09 AM
A couple of points here:
1. After watchin Tim Duncan over the years, I've just noticed that he is the type of player that loves to go to his right if he's going to drible the ball. I just don't understand why the Lakers never trap him on such move.
2. It hurts... but the reality is that Manu Ginobilli beat the Lakers by himself. Everyone knows he is the motor of the Spurs. If he goes, everyone goes.
3. Did everyone notice that when Luke, Turiaf and Famar are on the court the lakers lose leads? 'sup with that Turiaf? he has been more productive on the bench than on the court and the same goes to Luke Walton. Those two cats should never try to score unless they by themself under the rim because they're both weak and wack!
I keep asking myself why Phil never tries to come up with Mbenga, Turiaf, Ariza, Sasha and Farmar as the second unit? or either Turiaf, Odom, Ariza, Sasha and Farmar! ...I believe either of these two lineup can keep up with the scoring ans play solid defense.
Gasol is soft as the toilet paper I have in my bathroom! Yes there are times that he plays like a solid player but sometimes he disgust me because although he can dribble the ball, he never attack his defender. If he can shoot the ball why doesn't he bring his defender out and then dribble the ball to the rim?
How in the world are the lakers expecting to win when Fisher, Lamar and Radmanovic don't attack? opss sorry Radmanovic did attack 2night and then poof!!! he desapared in the air!
Other than that... I always thought the lakers would lose this game but never like this!
As said before the playoffs started the Lakers would go 4-1 (missed one), 4-2 (got it right), 4-1 (in progress), 4-2
16-5!
Now lets see! 'til next time my fellow citzens
Posted by: Newble | May 26, 2008 at 02:28 AM
OK, I’LL COME OUT AND SAY IT – I SMELL SWEEP!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Hey Laker Tom
Looks like your crystal ball has just been smashed by Ginobili and Duncan.
Ok We'll do our own prediction - I smell sweep of the next 4 games. Spurs in 6!!!
Still Spurs
Posted by: Still Spurs | May 26, 2008 at 02:57 AM
OK, OK, dissapointing loss. Particularily when we just weren't knocking down shots. Manu played great, and we knew they were'nt going to just roll over. We can still win on Tues. We knew it was going to be tough...
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | May 26, 2008 at 05:22 AM
Congratulations are in order to Ginobli for finally showing up and playing a game! It's the Conference Finals, good to see you can still play, you know, since you're now the face of the franchise and everything. Are you really a superstar if you play well at home? It seems kind of bush to me. I understand Barry, player formerly Big Shot Bob, Oberto, etc. are going to play better at home, but what's up w/ the new face of the franchise pulling a scrub move? Oh, I hope he's alright after that "hard four" and slap across the face that drew blood. Eff him.
Give me a break. All they did was protect their court, not even that impressive if you think about the game as a whole. Kobe got it to what, 13 w/ 6:30 to go? No support.
Posted by: Zach | May 26, 2008 at 05:25 AM
Who didn't expect the Spurs to come out tonight and play like their title was on the line - oh wait, their title WAS on the line! That, coupled with a poor performance from Fish and LO made a huge difference. It's not the end of the world - we will see triumph in this series again. We can win in SA and can win with our current team. Expect us to come out swinging Tue. night! GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: LongtimeLakerLover | May 26, 2008 at 06:48 AM
No worries... its just a case of 1 step back, 2 steps forward and were still ahead of where we were in this series.
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." - Chinese Proverb
Go Lakers!
Posted by: KiKosDad | May 26, 2008 at 06:55 AM
It's just a loss. The Lakers still leads the series.
The Lakers have 4 seven footers in their line up. The other one has been grounded. What about the 2 seven footers Mihm and Mbenga? Can the Lakers use them?Duncan has been outplaying Pau Gasol in the entire series.
Go Lakers
Posted by: Botsoy | May 26, 2008 at 07:19 AM
In Miami, they keep on saying this to some Lakers players.
Pau Gasoft
Lamar Odumb
Fluke Walton
Posted by: Miami Machine | May 26, 2008 at 07:22 AM
"PJ gets what he deserves and no Rudy T instead, but Byron Scott would be a huge upgrade.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 25, 2008 at 11:04 PM "
See, when people say things like that, you just ignore them.
Anyone who thinks Byron Scott is a better coach then PJ?
Seriously?
Sounds like somebody is just hating and is ignorant.
Posted by: Korey | May 26, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Well, I was the lone predictor of a sweep, and I have been royally put in my place. Thanks, Lamar, for personally making sure that my predicition bit the dust.
Troy, I laughed out loud at your politically incorrect assessment of Pau, and must admit I've had some of the same questions about him.
Posted by: Laker Kev | May 26, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Well, that really sucked.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Conspiracy Theory. I'm sticking to it. I am telling you right now, the NBA Playoffs are only a best of 3 "real" series. Both teams are desparately trying to win 2 first, nothing fixedd, nothing artificial. Then once one team wins 2 games in the series, the rest is all put on for money. HUGE money. People, please know that there are HUNDREDS of millions of dollars made on each game. Not just with worldwide wagering, but massive corporate sponsorship. Don't even count the logoed items and don't even think about counting the ticket sales - these are a tiny drop in the bucket compared to what I just listed above. So Laker fans, please do not fret, we have already won the "real" series, the rest of these games are completely fixed. It may go 6, maybe 7, but either way we will win the "fixed" series as well. If any of you still do not want to believe this, trust me when I tell you that I have a friend who works for a HUGE sports wagering company in Lima, Peru, and they know the truth. So, bottom line is .... no worries, we have already won this series. I am just worried about the first 2 games of the Finals.
Posted by: PurpleHeart | May 26, 2008 at 08:01 AM
While there's no excuse for LO and Fish to have a replay of game 1, there's a move that's not being made that really, really bothers me. Why doesn't PJ take Kobe off of Bowen and let him defend Finley, Ginobili or even Parker who are bigger offensive threats than Bowen?!!! Why not switch Rad to Bowen and have Kobe who is a first team all defender play Finley or Ginobili? When PJ switched Pippen to guard Magic, that whole series changed. Maybe PJ is trying to let Kobe roam defensively and help out on Duncan and others, but I'd rather have Kobe lock down Ginobili or Parker. We shouldn't just save Kobe for the offensive end, but turn him loose defensively. Rad or Luke should have no problems staying with Bowen and PJ should play Ariza much more. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | May 26, 2008 at 08:22 AM
NEXT!
Posted by: Vman | May 26, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Spurs has to win one for their fans, there's no way they can be swept in their home court. Now Game 4 will be another adjustment game. PJ saw what Manu and Tony wants to do in this series. Tony loses his guard by working through the screens while Lakers forgot the help defense. Another problem, I sensed playoffs nerves from those guys who have not played in the WCF. They could not block the noise and were trying too hard on getting it done immediately. Game 4, all they have to do is continue double teaming and others have to guard at perimeter players like Barry and Finley.
Besides, Lakers have to give Jerry Buss a little income for these playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 26, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Not really into blaming specific players, but did Odom and Gasol (to a lesser degree) stink up the joint. I know people like to use Odom as the scapegoat often, but I could definitely understand why after game 3. Lamar looked scared to death the entire game, whereas Gasol didn't look much better.
Those two guys make around $14 million each, so I have little sympathy for them. It's one thing for a rookie of younger player to be wuss on the road, but not two veterans making the kind of money they are.
Posted by: Peter Chen | May 26, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Here are the prescrition of winning Game4:
1. Practice those free throws another 500 times each.
2. Odom, Pau, LO, Luke and Ronnie practice the bank shots at a close range from all angles 200 times each
3. Radman, Sasha, Kobe, Fisher, Farmar practice those perimeter shots 200 times each
By this time, the Lakers assistant coaches have segmented the Spurs plays both on their strenghts and weaknesses. Follow their instructions to the letter. Sometimes LO and Pau invent their own moves by trying too hard in the posts, if the passing lanes are sealed then simplify the game.
There's no substitute for constant practice toreinforce confidence that you can do it. Once you have mastered the mechanics, the brain will lead you to make good decisions.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 26, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Troy -
Actually, that does sound silly. There's no correlation between how someone shoots a shot and what their sexual preferences may be. It seems rather odd that you say that he looks effeminate - the style of basketball that he plays is just that; nothing more, nothing less.
Also, the whole needing a woman (or women) to help make your game better on the court stuff is rather chauvinistic (not to mention a couple other things).
So people have a bad game - who cares? It's the defending champs that we're playing, not the clippers. Also remember that he's playing against a future Hall of Fame Spur. It's not like Tim Duncan was named to all-defensive teams for no reason.
I'm hoping that the Lake Show can squeak one out in game 4, but I wouldn't be surprised if this went 7 games. This is definitely going to be a dogfight!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | May 26, 2008 at 09:01 AM
The game really is decided in the locker room, as with the Utah series. When I heard them leave Ginnobli undefended at the arc three straight times I knew the Lakers would lose the game. This is not new in the playoffs, but goes back a long way with this team. Hopefully they will get back to defensive fundamentals and win a championship, but giving the Spurs confidence at this point is almost too NBA script. Perhaps they are reading the times on "killer instinct" and "defensive lockdown" rather than suffocating these elderly gentlemen and moving on.
Posted by: Jack | May 26, 2008 at 09:06 AM
This game shows the spurs' resilience, also the lakers' immaturity. So far, the young lakers have not had to endure any pressure or swings in momentum in the postseason.
Kobe was ineffective and lamar showed just how unpredictable he is - the man is great at times, and then completely disappears at others. No help from the supposedly superior lakers bench, either. Sash and Farmer looked lost out there.
You have to take your hats off to the spurs playas, especially the big three. They know how to win a playoff series and can handle the pressure. And Pop will continually make adjustments throughout the course of the series, countering what PJ tries to do.
I think the spurs now know they ought to be up 2-1 in this series, and have shown they can consistently blow out the hyped lakers with solid D and superior guard play. Give the lakers a couple more years to figure it out.
I think this game showed how Manu is as good as Kobe. Kobe is still the modern version of Scottie Pippen, while DWade is closer to MJ.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
(As much as I'm always tempted to do the Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Mamba (Larry) 24, Good morning Toad thing -- I'm always afraid I'll offend somebody by leaving you out. That's what Roll Call is for, so I refrain.)
I actually like Plaschke's column today. I like Lamar manning up. Where is Gasol? Where is D-Fish? They need to man up, too. Even if Lamar had been at his best, it might have made the game close, but it wouldn't have been enough.
If the Lakers are truly Championship material -- and I believe they are -- all will bounce back big on Tuesday and take down the Spurs on their home court.
I still like our chances. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Troy,
It doesn't serve much of a purpose to project your own fantasies about manhood and effeminacy on players, and Pau in particular. European men manage quite well, on court or out courting, without having to play Rambo and snort like a bull. That just isn't part of the expectations and sign language. In Spain, in particular, the matador cultivates elegance as a sign that he knows how to kill the snorting bull. Even the hairy-chested macho American Hemingway understand that!
The Pau-Lamar tandem was out of rhythm last night. They'll get it back.
Posted by: Tsphere | May 26, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Jordan Farmar should get more playing time when Dfish struggles. The team is better off with Farmar on the floor. DFish does provide backbone, but he is dreadfully slow.
Posted by: Todd | May 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM