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 everyone...
Rey is funny... Dude... u don't watch BasketBall...
Ur blinded by the hate... Come on now... Which other player do u know get's MVP chants in every arena?? Um... yeah... I though so...
Plain and simple arguement bro... Get ur facts straight k...
Take care everyone...
Posted by: cdub0512 | May 12, 2008 at 11:42 AM
BD
"The DVR and the ball don't lie"
- Rasheed Wallace
As a long time Lakers fan, 25 years at least. I will testify that the home team gets 75% of the calls 100% of the time.
Sorry Jazz Fans, Stern has already decided the outcome.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 12, 2008 at 11:45 AM
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!!
This troll sh*t just showed up posted by some idiot who won't even identify itself. Can you believe it? This sh#t from someone who has won absolutely NOTHING! NO RINGS, EVER. Always whiney biotchy bridesmaids even when they've been lucky enough for their stone age style to get them close.
ALL OF YOU TOO INSECURE TO EVEN IDENTIFY YOURSELVES, GO AWAY AND NEVER DARKEN THE DOOR OF THE LAKER NATION AGAIN. YOU ARE CORRECT ON ONLY ONE THING IN YOUR POSTS........YOU ARE TRULY NO CLASS!
Posted by: toad | May 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
HmrHed,
With regards to pratice....
Free throw shooting are sometimes mental lapses. However I also compare it to playing golf like when you are driving delivery or putting. If you practice often at the range, you develop your muscle, sight and range measurement, they are all coordinated even when distracted by any kind of noise from surroundings, the constant pratice at the range paves off at the actual game because your hand/muscle/brain coordination are set on "auto pilot" compared to no practice at all with shakened confidence in the delivery. If you watch LO closely, sometimes he's not sure what to do with his stance. He is a good shooter but never sure and have confidence of himself. The same case with Pau, he's a good player and those free throws are automatic but he has limited playoff experience where the bells and whistles were against him, his sights and hearing are not matured yet to block off all those noises. Let cite Fisher as another example, he is a veteran of many playoffs and also a quality shooter, he has seen so many other trials on big games such as this, so those taunting from Deron, booing from the Utah fans, the pushing and shoving he just roll with the punches and get focus when his time of delivery is in motion. He makes his own pushing at any opportune time without the refs seeing it and sometimes he gets into early fouls too. The time spent on preparedness is the formula to a solidl confidence on coart that leads to total victory.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
What is the story with C. Mihm BD?
Is he practicing? He's on the roster -- it was pretty damning when he didn't get playing tiime even after Ronny was thrown out.
Speaking of, is the league going to reduce that to a flagrant 1?
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM
DID YOU HONESTLY THINK WE WERE GOING TO SWEEP THIS TEAM?
I know a lot of people were amped after winning the first two games at home, but this is a good Jazz team. A really good team. Playing at home. Where they are tough, really tough. And they had to be desperate. Not a good combo.
All things considered, I'm very pleased with what we did in Utah. I felt we took their best shots and could have won both games. That says a lot. Utah is the only team out there that I have been worried about and now we're in a best of three series with two games at Staples.
It will be important to get some good practice in, sleep well and come out and handle business in Game 5.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 12, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Hmr Head,
Kobe wouldn't let GV touch him. He has his own training staff and routine. That is something all of us can be thankful for.
Starve the troll people!
Unless of course you are being sarcastic as was the no name poster above. That's just entertaining, and unfortunately for pathetic Jazz fans, TRUE!
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 12, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Thanks for the response Charles.
Why are ppl still responding to rey, If you guys notice he hasn't responded back to any of you.
rey did what he wanted to do, which is take a jab at you guys and run away.
Posted by: Fire32 | May 12, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Robyn: I was hoping that the K-Bros would have had the Game Day page up so I could post my Game Day Prayer up before I went to church on Sunday morning (at 10:00 AM). But they didn't.
So I will just have to post them on the previous page from here on out. Quiet as it's kept, I should have done that in the first place.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 12, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Fire?
Please tell me your not coming in here to give Laker Support. C'mon, it only seems like hell is freezing over. Right?
Another beautiful day during the playoffs on the way to #14. What could be better?
Kobesbaaaaaad(and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 12, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Come on you lakerfans, this is what nba playoff basketball is all about, winning and losing. Key point is what you learn from your defeats.
Go Lakers.
Posted by: lakerlandspain | May 12, 2008 at 11:59 AM
MEMO to The Blog: That no-named Jazz booster was sarcastic ON PURPOSE! Read between the lines. Dude most def one of us!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM
AGGGHHH!
COCK-A-ROACHES ALL OVER THE BLOG!!
AGGGHH!!!!!
You wonder why Kobe puffs his chest so much when he has success, and why haters come out so hard when he fails? Physics - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction...
16...15...14...13...12...11...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 12, 2008 at 12:07 PM
an open message to all the no class ja$$ trolls, whether you have the juevos to identify yourselves or not:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF THE REIGNING AND FUTURE MVP – KOBE BRYANT. THE
HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, BOB MCADOO,
"BIG SHOT ROB HORRY", GAIL GOODRICH, THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER
CHICK HEARN,COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
10 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 12, 2008 at 12:08 PM
OK Edwin,
I'll give you muscle memory as a reason to practice -- but if the noise is getting to them, then it's mental.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Whew! What a game.
Have no fear Lakers fans. We went into SLC and with the deck stacked against us (Bynum and Ariza out, Ronny and the weak ass flagrant 2, Kobe seriously hurting) still took the game to OT.
That which does not kill us makes us stronger. On to game 5.
Posted by: winston Vaughan | May 12, 2008 at 12:11 PM
OMG WHY ARE WE NOT USING IRA NEWBLE
LAKERS FANS HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT THIS CAT. IS HE IN PHIL'S DOG HOUSE OR SOMETHING.
I WOULD PUT NEWBLE IN PLACE OF RADMAN
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Edwin
I am once again reminded of why I always enjoy your posts..............you are always on target!
If we had shot the frees these last two games at the same rate as during the regular season, we sweep.
Practice makes muscle memory and confidence.
Phil, get them going on free throw practice!
Posted by: toad | May 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM
It rings true - someone said that kobe resembles scottie pippen more closely than MJ.
Both kobe and pippen finish great, create their own shots, defend very well, and are athletic. By the same token, both lack the leadership quality you find in playas such as Shack or MJ. And both have the "me-first" mentality that results in pouting and poor on-court decisions in crunch time.
It's not a dis, just an accurate comparison. Kobe should be honored to be likened to pippen.
It's tough to see how luke walton gets playing time - he went for a WNBA-style layup yesterday instead of a SLAM! That's the difference between a Millsap or Harpring and a Walton.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM
A couple of things...
Kobe's decision making in OT wasn't his high point of the playoffs, but wouldn't it be nice to see another player actually call for the ball instead of waiting for Kobe to set the table every time down? Lamar and Fish definitely stepped up at the end of regulation, off Kobe passes/ missed layup, but I think Lamar needs to find another gear so we're not funneling our offense solely on Kobe. Wait, I think we've been saying that for 3 seasons already....
I think if Luke puts in 25% more effort and gets 10 inches off the ground he scores a basket or gets a foul called on "the block + elbow across the head" play by Price. Note: If you've been blessed with a 6'5 frame or taller and you play pro ball, YOU DUNK EVERY OPEN OPPORTUNITY!!!!
Anyone who thinks we're going to win a championship with 20 points or less coming off the bench is mad!! We all know that Luke gets intimidated by physical play and if Farmar continues to be a non-factor, our championship dreams will not materialize. I don't know if it only works for baseball players, but somebody get Jordan a "Slump Buster!!" Sasha can not be our only producer off the bench!!
And finally, these are the playoffs that everyone was expecting to see. We only had 3 more wins than Utah in the regular season. They are not a door mat team. They may be physical, they may whine on every foul call, but they are not an easy W. I'm hoping we take care of business Wed. and close it out in Utah!!
Posted by: JSNV | May 12, 2008 at 12:14 PM
For those Laker fans that are doubting, just remember this:
Jazz are 37-4 at home and 17-24 on the road. Therefore, they need the Utah home fans in order to win the series;
Jazz team has no Championship on their record. Coach Sloan is very predictable, every past Laker player know the coaching style of Sloan;
Jazz as a team have limited playoff experiences on a do- or-die situation in best of three series. I have faith on Phil Jackson when the pressure is ON, he will measure the court based on specifications on the plays displayed by Utah offense and defenses.
I am not being over confident or disrespecting the Utah Jazz but I doubt if they can sustain successive wins on the road. It is not in the Utah Jazz make up to be a dominant team even before when they have Malone/Stockton, Williams/Boozer are just a bunch of babies when it comes to playoff experiences. You will see a different game pattern in Game 5.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 12, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Bloggers.....AK/BK
I'm reading Plashke's and AK's "questioning" Of Kobe's performance yesterday and a question came to mind
WHAT IS PHIL JACKSON'S ROLE AS COACH?
If Kobe is ailing but he is a true warrior isn't Phil's responsibility to call plays or isos for someone else?
Oh......there are no plays in the triangle,...... this is a community offense.........keep passing until you hit the open man........so anybody can shoot.
This is to me the flaw with the triangle offense.........you can't or don't take advantage of individual matchups.
Phil very conveniently blamed the unit he started in the 4th quarter and he also said Kobe's teammates sold him out..........but he left himself out of the equation.
Is it not the coach's decision who to play and for how long?
I think had it been Avery Johnson or Mike Davis in Cleveland...........all the critics would have at least questioned the strategy of the coach.........as they always do...........But with nine rings..........Go Figure
Posted by: pfunk36 | May 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Rey Rivera,
U have no common-sense. Look at How D-Wade Cried when he Hurt his knee and shoulder like a Baby.
You are a typical Troll aka laker/kobe hater
get a life and have some individuality and try to get some spiritual education to peace your nut case brain
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Shack (sic) "leadership qualities" HAHAHHAHAHAHA -- stop it BUTLER you're killing me HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Posted by: HmrHed | May 12, 2008 at 12:21 PM
What's up Lakerville!
Not a good weekend for us but we should be OK. No, I didn't expect the Lakers to sweep this series. I thought Lakers in 5 but I'll take it if they can do it in 6. As well as the Jazz played yesterday, they were tied at halftime and at the end of regulation. Lakers make just half of their missed free throws, they probably would have won. This is a good workout for the WC Finals. Let's go, Lakeshow!
Posted by: SamLL | May 12, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I say we expose the bets.
Since the bets won't call a fair game in Utah then I say we foul like they do. If they call them as they won't let us play then foul them until our entire team fouls out.
Yes every player including bench.
Now how will league defend an entire team being fouled out for doing what the opponent does and does not get called for.
Now that would be a statement to the league and call attention to the bogus calls to all NBA fans who pay for this fixed system.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 12, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Butler...
Kobe should be honored to be likened to Pippen and you should be honored to be likened to crap as well.
Ridiculous
Kobesbad
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 12, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Bloggers.....AK/BK
I'm reading Plashke's and AK's "questioning" Of Kobe's performance yesterday and a question came to mind
WHAT IS PHIL JACKSON'S ROLE AS COACH?
If Kobe is ailing but he is a true warrior isn't Phil's responsibility to call plays or isos for someone else?
Oh......there are no plays in the triangle,...... this is a community offense.........keep passing until you hit the open man........so anybody can shoot.
This is to me the flaw with the triangle offense.........you can't or don't take advantage of individual matchups.
Phil very conveniently blamed the unit he started in the 4th quarter and he also said Kobe's teammates sold him out..........but he left himself out of the equation.
Is it not the coach's decision who to play and for how long?
I think had it been Avery Johnson or Mike Davis in Cleveland...........all the critics would have at least questioned the strategy of the coach.........as they always do...........But with nine rings..........Go Figure
Posted by: pfunk36 | May 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Excellant post! I could not agree more with that assesment. Very good job.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 12, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Yeah if Luke goes for a two-hand dunk (which he should have), that is a "and-one" play and we win the game.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 12, 2008 at 12:26 PM
BUTLER,
Thanks for making me laugh on a day such as this, I'm glad to know that we can turn to you for some comic relief.
Edwin,
Great points. The Lakers showed that they were figuring out the Jazz and their home court, even though they didn't play at their best, got shafted by the refs and faced a back injury to their best player. A free throw here or there or an extra hustle and we'd be looking at a 3-1 series. I'm with you man, I say we win the next game and ride the momentum into game 6. Laker win in 6.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 12, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Ok people-
I am one of those that felt that Kobe tried to emulate a "Jordan-like" moment yesterday by trying to play through injury. While I don't like the shots he took, especially because it didn't involve his teammates, I will defend him for playing. A lot of people seem to think that he should have been "a man" and sat himself. You guys need to recognize that Kobe is just pigeon holed to always take flak if there is a loss. If he sat, and we still lost, everyone calls him a quitter. If he passed too much and we still lost, everyone calls him too unselfish(is there such a thing). If he takes shots and makes them, everyone loves him. It comes with being a great player.
Now on the flipside- I don't understand why Kobe didn't go to the plays that got them into OT. Lamar was fired up, Fish was fired up. They were ready for the ball. From that standpoint, I do suspect that Kobe was being self serving. And while we all don't understand (including the players) why Phil Jackson called out the rest of the team for deferring to Kobe... I THINK IT'S BRILLIANT. Phil knows Kobe. He knows that Kobe is one of the most prideful players on the planet. He's admitted that Kobe's pride is what makes Kobe the player he is. Now by reprimanding the rest of the team, he does two things-
1) It makes Lamar, Fish, Pau, and whoever else is on the floor late, angered up to want the ball even more next time. Phil pokes at their pride, to the point where they almost want to take the ball from Kobe. And that is what you want from any player late in the game. If they said that they were all ready like that in Game 4, imagine how much more they will be in subsequent games...
2) He mitigates Kobe's reaction. If the same late game time situation comes up, and Kobe's teammates seem urgent to move to get the ball... Kobe will not only have to put it in their hands, but will be more willing to. If he doesn't, and blows it again, any progress he's made to rebuild his reputation will be lost. Kobe's found himself in a good place again, I don't think he will want to destroy it. Don't kid yourself, Kobe loves to be loved. You can see it on his face when he got the MVP award.
Just my take.
2)
Posted by: thedeal | May 12, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Oh and by the way,
Kobe was better than Pippen in his rookie year. And since then, when Pippen went on to his "leader" status on Houston and Portland, Kobe schooled him every time they met.
Sorry, no comparison.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 12, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Laker Nation shouldn't worry, stress or lose sleep over this series. Mitch has built a great group of guys around KB24 and has built it for the next five to ten years. The Lakers will win 3-4 championship in the next 5-7 years and we will have our run of the league again. The media said that the Lakers were a disaster and wouldn't make the playoffs this year. The Lakers are the #1 seed and have the newly crowned MVP and great supporting cast. This team will come back on Wednesday and make the necessary adjustments to win. No need to worry.
Posted by: SFLakerGirl | May 12, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Hello, all. The Lakers WILL win the series in 6. The Prophet has spoken...
Posted by: TheSportProphet | May 12, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Quick question:
Does anyone know of any good Laker bars in L.A.? By "good," I mean a place where you can have fairly-priced drinks and be surrounded by people who are actually into the game -- not the usual L.A. sports bar where people are either too drunk or too horny to follow the in-game action as it unfolds.
Any suggestions will be much appreciated.
Posted by: TheSportProphet | May 12, 2008 at 12:48 PM
"Oh and by the way,
Kobe was better than Pippen in his rookie year. And since then, when Pippen went on to his "leader" status on Houston and Portland, Kobe schooled him every time they met.
Sorry, no comparison."
I wasn't comparing Pippen vs, Kobe in matchups on the court. My point is that kobe more closely resembles Pippen rather than MJ.
Without Shack, Kobe has no titles and hasn't even advanced past the semis, the first round only once. Without MJ, Pippen could not "get it done", in other words lead his team, either.
I think if you asked Kobe, he'd be honored to have someone compare him to Pippen. Pippen has 6 rings and was just as good a finisher as kobe. The fact that they are best as sidekicks rather than #1 on a team does not degrade their status.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 12, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I hope we're not going to go back & forth for the next couple of days between the Laker Fans who are Defenders of the Team, and the so-called Laker fan/trolls who are bashing the team, Kobe & anyone else who comes across their sights......yikes.....I don't think I could take that.........
CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM!!!!!!!!!!! We are in a great position. Tied 2-2 with 2 of the next 3 games at home in front of LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!! PJ will make adjustments, KB24 will get back treatment, Fish will school Jordy, Pau will do a couple extra push-ups & LO will wear some pimped-out suit to get everyone laughing & relaxed and they will come out & demoralize (further) the Jizz. GET EXCITED! This is the best fun we've had in years, right??!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 12, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan,
As you probably know I'm stuck in the Dark Limbo that is known as Cleveland, Ohio (affectionately known by locals as "Al-Sadr City on the Lake").
Anyhow, you run in to your fair share of unrealistic Cavalliars fans out here and occasionally the subject of Ira Newble comes up.
Not that I put a lot of stock in the opinions of Cavalliars fans, but the concensus is that Ira Newble, while fairly strong on defense, just overall isn't that good a player.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 12, 2008 at 01:14 PM
MEMO to The Blog: That no-named Jazz booster was sarcastic ON PURPOSE! Read between the lines. Dude most def one of us!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM
The light shines upon you my friend.
Jazz over family values, any day!! Go Jazzers!! Karl Malone is a great role model!!
Posted by: | May 12, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Fire,
"Why are ppl still responding to rey, If you guys notice he hasn't responded back to any of you. rey did what he wanted to do, which is take a jab at you guys and run away."
Coz it is the nature of a blog. I will say this, at least he posted with a user name and left an identity to riposte, retort and respond.
Posted by: Charles | May 12, 2008 at 01:25 PM
The only image that keeps seeping into my mind from yesterdays game is Luke and the Block. I am not sure if I can live with that nightmare the rest of the summer if they don't win this series. That was embarrassing let alone pathectic. Glad the Lakers are coming home so hopefully can get some of those favorable calls the HOME teams always get.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 01:28 PM
TheSportProphet,
I sure hope you are a better Prophet than Laker Tom.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 01:30 PM
TheSportProphet,
You had prophesied that "the Lakers will win the series in 6", yet you are asking others for tips in locating a decent sports bar in L.A.?
I say, "you are a false prophet!!"
Posted by: Robyn | May 12, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Even though I had the series going 6 games.. I cant shake this feeling I have.. besides dropping 2 bills.. I'm worried about injuries and personally speaking.. this team has far exceeded my honest expectations THIS season so "a part" of me would like to... ummmm I dunno what I'm saying here??? I guess I wouldnt be mad if the team shut it down, got 100% healthy and prepared this summer, and came into camp for the first time, at full strength!!! Then the practical side kicks in and who's to say a serious injury wont take place on opening night so you have to strike when the target is in range.. I'd just hate to see Kobe going "all in" and wind up being like Mcgrady, Nash and all the other guys that deal with persistent back problems.. I dont have em.. but I'm told they're a pain ( no pun intended) Ok.. Im having a very bad day so try not to yell please.. thanks
Posted by: complex brotha | May 12, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Rey Rivera,
Kobe's second shot of the game? Copying Jordans performance (acting like he had a flu)? Kobe act's like his back is hurting? Are you serious?
Whatever dude? Go back to Utah?
Juno
Posted by: Juno | May 12, 2008 at 01:41 PM
ANY ONE HAS ANY FREAKING CLUE ON WHY IRA NEWBLE IS NOT PLAYING
NOW I AM REALLY GETTING FRUSTRATED..
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | May 12, 2008 at 01:42 PM
This is from John Ireland:
Now to the big problem. I flew home with the team and Kobe Bryant's back is hurting bad. He plays with pain better than anybody I've ever seen, but the back is different. He can't walk correctly. Anybody who has ever had a back problem will tell you that the world stops when your back goes out. Kobe is saying all of the right things, like "I'll be fine....ready to go by Wednesday." But I can tell you this, if the Lakers had to play on Monday night, they would be screwed.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 12, 2008 at 01:46 PM
No one commented but all knotted up for tied series and Kobes back. Funny stuff.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 12, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Yesterday's game was not, I repeat, not Kobe's fault. Free throws are something you can control, and we blew it with a poor performance at the line. Of coure, Vlad and Jordan were major factors in the loss, as well.
I did not expect this to be an easy series and I'm glad we've still got home court. Lakers in 7!!!
Posted by: LakerKev | May 12, 2008 at 01:47 PM
BD: Luke will never be doing that again. He's learned his leson. And since he will have another chance - expect a resounding 2-handed dunk.
All: each of the players that were in the game has something to think about until Wednesday. One small additional mistake could have won the game. I am with the majority here - we lost but kept the jazz on the edge and pushed them. We are home and will get the "W" on Wednesday.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 12, 2008 at 01:48 PM