Knotted up
The playoffs are supposed to be a grind, a titanic struggle filled with dramatic highs and lows, and plenty of tension. For six games, the Lakers didn't really have that. Fair to say now, after Utah beat them 123-115 in overtime on Sunday afternoon in Salt Lake City to knot their W.C. semifinal series at two games apiece, that the playoffs have officially arrived. We've got drama (a big comeback late in the fourth followed by a flat OT), concern (Kobe Bryant tweaked his back in the first quarter, and played in obvious pain throughout), and a touch of controversy (did Kobe abandon his teammates as Utah took control in the OT, or was it the other way around?). The Lakers played from behind most of the day on Sunday, both on the scoreboard and from a personnel standpoint, once Ronny Turiaf was lost after a very shaky flagrant two call on a hard foul he delivered to Utah's Ronny Price.
Turiaf's ejection helped contribute to what was a big advantage in bench production for the Jazz, which contributed to the hole LA found themselves in. Only a big push in the last 4:21 of the fourth, when they erased a 12-point Utah lead, got them into the extra frame, but then things unraveled on both ends for the Lakers.
Kobe took seven shots in the extra frame and made one, prompting some to question whether the ball was moving enough. Phil Jackson said the supporting cast was too deferential. The supporting cast
didn't seem to agree. Perhaps the Lakers were simply outplayed by what was, at least for those five minutes, a better team? Either way, the box says Kobe finished with a gritty 33/8/10, supported by a monster game from Lamar Odom (26/13, with three blocks), and good work from Fish and Gasol.
We'll all learn more lessons on Wednesday night, when the series returns to L.A. Kobe says he'll play, which assuming he can make it happen (you gonna bet against it?) would be one monumental bright spot for the Lakers. Unfortunately for them, Deron Williams seems to be back on track for the Jazz. The turnaround that started in the second half of Game 2 continued yesterday, when he blew up for 29/14, and showed he is truly an elite PG (really, was anyone still questioning that?). Derek Fisher did what he could against him and at times even gave Williams trouble, but he's a tough cover on the best day, and with Fish again saddled with foul trouble the Lakers didn't have anything else on the utility belt to defend him.
The focus on Game 5? Back. As in back to L.A., and, more specifically, Kobe's. With the series returning to L.A., it's important to remember that the Lakers still have that home-court advantage, one of a few things still working in their favor. They'll need to return to the dominant inside game, though, if the Lakers want to emerge with the W.
Good Morning Guys!
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Kobe is the biggest copy cat in the NBA. He wants to be what Michael Jordan was. His back pain whining is his way of trying to emulate Jordan’s flu in the finals in years past. Cowards who don’t see the game going their way make excuses. You will never see one of Jerry Sloan’s player whine or cry. Deron had a hurt wrist and Carlos Boozer’s back is also injured. The difference is that they are real professionals and won’t make excuses. Where was all of Kobe’s airplane landings, six gun firings, head shaking and taunting Friday and Sunday? His cockiness is why he isn’t liked outside of LA. I respect his talent as one of the best to have ever played in the NBA but his arrogance is what separates him from the rest of the greats like Jabbar, Magic, Jordan, Duncan, Shaq, Bird etc. He belongs to Tinsel Town with his great acting and LA crowd pleasing antics. Give him his Academy award for acting but the real superstars don’t need to show how good they are, they just prove it on the court and off the court. I only hope for the survival of the NBA players realize fans don’t appreciate cockiness, just pure talent. It’s future depends on class players like Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, LeBron James to name a few. I have the most respect for these players when they take the floor and simply showcase their talents and not their acting skills.
Posted by: Rey Rivera | May 12, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I just feel that during PJ's press conference, he hit a valuable remark regarding the team. He was upset that everybody kept differing to Kobe. Unlike the old Lakers team, this did not feel like Kobe taking over the game, instead the team asking for Kobe to take over. (With an injured back) Though I was pleased with Lamar.
I feel like Jordan and Vladimir were rattled mentally. Sasha on the other hand was took it day to day and kept shooting. I am definitely all about positive vibes, but for game 5; I await to see the mettle of the rest of the team.
I know, I know. Blog-Sync-Think....
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Rey Rivera:
I think you wrote your comment without thinking cause it simply made no sense...
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 09:58 AM
So we’re all tied up now. Hmmm. This isn’t really groundbreaking news.
The Jazz is (anyone notice that? Wow. I actually used the regulation verb there) a burly, rough, talented team. At least we’re doing better than the showtime Lakers used to do against the Jazz in SLC. I remember those seven game series where every game in Utah was a blowout on whose good end we were never on.
We’re making it close on their turf and closing out on ours. Fine. Nothing to worry about; I think. I guess the first quarter of the next game will tell us all how the team responds to the first loosing streak of the postseason. The forth quarter will tell even more. Hey, that’s like one of Jack Handy’s “Deep Thoughts.” Remember those? Ahh yes…”The face of a child can say so much. Especially the mouth part.”
Ahem…
I’m not worried yet. A seven game series is exactly what this team needs for its long-term success. My only regret is that Bynum’s not here earning his stripes, getting playoff experience and earning some respect from his teammates and the refs. What’s the Godfather line? Something about earning bones while someone is banging cheerleaders…
Any good frat parties this weekend Bynum? You put the Keg on Ice and I’ll put water in the…
Ahem…
Wes
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Good morning Laker nation!
Rey Rivera,
"His back pain whining is his way of trying to emulate Jordan’s flu in the finals in years past."
- Don't forget the useless pinky on his hand. The man's playing with nine fingers, what more do you want from him? A bum finger and a sore wrist are two completely different things.
"His cockiness is why he isn’t liked outside of LA."
- Is that why his jersey is continously one of the top sellers around the world, not just the U.S.?
"His cockiness is why he isn’t liked outside of LA. I respect his talent as one of the best to have ever played in the NBA but his arrogance is what separates him from the rest of the greats like Jabbar, Magic, Jordan, Duncan, Shaq, Bird etc."
- You're telling me that MJ wasn't cocky? That Shaq gobbles up the humble pie? Do you watch basketball or are you just making up stuff?
Please, your argument is flawed and weak.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Hi Charles – Laker Nation --
I swear to all that is holy if this blog gets a bunch of posters complaining about Kobe, Rotation, Refs, I'm going to post a link to a virus that will melt your mainframes. hahaha
Listen carefully– Where was this team a year ago? Now speak with that perspective in mind. No Kobe = No overtime. The man was getting no lift and no help. The fact that we got there was a dang blasted miracle and shows that Utah can't finish -- they are roadkill. I can care less about the refs and Gasol needs to get in the game.
Now I want some thoughtful inspiring posts. No worries, the Trolls will be gone by Thursday morning. It's like those creatures in I Am Legend -- they can't stand the light of day after a win.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 10:01 AM
1ou know sometimes its ok to add that while playing in LA... Utah don't seem to get away with the push-offs and somehow got over their reputation/fact of being a team that all through the season fouls more than any team in the NBA..then all of a sudden it gets cleaned up in Utah. I won't take anything away from their victory..but geezzz...why wasn't D-Will called for the obvious travel towards the end of OT regulation? People can say all they want about the bench play..or how we wudnt have been in that position if we wuda stepped it up earlier in the game..but the fact remains all it takes is 1 missed call.
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Memo and others -- stop all the "what if we lose on Wednesday talk"
I'm telling you this as an advisor. You can't be afraid of the boogey man and be successful in this world -- you think any player on the Lakers is "afraid" of losing. If they were they would never be at this level.
The same for your personal life -- don't be afraid of failure -- if you never failed you never tried anything outside your comfort zone -- and you have the same life and the same job/career you hate. Snap out of it.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Rey...what the hell are you on today? Are you serious?
Anyway, I think the media's making way too much of Utah's wins considering most of us weren't counting on a sweep of Utah. I, for one, expected a 5 or 6 game series and t looks like it'll be 6.
Kobe will be just fine. I've never seen another player suck up so many injuries and still play like an MVP. There are still 3 more days 'till game day which gives him enough time for treatment, etc. He'll be fine.
I'm sure Utah would love to hear news that he won't be playing on Wednesday but there would be a cold day in hell before Kobe sat out of a crucial playoff game.
Even though we lost both games in Utah, I'm happy with the effort we gave to come back. I think if it had not been for Luke's turnonver in the last seconds of that first game, we would have taken it. I really wanted to come through the tv on that play and starngle the Walton out of him. And yesterdays loss can be attributed to Kobe's back, Fish's crazy foul calls, and the ridiculous flagrant on Ronny...that was clearly just a good hard foul.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 12, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Hi all: okay - I am over my early morning rant.
Three days rest for MVP? That means we are sitting pretty for a big W on Wednesday. I think the buildup for this one will be awesome creating as AK/BK said above - much needed playoff drama (and increased TV ratings).
Folks, we have a series and I am liking our chances even more because collectively as a team we have been counting on each other all season. I think each player will look at their contribution (or lack of) from G4 and put it all out there in G5.
I also expect Fish to give Jordan some much needed confidence building over next couple of days.
I am feeling good about all this - it's our chess move and we have the best players/coaches.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 12, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Good morning all.
No need to worry quite yet. Everything that was supposed to happen happened. Did you really think we were going 16-0? Would have been nice but unlikely given the toughness of the West. What we have here is a series. A series where big time players step up. Who's going to hit a .4 or a Robert Horry three to sink the Queens? Who's going to be that player? Fish again? Luke? LO? Gasol? I don't know, probably LO (he played really well yesterday, still can't believe that three went in) but someone will have to do it. Close series and close games are what playoffs are all about. This is why we watch. So while 16-0 would have been nice, lets enjoy the road that this years Lakers (some picked 9th in the West however most picked 8th with a 1st round exit) take whether it be out in round 2 or champions again. No matter what we beat expectations and have a bright future with Drew. So lets watch and hope we get another .4 and some memorable experiences that we will all remember for the rest of our life.
Lakers playoff basketball....where amazing happens.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Ohhh...one more thing. I love Gasol and all but he definitely needs to step up his agressiveness under the basket. As big as he is he should be bullying those guys under the basket instead of trying to shoot from outside to avoid contact. Come on dude...you need to hold it down until the big and tough AB comes back.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 12, 2008 at 10:13 AM
HmrHed,
I don't know if this is positive or not, but every other "title contending" team out there has lost 2 in a row in these playoffs.
Time for Socks to pull a Willis Reed.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 12, 2008 at 10:21 AM
There's a whole lot of newbies, trolls & fairweathers up in here talking spit out the sides of their necks. 33 points and 10 assists on a bad back and the loss is all his fault? What-Ev-Er.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 12, 2008 at 10:22 AM
HmrHed: "No worries, the Trolls will be gone by Thursday morning. It's like those creatures in I Am Legend -- they can't stand the light of day after a win."
AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 12, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Rey Rivera,
With due respect, your assessment of Kobe is totally out to lunch!
While I agree that Kobe has a swagger to his presence on the court ( who doesn't in this league?) he is not a "whiner" that you portrayed him to be. And he does not make excuses. Do I have to remind you that he is playing with a torn ligament in his pinkie?
I also took exception to your list of "classy players". Using your very own definition of what a "classy" player is, how could you include Shaq in the same breath as the likes of Jabbar, Magic, Bird, Duncan, & Jordan? Shaq is the most arrogant self-centered player in this NBA!
Posted by: Robyn | May 12, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Just another great day in LakerLand.
No worries when you have Phil, Kobe and Home Court.
Both series in the West are going to go 7 its what the NBA wants and what they want they get.
Enjoy the ride Laker Fans!
BD
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Dudes, get your heads on straight. The Jazz are a good team that plays well at home. They did what they were supposed to do.
What's really up is that the guys didn't wilt. 12 points down with minutes to go, and Lamar, Gasol, Fish, and even Kobe stepped up. I know back pain pretty well, especially when it comes to basketball, and trust me, he stepped up.
The fact is, away from home, the Jazz have the deer in the headlights look. The Lakers never looked like that. This is still a very good, albeit, very young team we have here. This is going to happen. Lest we forget, 16-0 is abnormal for the playoffs. Lest we forget, the Celtics were crowned before the season started, and look at them now. Lest we forget, people were arguing that LeBron was better than Kobe. Our guys are doing better than expected, and I hope they keep it up.
The team will find its equilibrium. Lamar, Fish, and finally Gasol played well last game. Kobe did only in spurts, but he was injured. The guys are going to be happy to be home. Utah doesn't strike me as a road crowd silencer. They will play bad, the Lakers will play well, and we'll win in 6.
Posted by: #4 | May 12, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Rey Rivera,
I personally feel that Kobe was not acting. You have to keep in mind the physical battering of the MVP has, 3-4 injuries on his knuckle, tendon, ligament and possible wrist. The lower back/spine is a very fickle feeling injury that may look like high function at times, and non-function in certain positions. Ask some of the injured bloggers here...Besides remember Reggie Miller bouncing like a pogo stick with his ankle injury? Isaiah running with a limp then driving to the hoop landing ok, then limping again? They never got their Screen Actors Guild card...2 more union gigs to go.
In regards, to his professionalism on court, he is an entertainer and supreme athlete. Off court, look at the turn around and team chemistry from this summer. I believe this is the pinnacle of leadership when you want to leave and an organization and lead them to the Best record of the Western Conference. (I am sticking to this season for arguments sake.)
In comparison to the greats like : Jabbar, Magic, Jordan, Shaq. You may always find negative spin to anybody. Jabbar = was a people person nightmare and a media shield. He is now improving come interview time, but I have heard enough fan shedding stories on this blog. Magic and his adultery. Jordan and gambling. Shaq and his verbose prowess of burning bridges?
Finally, the class of the new breed players are great: Demon Williams, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James. Except the 2nd runner up to Kobe "King James." He really treated a waiter like a peasant in tipping $10 for a 3am full service $800 bill.
Respectfully,
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 10:38 AM
FLIGHTY AND FLAKEY LAKER FANS:
I noticed over the course of regular season and post season that most of the Laker fans are so easily over come by fear, anguish and then become incoherent, blaming everyone that they can think of, foaming at the mouth and ready to chop heads. Just remember Lakers still have the home court advantage which means 2 games in LA and 1 game in UTAH. No one ever said that the drive to the finals was going to be like "driving miss Daisy" kind of ride, I believe tough games will keep this Laker squad sharp and battle ready for the next round. Very unfortunate, that Turiaf was ejected while Jason Kid whose foul looked more flagrant was not. I question if these refs have gambling habits, nothing new.
PJ IS STILL THE X-FACTOR:
I have full faith in PJ’s zen like coaching abilities and strongly feel that he is the x-factor that is going to devise a plan to beat the Utah team.
WE DON’T NEED BYNUM:
Get well and will see you next year!
WE COULD USE ARIZA FOR SURE:
We could have used Ariza on defense against the Utah team but for now all it is a wishful thinking.
Posted by: The Mob Boss | May 12, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Good Morning All!
Everyone take a deep breath and relax. The Lakers will be fine. The Ja$$ have played their best in the last two games, we should have expected that all along. The refs called the game differently in Utah than they do here, we knew that would happen.
Throw out all of the drama and histrionics by the fairweathers and trolls in here and remember this............while the Ja$$ have played their best the last two games, we would have won both if we had simply hit our free throws at the same % as we did all season long. The challenge of the Ja$$ home court had something to do with that, but in the long run of a series, that too will even out.
I'm looking forward to a solid win on Wednesday, then we go to Utah and close it out while getting some "road" confidence for the run to the Finals. We win on the road in Utah, and we know we can win anywhere on the road.
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!! HIT THE FREES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 12, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Do you guys really think these games aren't controlled by the NBA and the refs? Any coach potato with a DVR
who watches and records the games knows what is happening in the NBA. DVRs don't lie. FACT: refs favor the home team with calls every time. With the NBA being rigged there is nothing more important than:
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE!!!!!
Thank God the Lakers have it. They will need it.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Anyone hear anything new on Ariza at least? I know AB is a longshot but it would be nice to have some new news.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 12, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Ok, this response is mainly directed to hmrhed, but there is plenty other nonsense from all you fools.
hmrHed said: "No Kobe = No Overtime" What game were you watching? If my memory serves me right, Fisher had three "stick it to you Utah because you boo me" three pointers and Odom had one to erase the 12 point lead. Oh, yeah Kobe did get his patented phantom foul, three point play. Derek Fisher was the reason. He made more 3's in two minutes than he made all last year in Utah.
The Jazz are a young team and they will make mistakes and let teams back in. But I still believe that they can win this series. Laker nation, you have reason to be nervous.
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 10:49 AM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,
We missed your prayer! Please do it again.
Posted by: Robyn | May 12, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Gd morning lakers nation,
Definitely a bad day for a true Lakers fan. May be, except for Our veterans, the two back to back losses will put pressure on our bench. Everyone is blaming them and not for nothing. Poor Farmar would be too much depressed with his performance. He is not a sit and watch kinda guy, we saw it during regular season. Somebody should help him to regain his confidence. And i think its not the time for Lakers to wait for Vlade to regain form. Luke definitely can help better in the starting line up. And i wonder why newble is not being used as a defensive option. He is not new to the playoff atmosphere. And i hope he can help now. Don't know why we signed him. We have atleast one poor performer all the times on the court. So newble can replace the guy and help. Now its really haunting me. I feel like something is cracking somewhere. Hope its Lakers limit to lose or i fear, it could be our confidence.
Posted by: Kobindia | May 12, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Hey Rey Rivera,
Speaking of arrogance, here's one quote for you from Michael Jordan:
"It ain't bragging if you do what you said you're gonna do."
Don't get me wrong I'm a big fan of MJ, but when people like yourself are talking about arrogance and cockiness, you better know what you talking about or just admit that you don't like Kobe. I'm down with that.
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 12, 2008 at 10:54 AM
What's funny is that people are clinging on to Jordan like they knew him or something, or watched him grow up. Does anyone remember that Jordan was a copycat himself? People that don't like Kobe because he copies Jordan are usually young and do not know that Jordan went out of his way to emulate Dr. J.
Look at Jordans highlights in the early years. The dunks, the reverse layups, it was all Dr. J. Unfortunately, young folks that think they know who Jordan was because they buy the re-release of his shoes or watch highlights with no context of what came before think that Jordan was original. He wasn't. In fact, he's an even bigger copycat than Kobe ever was.
But young guys just don't know that. They just buy the marketing hype, buy the re-releases of jordans, and are as unoriginal as the man himself. You aren't a true jordan fan unless you have some original Js that you have from the 80s in your closet anyways. Not from ebay, or niketalk, or otherwise. You're just a bandwagoner just like Jordan was a bandwagon Dr. J fan in his early days.
Kobe may copy Jordan, but Jordan will always be a copy cat of Dr. J. You show your lack of knowledge about basketball if you think otherwise.
Posted by: #4 | May 12, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Guys - please remember - identify the troll, wound the troll, starve the troll.
And there seem to be a lot of trolls out there today - whether the regular kind or the fairweather kind (not you Fatty!)
Please - CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM!!!!!!!!!! and stop with the bashing & finger pointing already. (We win & you'd all be gushing about how great the Lakers and Kobe are yadda yadda yadda.) If you call yourself a Laker fan, this sort of behaviour is not becoming - it's downright troll-like & is bringing out the irritation of many. Again - please - cheer for your team! They played with all heart! The Jizz barely squeeked these 2 out - THAT fact alone should give you all the confidence in the world. IT'S ON for Game 6 baby - time for some serious payback!
GO LAKERS!
THE BEAN FOR FINALS MVP OR NO PEACE!
NO CHAMPIONSHIP - NO PEACE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 12, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Kobe Bryant is a fraud! We all see it. His back is just fine when he makes the final shot of the first half and celebrates in healthy Kobe fashion. I didn't see him grimmacing in pain each time he made shots. Or what about the time when he launched a fifty foot outlet pass to Walton just before "the block" of the 07-08 NBA season.
This is where Kobe and Tracy are the same. They know that if they grimmace after getting rejected by Kirilenko, the announcers will begin sending down the sideline reporter to create the big side story of the game.
Who doesn't have a strained back at this point of the year? Everyone playing is injured in some way. Kobe is a fraud and needs the drama. Everyone outside of LA sees it!
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Post your name if your are going to address me fool!
I was watching 33-10-8. Now what about losing a 12 point lead with 3 minutes left makes you so confident? Didn't think so.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 10:58 AM
At practice today, I suggest doing a hell of a lot of freethrows.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 12, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Posts that comes into the blog like that of Rey Rivera, why do you have to answer them? They're designed to rile up and get everyone upset by making old description of Kobe. Let their opinion stand like an island isolated from mainstream bloggers.
What preparations to be done before Wednesday?
1. Simple practice free throws at 500 times per player
2. Study the tapes of Games 3 & 4, how to stop Deron, Okur and Boozer.
3. Lakers unit second unit are fast disappearing in the playoffs, they should have a meeting of their own how to revive their effectiveness as role players. Listen to the coaches and implement the plan rather than doing crazy mix ups and generate T/O's.
As avid Laker fans, don't lose hopes during the playoffs, this is the time when you exhibit your fighting spirit by sticking with purple and gold. During seasons, be a critic because those are the games when players adjust their skills. During playoffs, just stay focus and have faith on the established plays, substitution patterns, what else to be done leave it to the coaching staff and remain as a cheer leader being the 6th man on the sideline. Let's organize our thoughts, avoid distractions and debates with unknown visitiors or a wayward blogger!
Go Lakers, it is just 2-2 and Lakers will win on Wednesday, then the last game on Friday, series is settled at 4-2.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Jon K and Edwin,
Not sure about the freethrow thing -- it's just the law of averages. None of these guys shoot 100% and I doubt some late season practice is going to make a difference in their overall parentage. It's mostly mental concentration for the good FT shooters at this point. LO has been inconsistent all year.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Kobe Bryant is a fraud! We all see it. ....
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 10:57 AM
And to add to what he's saying, we Jazz fans have absolutely no shame. Derek Fisher should have stayed a Jazzer, but we don't care if he's daughter has cancer. We punch puppies so much as blink like the Lakers do. We are a family values state and we throw that in your face, but we have no class when it comes to the Jazz. Everyone outside of Utah sees it!!
And yes, Kobe is a fraud!! Yes, Kobe is the best player since Michael Jordan. He's won 3 championships, more than the my beloved Jazz franchise. Yes, numerous defensive team honors. MVP, too. But he's a fraud!! Only we Jazz fans know that. I don't know exactly how he's a fraud, but seriously, if he's not a Jazzer, he's a fraud!!
I'm just like every Jazz fan in Utah. We're all the same!! Numerous midwest division champs IN YOUR FACE!!
No class JAZZ FANS unite!! Let's do this Jazzers!!
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I just need 2 questions answered.
Why in the world does D. Williams shave his sideburns up so high and combs his hair forward?
Posted by: Fire32 | May 12, 2008 at 11:23 AM
All is good in Laker Land.
What a comeback.
Hope Kobe's back loosens up for our next home victory.
We'll see if DWill is allowed to take 3 or 4 steps in the 4th quarter in LA.....I don't think so.
We are on track to win it all. Let's act like we've been here before. Because we have. Remember Philly when we lost game 1 in the finals? Lots of unnecessary stress. Utah will be done after the 1st half in LA...that is just the kind of road team they are.
Kobesabadasswithabadback(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 12, 2008 at 11:24 AM
OMFG, I can not believe some of you! So now we are blaming Pau for losing these games because he’s “soft”? Dear Lord have you people forgotten that this guy saved us from Kwame? He has given us far more than what he has “cost” us.
Here’s something to think about we lost one game by 5 points and the other by what seven or eight? Had Farmar and Vlad each made only three points we would have won game three, had they each made four points we would won game four, also how many free throws did LO miss? Let’s place the blame straight where it belongs, with Farmar, Vlad and LO’s missed free throws.
Posted by: Elle | May 12, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Wait a minute! Is GV taking care of Kobe's back -- Oh Shhhh -- No blue gue - please!
Just kidding come on now. hahaha
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 11:30 AM
HmrHed,
Okay then. Well, I guess I suggest Phil Jackson leads everyone through a group meditation session. We need to clear our heads.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 12, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I bet those Jazz fans don't even know what offense the Jazz are running unless they google it. All I've seen from them thus far is their Kobe-hater homerism and Jazz homerism, but nothing about basketball, nothing about anything like that.
Oh well, they've already shown their true colors. Back to real fans with real basketball knowledge.
I'm with the K bros on this one. The Lakers had a chance to win it. It was an energy game from the start though, and the Jazz feed off of that at their arena. I don't think Boozer and alot of other player on their roster have the intestinal fortitude to win away from home. Deron does, and he's shown it consistently. Milsap has had success, but they won't get any help come wednesday.
I think the guys will have this figured out. I happen to agree with Phil that, while Kobe put up some dumba$$ shots, the movement off the ball was either nil or without purpose. Kobe needs to see that there are options out there.
I hope the flight back was a meeting of the minds. But the Lakers looked no where near defeated at the end of the game, which was good. The Jazz showed that they had no go to players at the end of regulation, so while I lament the loss, it doesn't make me "nervous". Its obvious who is the alpha team here.
Posted by: #4 | May 12, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I'm not worried we still have Chris Mihm.
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Jon K --
I wouldn't put it past him -- hahaha
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Fire32
Shaving the sideburns so high? Too many Daddy Yankee Reggae-tone music videos??? Bad shave day???
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Remember this most important lesson from Troll Defense 101:
1) A troll needs you to pay attention to him in order to survive; they thrive off your reactions and negative responses. The best defense is to completely ignore them; it is death to a troll to go unnoticed.
IGNORE THE TROLLS!!!
Add me to the "Death To Trolls" bandwagon!!!
Posted by: Tully Moxness | May 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
What about replacing Farmar with Coby Karl minutes? Are you telling me we are worse off with Coby over Farmar? All I have to do is look at the box scores for the last 4 games and I think it is really clear....we arn't getting sh%t from Farmar. I know, I know, PJ never makes an adjustment to set in his ways but come on, 2 more losses and we are talking about next year and who we want traded.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Rey,
Your Kobe rant shows you to be anotner jealous, jock sniffing punk. Shut the hell up!
Posted by: The Man | May 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
HmrHed,
I'm pretty sure Kobe missed those free throws in the first half because when standing still he was too aware of the pain in his back before finding a way to tune it out. The sad thing is that just one of those made could have guaranteed a win in regulation (at least theoretically). If we had made our usual percentage we would have won in regulation by five or six points.
As for Pau and Lamar, who much more than Kobe tend to be inconsistent at the line, don't forget that the heckling of the crowd, the noise and movement during free throws is a bigger distraction in Utah than in most arenas.
Translate all that differential to a game (or even two) at Staples and it looks like we have nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Tsphere | May 12, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Jazz fans, let's use Kobe as our proxy for the hurt Jordan put on us!! Bryon Russell, this is for you!!
LET'S DO THIS JAZZERS!! Let's boo a family man who chose his daughter over us!! Family values, not in our house!!
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 11:42 AM