I can't imagine any Laker fan unhappy with the following sentiment
"It's the most important game of my life. Every game from here on out is the most important game of my life."
- Lamar Odom, on whether tonight was the most important game of the season.
And there you have it.
As for Kobe's back, Phil didn't get too detailed outside of continually stressing that he thought his superstar would be OK. He very clearly wasn't looking to divulge much and seemed to want to discuss just about anything other than what he deemed "Kobe Watch." Asked how Kobe looked during shootaround, Phil gave a response heavy on specific adjectives, if not ones that necessarily provided info.
"Buoyant. Optimistic. That's about as much as I'll give you."
Along these lines, PJ seemed about as anxious to make Kobe's health an issue with his teammates as he did the media. "We haven't talked about it as a team," nodded Phil. For now, it's not about the other guys picking up any slack as simply doing their normal gig at the highest level. "We just have to execute. It's the team that executes the best that's gonna win this game."
On other topics, Phil said he didn't anticipate Jordan Farmar getting pulled from the rotation even if his struggles continue. "He's been in the rotation all season long. He's been a big part of our team. I'm not going to bench him just because of this situation. He'll come out and be aggressive."
Also, Trevor Ariza remains inactive tonight, along with Coby Karl and Andrew Bynum.
Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_utah_game_5_pregame.mp3
AK
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I'm stressed out.
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 07:16 PM
The first 5 minutes of this game will tell all I need to know.
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I haven't felt this way since the 4th quarter of game 7, 2000 Laker v. Portland series.
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 07:19 PM
I love lamar. the people who were calling for him to be traded the past two seasons should be ashamed.
LETS GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Gabe | May 14, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Jazz going down tonight...No way we loose
Too bad i wont see it...i got a very important final tomorrow so instead of watching it online at work like i always do, im going to spend the next 2 hours studying. Recording it at home so ill be cheering with you all later tonight....
Go Lakers....
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | May 14, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Hey gang, how's everyone doing tonight?
Bummer about Trevor, sure would be nice for him to give us some minutes, anything would be welcome. Oh well, maybe in game 6...
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 14, 2008 at 07:25 PM
WOW...so THAT'S why I was led to pray for him!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 14, 2008 at 07:29 PM
"So, we threw him in water and he floated. And he seemed to think things would work out alright"
Thanks, Phil.
Posted by: phred | May 14, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Lamar, I love you.
That's all
Now go out there and woop some Jazz azz!
Posted by: bobie | May 14, 2008 at 07:32 PM
"Strike first, strike hard, no mercy, sir!"
We're talking good ol' fashioned Blunt Forced Trauma! Horse Power! Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Pile Driving Punches that'll have to hurt so much they'll Rattle their Ancestors! Lets start buildin' some Hurtenin' Bombs!!!
Posted by: ajax | May 14, 2008 at 07:35 PM
I have loved Lamar ever since he was doing that stupid 'alien antenae' thing with d miles and Q Richardson. The man has talent. Now lets go.
Posted by: phred | May 14, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Alright, I'm feeling it tonight. I got my laptop in front of the TV, blogging mode engaged, beer ready, two beers ready, Three articles of laker clothing on....
LET'S GET IT ON!!!
Go Lakers go Lakers go- Time to make the Jazz sound like Kenny G instead of Louis Armstrong.
Posted by: Jeff | May 14, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Sweating Bullets over here. Hasnt been a series this scary since the Lakers-Kings.
PLEASE LAKERS. No turnovers. Take it inside...
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Josh | May 14, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I love lamar. the people who were calling for him to be traded the past two seasons should be ashamed.
LETS GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Gabe | May 14, 2008 at 07:19 PM
No, we shouldn't. We're as big a fans as you and we always wanted what was best for the team. I guess you can add Kupchak and the owners amongst those that "should be ashamed" because they tried hard to get rid of him instead of Kwame Brown for Gasol.
That said, he finished off the season wonderfully and I'm stoked he's with us.
If he plays consistently with his response to the K bros question I will be quite happy.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 14, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Looks like the offense is working. Now, we need to get Boozer into foul trouble, and disrupt their rhythm.
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Get your head in the game, Pau!!!!!
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Uh boy.
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 08:17 PM
troy,
Mellow out. Have faith in your team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 10:58 PM
lamar has had like 5 sub par games since Christmas!!!!!
SINCE CHRISTMAS
lay off with the consistency bs.
And we're not just talking gasol era, we're talking good solid efforts starting about 15-20 games before the big trade.
Lamar is a warrior and a bada##
Posted by: jandro | May 14, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Benjamin,
You are clueless.
The fact is, Kupchack and the Lakers never tried to get rid of Lamar except in the proposed Andrew+Lamar for KG deal that Kevin McHale rejected.
We can be thankful that Kupchack and the Lakers ignored your self-destructive advice and kept Lamar on the team.
Posted by: Mark | May 15, 2008 at 03:46 AM
Hi Kam Bros, That line Came from Pau Gasol, Lamar's line was on about Kobe when he is out there he is Playing against his Greatness.
Posted by: Alex | May 15, 2008 at 10:11 AM