Lakers Blog : Los Angeles Times : Live from Staples- Lakers vs. Utah, Game 2

Live from Staples- Lakers vs. Utah, Game 2

You would think on a night where he won the MVP award, PJ would choose to start Kobe. Odd that he's not.

Just kidding. A lot of people believe that this game is the series, so to speak, at least as it relates to Utah's ability to actually win it. Can't say I disagree. At the very least, a solid effort tonight puts the Jazz in a serious hole.

BK with the first.

FIRST QUARTER:

11:00- AK 47 and Vlad Rad trade buckets, both on jumpers from the perimeter, then Kirilenko comes back on the other end, posts up Vlad, and pulls the little up and under. Good lord, he's got some seriously long limbs.

9:45- Odom takes the ball from the top of the key and aggressively gets to the rack. Little spin move, and puts up the floater before AK could get there.

7:45- Wow, there's been a lot of scoring in this game. Very wide open right now, both teams finding some space offensively. The Lakers are getting inside, and the Jazz is moving the ball extremely well.

7:11- Lakers down 13-12.

Kirilenko fouls Gasol, sending him to the line and finally giving me a quick chance to type. Thus far, I'm not even sure you can say the defense for each team has been bad, but the execution of both offenses has been very sharp. Neither team is in much of a hurry, both are moving the ball. The Jazz already has four assists as a team. LA is shooting 85% from the floor, and has a couple dimes of its own.

6:25- Solid work from the Lakers, who have picked up the intensity on the defensive end. More hard traps, more aggressively trying to put non-ball handlers in tough spots. In this case, Brewer was very tight on Kobe, and when he spun away from him, Rad came over hard to trap. Brewer was forced to burn a TO.

15-13, and for a nationally televised playoff game, this thing is flying by. Pau still doesn't have a shot nearly six minutes in, but he's had some touches. They're still not letting him get comfortable in the post. Not that they're obligated to, mind you.

5:29- Boozer pushes Gasol in the back, and he'll have to sit down with his second foul. That's a huge boost for the Lakers, who right away put LO in the post and he hits a shot over Millsap off the glass. These become big minutes for LA, with one of Utah's best players on the bench.

4:37- Brewer plays a step off Kobe, who sticks a triple in his face. On the other end, Fish gets a steal, and the Lakers take it back the other way.

4:03- Lakers up 22-13.

3:38- The Lakers have cranked it up defensively, and all that great ball movement the Jazz was showing at the beginning of the game has gone. They look tentative, and unsure where to go with the ball. Moreover, they're already in the penalty with nearly four minutes left in the quarter. The Lakers, on the other hand, have one team foul. So they're throwing Utah off and playing with aggression, but not drawing whistles. The Jazz, however, is burning through them quickly.

2:55- Timeout on the floor, Lakers up 25-15. They are, quite frankly (let's all channel our inner Stephen A.) playing near perfect ball, considering the opponent. Very few bad shots (they're 9-13 from the floor), getting it down low, are hassling the hell out of Utah right now, and have quickly built a 10-point lead. This changes the entire context of the game. Obviously it's not over, but they've put the Jazz in a situation where they're in a hole right away.

Another foul, the second on Okur. Two on Mehmet, two on Boozer. Gasol misses both FT's though. They can't take advantage. That sends Okur to the bench. Kirilenko returns, but the Jazz is certainly down some O.

1:00- Turiaf stops Williams with a straight block at the basket, just as he did in Game 1. The Lakers continue to play very stout defense.

:28.9- Kobe picks up an offensive foul, his second. He'll have to sit, and play with some care until the half. Sasha replaces him. Lakers up 33-18.

END OF THE FIRST:

Well, that couldn't have gone much better for the Lakers. Short of getting shut out completely, I think if you'd asked Jerry Sloan to lay out a nightmare scenario for the start of the game, this first quarter probably would have fit the blueprint. The Lakers outshot Utah 67% to 33%, and unlike Sunday, this wasn't simply a matter of the Jazz missing shots. LA forced them into six turnovers, including four steals. They're holding down the fort on the boards (10-9 Utah), and making the Jazz work hard for everything. Meanwhile, on the other end they're getting down low, and putting a lot of pressure on the Jazz, who are fouling a ton.

33-18 LAL. AK with the second.

SECOND QUARTER

11:40 - Those with Carlos Boozer on their playoff fantasy squads are about to become particularly unthrilled as he picks up a third foul going over Gasol's back on a rebound. For everyone, particularly Laker fans, the cameo appearance is a nice development. Utah's All-Star will end up sitting the half.

9:34 - PJ takes a timeout, and with good reason. The lead's dropped from 13 to 9, courtesy of an 8-2 Utah run. Ronny Turiaf has picked up two fouls in less than a minute and every shot save a 19-footer from Jordan Farmar has clanged rim. Regrouping to settle down is a good call. They need to weather a few more minutes of Kobe-free ball while 24 nurses two fouls and those minutes can't chip away at their lead.

8:21 - LO draws a foul on Millsap while driving to the basket and earns two freebies at the stripe. Only one of two drop, giving Lamar 9 early points to go with 4 boards, a dime and a swat. On the next possession, he taps away Korver's missed trey to himself, then shuttles the loose ball to Farmar, who draws a blocking foul and a trip to the line. A really good start to the game for LO.

5:30 - Gasol gets the ball just outside the paint, then works Okur down closer to the basket to knock in the chippie. Gasol seems much better adjusted to Utah's physicality the second time around. He's not missing the close ones with contact, nor is he looking rattled by the bumping.

3:49 - Fisher receives the rock about one foot outside the arc, take stwo dribbles to get a foot in front, then cans a 21-footer for his dozenth point. Like Game 1, Fish is finding success against his old mates. But with a 5-6 (and hopefully counting) clip from the floor, he's doing it in ways that involve the scoring column.

1:00 - Kobe and Korver trade quick buckets, keeping the margin at 10 in the Lakers' favor. Ten seconds later, it bumps up to a dozen when LO hits a pair after drawing a foul on Millsap. Utah, by the way, is running into some serious foul trouble with its frontcourt, an issue that is done no favors after Jarron Collins gets whistled for Pau's gain. Whenever Collins is on the court to begin with, it's a sign that the Jazz isn't having its way. But when he's in the game and collecting fouls, it's an even bigger problem.

The game winds down with the Lakers up 63-49. Another solid quarter for the Purple and Gold. The opening three minutes were a little shaky, but once they settled down, the momentum of Utah's 8-2 run was pretty much staved off. They bent a little at times, but never came close to breaking when it came to maintaining control of the action. In the meantime, every starter save Vlad Rad is in double figures and the team's shooting 61% to Utah's 42. They're also winning the rebound battle that was considered the biggest issue heading into the game. Not much to hate. We'l see what happens when BK controls the third.

THIRD QUARTER:

It's cliche, but these first three minutes are huge. If the Lakers can hit the six- minute mark up by eight or ten, that's a very big thing.

9:10- LO takes a baseball pass from Kobe and drops in the dunk, giving LA a 12- point lead. Boozer was trailing the play, but couldn't even consider making a move on the ball because it likely would have caused him his fourth.

Williams has been much better coming out of the half, but the Jazz is still down 11-now nine, as Williams hits Brewer on the break for an easy dunk. LO had missed his second layup of the quarter on the other end to give the run out opportunity.

7:30- Williams is trying to put his team on his shoulders, cutting into the lane and laying in the scoop shot around Gasol for the bucket. it's not going to make much of a difference for the Jazz if they can't start getting stops on the other end. They don't on the next trip, as Kobe draws an and-one against Brewer.

6:51- Timeout on the floor, 76-64 Lakers as Kobe blows by Kirilenko with the left hand and draws the third foul on Okur. The Lakers are doing everything they want offensively, and Utah has no answer for Kobe and LO in particular, though Gasol is certainly thriving on Okur.

5:21- Kobe picks up his third, a charge on Williams that, at least from where I'm sitting, looked like the right call. That's his second foul on that end tonight. Not necessarily something to worry about right now, especially since Utah is down by 14 and Kobe doesn't have to body up anyone more dynamic than Brewer. 80-66 LAL.

3:38- Millsap in for Utahs, for Okur. The Jazz has gone smaller, leaving Boozer to guard Gasol. Let's see if that makes them a little more mobile. Gasol, on the second time down, gets a good look over Boozer. They should keep attacking that matchup and see if they can't get Boozer's fourth.

2:15- And as I mention that, Fish drives the lane and draws it. Boozer will likely have to go back to the bench, although Sloan may not have that luxury right now. Lakers up by 10, 86-76. Utah can't seem to make the big push they need, because they can't get any stops on the other end. The Lakers continue to get good looks. They're not making quite as many, but they're still getting them. That, and Kobe's made some sickies in the third, my particular favorite being the off glass fadeaway against Brewer, who must have been muttering some unprintable stuff under his breath when that one was done. What do you do against that?

Williams, for what it's worth, has been outstanding in the third, but it's going to be too little too late for the Jazz unless they can make a move relatively soon.

:54.5- Nice move to go to the press, as the Lakers had started to get sloppy with the ball offensively, and break down on the other end. Good change of pace.

:10- Fish hits a big three in the right corner off the Kobe drive and kick. He's hit big shot after big shot tonight. Huge game for Fish.

Williams counters with a three of his own, but it only brings the Jazz to back within 10, 93-83.

END OF THE THIRD: Not the best 12 minutes they've played, but Utah made a push and the Lakers didn't give up much ground. Williams was outstanding for the Jazz, but foul trouble for Boozer and Okur is a huge problem, especially on the defensive end. Those guys haven't been able to make a stand or play with any sort of aggression. As a result, the Lakers are still getting plenty of good looks, at least when they move. Too much standing around offensively near the end of the third.

AK will take 'er home.

FOURTH QUARTER

11:15 - Farmar's in the open court with Ronny streaking ahead and Sasha on the wing. He opts for the latter option, who cans a 22-footer to push the Laker lead to a dozen. Credit Gasol and Walton for helping set up the basket due to their hard work in a loose ball scrum, with Pau eventually coming up with the rock.

9:27 - Hard to tell from where I'm at if Harpring got a piece of Walton's three ball or fouled him. In any event, his attempt at back to back from distance falls short.

8:08 - Gasol's block on Collins redeems himself after coming up short on a chippie beautifully set up by Ronny, but the ball ends up in Millsap's hands and the backup PF doesn't fail with the put back. That cuts the Laker lead down to 9 and an airballed 15-footer from Walton to just barely beat shot clock prompts PJ to call timeout. Similar to the opening of the second quarter, he ain't liking what he's seeing and wants to put down the clamps before it starts spilling over too much.

4:46 - Sorry for the gap in coverage. My computer froze up for a few solid minutes and I was left staring at that hourglass icon. But at any rate, the Lakers did some serious damage during my helplessness, with big shots coming from Kobe, Fish and Sasha. Utah, however, isn't going away and continually manages to chip the lead down to high single digits. But every time they threaten to get deeper into their deficit, they toss up errant jumpers and the Lakers capitalize. As much as the Lakers have needed to scramble throughout, they've never come close to losing their grip on the contest.

2:40 - Kobe dishes off to Pau after a sweet 360 move, setting up his running buddy for an uncontested dunk. A writer next to me might have called "travel," but I'm willing to let it slide. A) It was pretty. B) It helps the Laker cause. C) Kobe just got named MVP, so you gotta figure he's gonna grab a favor or two. As they say, it's "his night."

37.4 - Gasol hits a pair at the line, pushing the Laker lead to 12. The crowd is now chanting, "Sweep!" At 6-0 (I'm willing to call it now), you can't blame folks for getting a little chesty.

6.4 - AK-47 fouls out after sending Sasha to the line. The Jazz is down 8 (10 after Vujacic hits his pair), and save Kobe deciding to play for them, I don't see how they're possibly gonna win this. Neither does the crowd, who don't appreciate Jerry Sloan stretching this bad boy out and let their unhappiness be known in boooing fashion.

I may have been bogged down with frozen 'puter issues during this frame, but they thankfully didn't filter down to the Lakers. The Purple and Gold managed to maintain their undefeated playoff stretch with a 120-110 win over the Jazz. Utah, as expected, played hard and gave the Lakers occasional fits, although never to the point of ever threatening to put the Lakers in real trouble. Even when the Laker execution got about as gummy as my PC's speed, they never fell apart in frightening fashion. 19/16 for LO. 22 for Fish. 20 for Pau. Sasha pitched in a dozen off the bench. And Kobe ended up celebrating his MVP trophy with 34/8/6. Fun for all. Thanks for dropping by. More to come later.

Comments

Link?

Posted by: Tom | May 07, 2008 at 07:46 PM

Here we go, Laker family!!

NO MERCY!!

GO MVP!!

GO LAKERS!!!

Posted by: Happy Camper | May 07, 2008 at 07:47 PM

Sweet mother of Zeus that montage was kick a$$! Jeez, when Kobe blew out the "guns" I couldn't help but to shout out in a fit of blind joy. We're winning by 20, I'm calling it.

Go Lakers!

-bozz-

Posted by: bozz | May 07, 2008 at 07:48 PM

http://www.justin.tv/psn_tr3s

Posted by: Happy Camper | May 07, 2008 at 07:50 PM

Links to Lakers game:

http://www.justin.tv/psn_tr3s
http://www.mogulus.com/mychannel420
larger screen:
http://www.justin.tv/live/channel_popout?channel=psn_tr3s

40 points for the MVP tonight.

Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 07, 2008 at 07:52 PM

Let's go Lakers!!!

Spain checking in (4:50 am... dedication!!!) :-)

Charles: I've seen your comments to me on the other post... I'll reply soon! (I was asleep when you posted... sorry)

Peace,

Posted by: David in Spain | May 07, 2008 at 07:55 PM

thankz for posting the links....

Posted by: TrueLakerFan | May 07, 2008 at 07:58 PM

What an emotional night! You can tell everyone was nervous at the get-go. Still, a great start. Now, let's play some Defense. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 07:58 PM

http://watchmore.net/live-nba/

works great!!!

I like our rebounding thus far! Gasol and LO are also being agressive!! Nice game.

GO LAKERS!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 07:58 PM

Watch it live at watchmore

http://watchmore.net/live-nba

Kobe MVP baby!!!

Posted by: watchmore | May 07, 2008 at 07:59 PM

MiloRambaldi,

Thanks for the link! The justin.tv feed is really good this morning.

Posted by: David in Spain | May 07, 2008 at 07:59 PM

Great touch pass from Vlad to Pau on that dunk. They need to get him more involved in the scoring column and setting him up for an uncontested dunk is as good a way as any.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:01 PM

As much as I appreciate Shaq's contributions, he could have never run the floor and contributed like Gaso just did.

Our D is full of hustle tonight. I smell my predicted blow out.

GOoooooOOOOOO Lakers!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 08:02 PM

Radmonovich should NOT get out of his comfort zone!!

How many steals is that?

They are getting NO easy looks. Go Lakers GO!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 08:05 PM

This is a very excellent and exciting Defense CLINIC!!

GOOOOoooOOOOO LAKERS!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 08:07 PM

Those of you using the watchmore link, I'm getting a double audio feed that is about 3-4 seconds apart from each other.

Anyone else hearing this?

Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 07, 2008 at 08:07 PM

Looks like the Jazz didn't get the "stop fouling anyone with a ball in their hands" memo

On the other hand, the Lakers heard the "REBOUNDING AND DEFENSE" memo LOUD & CLEAR!!!

Posted by: bobie | May 07, 2008 at 08:08 PM

We are DOMINATING right now

Are we going to lose a playoff game?

GO LAKERS

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 07, 2008 at 08:09 PM

The Lakers are doing a great job of crowding the interior and making it very tough for the Jazz to get much happening inside. They'll live with Utah making some shots if they're mostly coming from outside.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:11 PM

we lookin good!

MVP!

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:12 PM

THANK GOD FOR FISH!

HE BALLIN

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:13 PM

do we look GOOD or what?

after that initial punch where vlad let AK47 look unstoppable, our defense and defensive REBOUNDING were nothing short of spectacular

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:17 PM

Lots of great Laker basketball going on right now... by just about everyone on the floor!

Posted by: David in Spain | May 07, 2008 at 08:17 PM

Luke has to push that to the basket at the end of the first, no complaints after one though...

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 07, 2008 at 08:17 PM

This team, the one I'm watching tonight, cannot be beat. No other team in the league passes as well as these Lakers.

When the defensive effort and focus are there, they are beautiful to watch.

Posted by: Dave Rosenzweig | May 07, 2008 at 08:18 PM

hey Ks

just wondering, from your vantage point is Jack wearing a black and gold 'MVP' shirt?

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:19 PM

BK "Inner Stephen A.?"

I hope there's some kind of surgerical option. You might want to get rid of that early.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 08:21 PM

DEFENSE! DEFENSE!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:23 PM

3 fouls on Boozer? Take a seat!

Luke has to make those layups.

Sweet block! Lakers D in da house!

Posted by: Stephen W. | May 07, 2008 at 08:24 PM

Good timeout. The seconds were losing their rhythm, and Utah was pushing. No flow offensively.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:24 PM

kinda hectic with farmar on comand

Posted by: Zin Master | May 07, 2008 at 08:25 PM

the fix is in! your welcome lakers fans.

how'd you like the way I let utah drive to the hole over and over and didn't call a foul on the lakers until 8 min into the first quarter! haha... we fixed it so bad that even Jerry Sloan said "we touch them they call a foul".. and he hardly ever complains like that to the media.... now boozer is gone for the first half and they gotta play collins... i love this game!

Posted by: david stern | May 07, 2008 at 08:25 PM

Farmar, on the other hand, ain't so beautiful...

Posted by: Dave Rosenzweig | May 07, 2008 at 08:26 PM

Jordan Farmar takes bad shots! PJ needs to address that
quick!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 08:27 PM

LAKERS GOOD JOB ON THE DEFENSE.

WE LOOK GOOD TONIGHT!

Posted by: Gunner | May 07, 2008 at 08:27 PM

okay, i typically think those "wired" segments are worthless

but LO is the most entertaining dude when he has a mic

love his rambling

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:28 PM

LO in off the timeout, and they do a great job running Sasha along the baseline, he scrapes off the Odom pick, Corver is wiped out, and Sasha has the open three. Great play.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:28 PM

Did Ashton Kutcher just dunk on us? Sh...

Posted by: bozz | May 07, 2008 at 08:29 PM

Stop fouling. Play D without fouling.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:31 PM

We want BK back! :)

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 08:31 PM

Too easy. Not challenging shots enough.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM

I like Agressive Lamar. I like.

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM

It's almost sad to see Gasol being thrown off his game so much by physical play. This could turn out to be the Lakers' Archilles heel this playoffs as every team will know this.
And Bynum won't be back to help out.

Posted by: LakerinBC | May 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM

c'mon mel, we need to show some trust in AK, just as Kobe showed trust in Sasha.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM

Pau-WOW!

I'm lovin' Gasol's intensity tonight. He's gonna drop at least 35.

Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 07, 2008 at 08:35 PM

Amazing Happens- I agree, but it's almost like he's a little too geeked up. Still, he's playing well and is all over the floor, so no complaints.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:35 PM

BOO BK, Yay AK lol, jk.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:35 PM

Wow. Harpring just wiped away Kobe's arm on that rebound.

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 08:36 PM

AK
What injury did Luke have that hampered his play most of the season? I would like specifics please!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 08:36 PM

WT! hy can't they box out. It isthesame issueover again. BOX OUT!!!!!

Posted by: Lakergurl | May 07, 2008 at 08:37 PM

i sware, david stern has had botox

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:37 PM

I think i'm developing a man crush on paul millsap. if that's wrong, then i will just be wrong.

guy is a stud, you have to give it to him.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 08:37 PM

Faith

this is not about bashing

but Luke was running back in transition. no eye on the ball, looking for his man. and the pointguard just passed by him ..... he was not paying attention

Posted by: Zin Master | May 07, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Did you all here Jerry Sloan complaining at the end of the first quarter about touchy fouls. Hey they are only playing like their coach did, I remmember watching Sloan guard West and alls he could do is foul and hang all over him.

Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | May 07, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Chuck-

An ankle, then a hip.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Where are this calls coming from?

The pockets of gamblers?

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:39 PM

Okur can't guard Gasol down low... they gotta milk that and force the Jazz
to adjust!

Posted by: Bzar | May 07, 2008 at 08:39 PM

once he picked up the foul trouble, Okur has become totally useless against Pau down low, and without Boozer on the floor, they don't have the same presence inside to double.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:40 PM

Bozz~

haha. I have said that, too...that if I made a movie about the Jazz, I would definitely cast Ashton Kutcher as Korver!

Good call.

GO LAKERS!!

Posted by: Happy Camper | May 07, 2008 at 08:40 PM

I think it was an ankle injury... i think...

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 08:40 PM

DFISH!!!!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 08:42 PM

Millsap is getting whatever he wants. Come on LO.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:42 PM

Fish with his basket radar working at full capacity...

Posted by: David in Spain | May 07, 2008 at 08:43 PM

Gasol is proving me wrong.

Posted by: LakerinBC | May 07, 2008 at 08:45 PM

can anybody stop millsap ? he is killing us !!!!!!!

Posted by: VINNY | May 07, 2008 at 08:45 PM

Not to jinx, but thank God for Da Fish! Go D. Fish!

Posted by: Lakergurl | May 07, 2008 at 08:45 PM

Happy Camper,

Hard to decide which I dislike more...

Posted by: bozz | May 07, 2008 at 08:45 PM

Come on Sasha. Stop overplaying. Protect the basket.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:46 PM

How is Fisher slowing Williams down? Williams really doesn't like Fish in his face. It's almost a miracle. The dude is playoff-tested!

Does Williams respect Fish too much? Don't tell him, but all Williams has to do is drive into Fish and get some blocking calls on Fish, and he will have to back off.

Still, great D and shooting by Fish.

I don't want a big lead for Lakers, 10-12 is fine, they lose their focus when the lead gets bigger than that.

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 08:47 PM

Smart play by LO not to pick up his third on the AK47 drive. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:47 PM

BK,

LOL. I think he's earning our trust.

Call security & LAPD. The MVP just got mugged under the basket.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 08:47 PM

Did you see that Faith the machine playing DEE with his back to the Ball

Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | May 07, 2008 at 08:47 PM

kobe really does get more rebounds when he plays small forward. just an observation.

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM

Pau Gasol is a stud.

Nothing else to say.

Now if we can just stop Millsap from looking so good. And Korver.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM

bozz~

I'm going with hating Korver move for the next week. haha

Although it is a little creepy that Kutcher is pitching his new movie all over the playoffs.

hmmm...separated at birth?

Posted by: Happy Camper | May 07, 2008 at 08:51 PM

Vujacic is getting killed in the post by Korver. Vujacic gotta know where the ball is in the post and NOT FRONT Korver. And Millsap likes to drive it inside, so Odom needs to back off a little more and make him take the contested jumpshot!

Posted by: Hansoulfood | May 07, 2008 at 08:52 PM

we kept them to under 50...not bad

we gotta remember that rebounding is all milsap does, and can't get down after his three offensive boards and three and one oppos.

we have played an efficient and smart first half

sasha and vlad, start playing some D

LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 08:53 PM

You really have to pick your poison with this team.

Odom? Gasol? Bryant?

Arsenic? Strychnine? Cyanide?

And if you don't pick, then Fisher will just bleed you to death with jumpers.

The other good part of the arsenal is that the Lakers have a stable of shooters (Fisher, Rad, Sasha, Farmar, sometimes Luke), so that's it highly unlikely that all of them will be cold at the same time.

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 08:54 PM

Some bad news about Bynum:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3386148

Posted by: Hansoulfood | May 07, 2008 at 08:54 PM

The Jazz average 24 PF's a game? Boozer has three, Okur has two, and they had to bring in Jerrod or Jason Collins (?) to foul Pau. Popovich has the Hack a Shaq defense. Utah has the Hack a Everybody defense. It's just attrition.

We don't have to play too physical to beat these guys. We just need to keep our heads on a swivel make the free throws. And anybody from Utah who wants to complain about the refs should probably wonder if there is some kind of correlation between fouling a lot and getting called for fouling a lot.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 08:55 PM

CBuck-

I was thinking the same thing about Stern. Hes an old dude and his face doesn't even move haha.

Anyways, couldn't really ask for a better half. Going on that LA Times article on betting, I'm continuing my role with the Lakers and the over, hope they keep it up and blow the Jazz out by a lot.

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 07, 2008 at 08:55 PM

BK/grail

Thanks! That explains some of the struggles Luke had playing in pain! He does look better!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 08:55 PM

Faith/Mel,

You know, for all the grief I took liveblogging that quarter, the Lakers finished up by 14, one point higher than after the first. Everyone needs to back off!!! haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 08:57 PM

MiloRambaldi

Thanks for the mogulus link. It's a little jerky here at work but BETTER THAN NOTHING ! ! !

Go Lakers ! ! ! ! !

If my trusty old vcr turned itself on correctly, I'll watch the replay late tonight.

Think the Lakers will face a little more competition when we shift to Utah? I sort of hope so....

Posted by: Stockton_Showtime | May 07, 2008 at 08:59 PM

Whoa. That highlight shot by Kobe hit the silver frame at the top of the backboard before banking off and swishing through the net. That is Krazy like Glue.

Lakers gotta keep up the intensity in the second half and ride it all the way through.

Charles Barkley said that it looks like the Jazz don't think they can beat the Lakers. Well, I don't think the Jazz can beat the Lakers, either, so I don't blame them.

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 09:00 PM

Guys,

That first quarter was the best D I have seen the Lakers play in a long time. Nearly every possession led to a turnover. If we do that in the third, Utah will be totally debilitated.

It looks like we're rebounding much better. I love the post play of Gasol. He shouldn't dribble too much though. Fish has been clutch. Note Kobe is a low scoring MVP, but sooooo MVP nonetheless. He may turn it on before the night is out.

AK/BK Please lead the Staples to a level of frenzied crowd appreciation the Lakers deserve. Make them repeatedly scream

GOoooOOOOOOOooooooOOOOOOoooOOO
LAAAAaaaaAAAAAKKKKERS!!!!!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:05 PM

AK,

I think the Lakers were up by 15 in the 1st quarter.... that's one point less :D

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 09:09 PM

K Guys:

Two Quick questions:

Sure, we know who Lou Adler is, but who are:

1.) That super nattily dressed guy in the Scarf and matching Alligator Skin Hat and Jacket? He attends a lot of Basketball games.

2.) Is that Jack's Son? Grandson? The Kid sure has a unique L. A. fashion sense...

Dyan Cannon = MILF for life

Go Lakers! Showtime revisited?

-Kevin McDermott

Posted by: Kevin McDermott | May 07, 2008 at 09:09 PM

The Lakers have to come out ready to play and push the lead up to 17 to 20 points. Right now it just seems that the Jazz are hanging around, too close for comfort.. Don't let up!!...

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 09:11 PM

ummmm...

AK, actually the Laker lead decreased by one, from 15-14

I know, it's been a long day for me too

The Cat

Posted by: The Cat | May 07, 2008 at 09:11 PM

Faith,

You won't keep Milsap off the boards.

I watched him lead the nation in rebounding while he played in the WAC. As a freshman. And a sophomore. And a junior.

I was telling the kiddies that the Lakes have been a different team defensively since the last week of the regular season. do you agree?

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 09:12 PM

Where is the D? Not a good start to the 3rd.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 09:13 PM

Lakers fans are a superstitious lot lol.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:14 PM

Hey, anyone else notice that Boozer had a perfect donut line in the first half?

Posted by: The Cat | May 07, 2008 at 09:15 PM

We need that tight smothering D mentality back.

We also need to stay calm. When we get steals, not fast shots, no mad dash layups. We score very consistently.

GO LAKERS GO!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:15 PM

kobe can just eat up brewer, it's ridiculous

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 09:16 PM

The Cat,

You're correct. Brain cramp on my part with the adding. But still, I think maintaining a 14 point lead should allow me some slack. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 09:16 PM

."you won't keep Millsap off the boards"

if you can't just make it harder for him. That's all.

He may get the rebound, but he's not getting the AND 1, or the points.

Block him out. Fundamental basketball.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:16 PM

Darren Williams starting to heat up! Kobe on the attack!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 09:19 PM

Kobe gets hits, but never bothered. I think the kid has a future. Perhaps someday, he'll be the MVP.

Seriously, Utah is getting to the center like they weren't before.

I like that Kobe is being aggressive and drawing fouls. I just pray he doesn't get any more fouls for a while.

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:19 PM

Not happy about the D.

They're getting whatever they want. We are funneling the paint, and there's no one there!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:20 PM

Great 1st half and just keep the pressure up and win 2 is ours.

Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 07, 2008 at 09:20 PM

There's a D I know we can play!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:21 PM

That was our best defensive posession in a while.

You guys know I do not believe that Luke suddently got healthy at the beginning of the Denver series. It was a mental or a matchup thing.

Rad is the new Luke!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:23 PM

LOL JohnnyP.

Just a smidge of a future. 6th man of the year like.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:23 PM

Is it my imagination or was there less written about this MVP than in the past?

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 09:24 PM

Anybody heard if Ariza was cleared to practice yet?

Posted by: hen1040 | May 07, 2008 at 09:24 PM

Kobe has to stay in game we can bust this thing wide open!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 09:24 PM

Poor VladRad. He'd rather be snowboarding.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 09:25 PM

JohnnyP-

I think Luke has been warming up for a while. With about three weeks left in the regular season people really starting to notice. I think the games he missed with the hip helped him get the ankle in bettter shape, too. I also remember reading that he spent the whole all star break working on the ankle and improved a bit then, too.

a lot better than the start of the season, definitely.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 09:27 PM

When's the last time Sasha smiled? He's so seriouso.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 09:27 PM

Does anyone else notice that Kirilenko looks like an even uglier version of Glenn Close? Ugh.

Posted by: bozz | May 07, 2008 at 09:28 PM

Vlad = Lakers weak link

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 07, 2008 at 09:29 PM

the force is with Luke...

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 09:29 PM

Note to Ronnie Brewer: You're a good and promising young player, but you haven't been in the league long enough to get the call on such an obvious flop like the one you just tried on Walton.

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 09:29 PM

Kobe in control!!!!

If we could get some stops, we would pull away.

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:30 PM

Crappy ass D.

Stop the ball!

Play transition D!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:30 PM

That is some sorry a$$ defense by the Lakers and Pau need to go strong on smaller players, he's playing weak right now. Utah is too close for comfort!!

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 09:32 PM

Both teams starting to heat up.

Kobe showing us why he's the MVP.

No worries, Lakers got this in the bag.

Lets see what Farmar does.

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 07, 2008 at 09:32 PM

class is in session and im back from vacation

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:32 PM

Deron Williams hates rednecks so much that he persuaded his barber to give him the 'anti-mullet'.

Posted by: R-Type | May 07, 2008 at 09:33 PM

Does anybody think vlad still wishes he was with the Clippers? nah, that would be impossible. I, on the other hand, do.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 09:33 PM

Lakers are getting very sloppy on defense, not a good sign. Kobe is keeping this cushion for us almost single handedly

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 07, 2008 at 09:34 PM

Phred,

I'd have to review the games. But I don't remember any good games in the weeks leading up to the end of the season. Nothing close to his Denver games. And here again, he only has two points.

But more substantially, is Rad the new Luke?

Kobe is letting others into the offense. But numerically I have to say, Kobe is accurate and unstoppable. Kobe, you're MVP. You don't have to prove you are unselfish.

GO LAKERS!!! Lets get a stop.

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:35 PM

vlad isnt the weak link, he keeps teams from doubling kobe or gasol

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:36 PM

The Lakers are seriously playing with fire right now. Will Phil take Kobe out to start the 4th quarter? For how long?

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 09:37 PM

fisher should be a allstar, the guys defense is great

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:38 PM

What's wrong with Fisher?

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 09:38 PM

WTF is Luke doing? Back or Ankle!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 09:38 PM

Wow!! We got a stop and then . . . ??

Lets get Gasol working in the post again. Whatcha think?

GO FISH!!!!

It doesn't reall seem like we should have a 13 point lead. They've been fast breaking us for a thousand years.

WOW!!! Okay we lost four points in that quarter. We've basically been riding on our first quarter lead. Lets get some stops!! Our D is our Key.

GO LAKERS!!!!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:39 PM

Far from a stellar 3rd. Time now to get back to playing Laker basketball. The Jazz aren't dead till there's a stake in their heart.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 09:40 PM

OK bench mob. Show us what you got.

We need some D. We need a fast pace.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:41 PM

fisher has done a great job on iverson, now deron, next chris, then rondo or billups, the guy has never been on a all defensive team but who is a better defensive pt in the league rt now

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:41 PM

Farmar does not learn. J. Will did the same last minute shot the previous game. He could have put his hand on J. Will's face and not passively just raised his hand.
Jor an. (D missing).

Posted by: Lakergurl | May 07, 2008 at 09:41 PM

Gasol must stop looking around and hesitating when he has the 6 foot face up shot. Shoot the ball Pau, its ok.. really...

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 09:43 PM

JohnnyP- I don't know if it's possible, but the difference was actually noticeable just by reading the posts on this blog. I'm not sure, but I think it was getting near the end of the season when it switched from "puke is the worst player in the nba" to "LUUUUKKKE! what a pass!"

It was a kind of gradual progression, but definitely noticeable. Anybody else back me up on this?

Yeah, I think vald would have to have at least one good playoff series followed by a year or two of underachievement to really reach Luke status. right now he's just a decent three point guy with inconsistent D.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 09:43 PM

Go Sasha!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:43 PM

Williams is going to step all over Farmar.

Posted by: LakerinBC | May 07, 2008 at 09:44 PM

How did we stop them from penetrating so easily in the first quarter? Now it is a stroll to the hoop. Comeon guys double up underneath.

Bring back Kobe.

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:45 PM

I love PJ's trust or FAITH in the bench. I'm so nervous.

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:47 PM

the jazz cant beat us, they are soft and our backups would probably beat their starters,

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:48 PM

This game is so similar to game 1, though we have a little bit more breathing space going into the 4th quarter. In both games Williams hit a trey in the final seconds reducing the comfort zone, from 10 to 7 in the 1st game, from 13 to 10 this time.

Posted by: Tsphere | May 07, 2008 at 09:49 PM

Deron is absolutely owning Jordan.

And he's taking it. Under the picks, and 2 feet to shoot. Great.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 09:49 PM

I agree. As long as they're keeping the lead in the neighborhood of 10, there's no reason to rush starters back in. I think Kobe and LO will be back after this TO, though.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 09:49 PM

where is gasol ?

Posted by: VINNY | May 07, 2008 at 09:49 PM

How bad our we getting killed on the boards?

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 09:50 PM

did luke just try a kobe shot there before the shot clock violation? the one that fell about six feet short?

funny.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 09:50 PM

Phil,
Don't D i c k around with this game. Get your money players back in the game. Kobe knows how to play on defense and rest on offense. Utah is getting momentum now...

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 09:50 PM

I just hope they can buy Kobe a couple more minutes. Kobe with rest in the 4th quarter is usually money

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 07, 2008 at 09:50 PM

yea williams is having his way.

Posted by: Laker Bandit | May 07, 2008 at 09:50 PM

this team has come together and its been kobes change in attitude abou the game that has been the best to watch, of course fisher and gasol are huge parts as well

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:50 PM

No, he is supposed to get looked at friday and if he passes mri then he will be cleared to play.

Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 07, 2008 at 09:51 PM

Mr. Momentum is with the Jazz. Let's restore order now.
Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 09:51 PM

34-30 Utah.

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 09:51 PM

Geez. I'm having the uneasy feel again.

Posted by: Lakergurl | May 07, 2008 at 09:52 PM

i would like us to either start running the pick and roll with kobe and gasol or go down low to gasol

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 09:56 PM

If the Lakers lose, you can blame it on Farmar's lack of impact, and Pau Gasol missing so many easy shots.

Posted by: troy | May 07, 2008 at 09:56 PM

Maybe Phil should think again about systematically resting Kobe at the beginning of the 4th. He has lost his rhythm in both games, this time even missing a free throw!

Posted by: Tsphere | May 07, 2008 at 09:56 PM

Second half effort . . . meh.

Hardly great.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 07, 2008 at 09:57 PM

Funny, when Kobe missed that free throw, it was the first time I think I've heard the MVP chant when Kobe was MVP. Feels better this way, eh?

CONGRATULATIONS KOBE!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 09:57 PM

Put the Lakers on your back and bring us home - MVP!

Posted by: LakerinBC | May 07, 2008 at 09:57 PM

Make the queasy feeling go away please. Double digit Laker lead will do it. C'mon guys. Just do It!

Posted by: Lakergurl | May 07, 2008 at 09:57 PM

The Lakers need to get back into its first quarter defense.

And why in the world are they making AK47 drive instead of shooting a contested jumper?

Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 07, 2008 at 09:58 PM

Its anyones game now, The lakers must regain control and quick. The Lakers must have this game

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 09:59 PM

Yeah, nobody knows who the older gentleman in the Scarf, with the matching Alligator Skin Hat and Jacket is. He is one groovy dude!

Kobe is MVP, Phil should have been Coach of the Year, but we all know who the real Hero, the Man, the Legend is:

Dr. Buss.

PS: Lawler's Law

Posted by: Kevin McDermott | May 07, 2008 at 10:00 PM

Big Shot SASHA!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 10:00 PM

Love the aggression of Lamar, especially on that rebound.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 10:00 PM

Lawler's Law!

BIG DEFENSIVE STOP!!! YEAH!!!!

Posted by: Bzar | May 07, 2008 at 10:00 PM

THEY AIN'T READY!

UTAH JUST AIN'T READY!

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 10:01 PM

how clutch is derek fisher, indeed.

Posted by: Janet | May 07, 2008 at 10:01 PM

I'm starting to have a crush on Sasha too. Nice shot.

I love Fisher too!!!

10 pts. up!!!!

And our D is tightening up!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 10:02 PM

HOLY MOTHER OF DEREK FISHERRR!!!!

Posted by: bobie | May 07, 2008 at 10:02 PM

yahhoooo Fisher. great 3 pointer to freeze up the game~

Posted by: Alvin | May 07, 2008 at 10:04 PM

Hey, do you guys remember that big game in the playoffs last year, when derek fisher was playing for the jazz, and he flew back from new york where his daughter was having eye surgery, and he made a clutch 3 for the jazz? that was great. how come the guys from tnt haven't mentioned that yet?

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 10:04 PM

thanks justalakerfan!

Posted by: hen1040 | May 07, 2008 at 10:05 PM

Kobe,

Please don't do any more wild shots. It turned into a three point play on the other side. Faith wants to put it away.

Thanks, JohnnyP

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 10:06 PM

Gasol is getting owned. He's also missed too many free throws. Kudos to Kobe for getting the ball to Pau so he doesn't lose confidence.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 10:06 PM

ya'll see that pass?!!?

behind okur's head!!

wow. kobe.

wow

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 10:06 PM

What an assist for Kobe around the triple coverage.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 10:07 PM

Sweet assist by the MVP! We got this!

Posted by: Bzar | May 07, 2008 at 10:07 PM

They just did.

Now they need to mention the boos of the sucky Jazz fans.

No class at all.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 10:07 PM

A pass behind Kerilinko's head. You have beeeeen POSTERIIIIIIIZED!!!

Faith, I think it is time.

GO LAKERS!!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 10:07 PM

Can the league retroactively give Kobe the last three MVP awards that were mistakenly attributed to Nash and Nowitzki?

After that assist to Pau he deserves all of them.

Posted by: Tsphere | May 07, 2008 at 10:08 PM

KOBE PASSED THE BALL AROUND OKUR'S HEAD TO GASOL!!!!!!!

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 10:08 PM

I'm just gonna throw something out there.

Pau Gasol is much better at basketball than Kwame Brown.

Any takers?

I think I that's true.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 07, 2008 at 10:08 PM

Lakers can't afford to play like this in Utah. The defense is really bad...

Posted by: 70'slakerfan | May 07, 2008 at 10:09 PM

Rick-

At that point, I think he was so wide open, if you were standing there, Kobe would have still made the pass (haha).

Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 10:09 PM

NO REALLY!!!

Kobe passed the ball behind Kerilinko's head to Gasol.

WTF??? You gotta Love IT!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 10:09 PM

I have to say something here everybody:

Basketball has never been played better by any individual than it's being played by Kobe!!

He's constantly leaving Doug Collins speechless along with anyone else smart enough to watch all of his games!

Posted by: EJ | May 07, 2008 at 10:09 PM

I know that their is still a large fan base for Kwame Brown on this blog, but Kwame would have dropped that pass or threw it to Jack Nicholson!

Posted by: chuck23 | May 07, 2008 at 10:10 PM

"The game is in the refrigerator, the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling!"

OVER!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 10:11 PM

EJ,

Are you kidding? I'm almost getting sick of Doug Collins going on and on abot how great Kobe is. lol.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 10:13 PM

Kobe MVP: check
Kobe with another Ring: on the way
Kobe Finals MVP: on the way
Kobe Olympic Gold medalist: with all due respect, I hope it's no better than Silver... give the Gold to Pau! ;-)

Posted by: David in Spain | May 07, 2008 at 10:13 PM

6 DOWN, 10 MORE TO GOOOOO!

a fantastic win on a special night

do we look good, or what?!

LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!!!

Posted by: CBuck | May 07, 2008 at 10:13 PM

Gasol was mr. Fantastic there lol.

Ugly pass lol.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 10:13 PM

2-0 baby. 2-0.

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 10:15 PM

Garbage time points make me mad. The score never reflects the actual closeness of the game.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 07, 2008 at 10:17 PM

I'll take the W. But the Lakers are going to need better D when the series moves to Utah. Still, a great night for the only team in the NBA with this year's MVP. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 07, 2008 at 10:18 PM

Faith- that was sarcasm. That was the third time in the game, by my count, but it might have been more counting the half time show.

if that wasn't directed at me, never mind.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 10:19 PM

fish for president

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 10:19 PM

When it was so proven that no one could deny it without seeming mean spirited and biased, Kobe got the MVP.

Are there any doubters left concerning the fact that the newest era of the Lakers have arrived??

GOOOoooooOOOOOO LAKERSSSSsssSSS!!!!

Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 10:19 PM

Williams did NOT have a good game. Nine points at the end of regulation with no one guarding him. Joke.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 07, 2008 at 10:20 PM

Someone guard Deron!

No quit! No 3s!

Play some D!

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 10:20 PM

In the cooler! Yeah!!!
Goodnight everybody.

Posted by: Lakergurl | May 07, 2008 at 10:21 PM

What the hell are the Jazz doing right now? Let the game end!! You're not in the game, so stop fouling and let it be over,

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 07, 2008 at 10:21 PM

6-0 in the playoffs!

Posted by: Xodus | May 07, 2008 at 10:22 PM

Great win, get some rest before we hit Salt Laker City.

Colorado loves the Lakers!

Posted by: Hugo Boss | May 07, 2008 at 10:22 PM

Vlad Rad -

2 pts
0 boards
1 assist

Next year, Vlad, show up along with your teammates when Kobe wins his next MVP.

Posted by: Dave Rosenzweig | May 07, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Lord help the Lakers if Utah believes they can win at tipoff.

Nice win without the parade to the FT line. Haven't looked at the boxscore, but it seems like we didn't get murdered on the boards.

Pau's frustrated. Expect good things from him.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 10:24 PM

Oh lol.

I keep on telling the K Bros that we need a sarcasm indicator...like a different color or something lol.

Posted by: Faith | May 07, 2008 at 10:24 PM

we undefeated in the playoffs so far... lets hope it stays that way :D

Posted by: grail | May 07, 2008 at 10:24 PM

And 5 of our 6 wins are by 10 or more.

Posted by: Xodus | May 07, 2008 at 10:25 PM

That was actually a bad 10 point win, if there could be such a thing.

Posted by: troy | May 07, 2008 at 10:25 PM

Vlad Rad needs to be traded. This guy is a joke both offensively and defensively.

Posted by: troy | May 07, 2008 at 10:27 PM

Excellent games by Kobe, Fish and Lamar. Even though Pau had 20, he only had 5 rebounds. Gasol still needs to be tougher underneath. Bad game by Vlad again. Good game by Sasha. Not much from rest of bench. Lakers still outrebounded although not as bad. Deron shooting lights out from 3 pt, hopefully he doesn't shoot that well in Utah. Hope we can get Ariza on Deron by Sunday. Turiaf needs to do a better job defending Millsap.

Posted by: LakerinBC | May 07, 2008 at 10:30 PM

You know;

"Senor Fantastico!"

would be a great nickname for Gasol

Posted by: Kevin McDermott | May 07, 2008 at 10:30 PM

we will win the title and sweep utah

Posted by: jon | May 07, 2008 at 10:30 PM

Our role players are so clutch.

Luke hit a big 3 at the start of the 4th to hold off the Jazz's run.

Sasha hit a couple of big shots in the 4th.

And the addition of Fish has been huge. He had a great game tonight and really put us over the top.

Jon K-

We called in on Odom, he didn't have the greatest game of his career but he had a pretty solid game and contributed tons to the win.

6-0 in the playoffs is very impressive. I have tickets to game 5 but it doesn't look like I'll be going....

FO FO FO FO.....16-0

Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 07, 2008 at 10:31 PM

Ugh. They attempted 101 shots to our 68. And we attempted 43 FT to their 16.

Posted by: mel | May 07, 2008 at 10:33 PM

faith-

for easy reference, if it says 'phred' at the bottom, it would be a condition red for sarcasm.

except of course, there is no sarcasm when I say I appreciate the Chick homage. Its not quite the same as him saying it, but it's great.

Posted by: phred | May 07, 2008 at 10:34 PM

New line for dish to Gasol from Kobe: Ko-Pau.

Boom, Ko-Pau again and the Lakers are up 2-0.

Posted by: Dingleberrie | May 07, 2008 at 10:35 PM

RANDOM THOUGHTS AS I CONTEMPLATE BAD WIN

* Gasol has got to improve that left had shot of his. He's been horrible with it, and he knows it.

* Lamar Odom' may not be that smart, but his value to the Lakers is truly immeasurable.

* Thank god for D-Fish tonight, but we can't rely on him to save us, because next game he's liable to go 1-9.

* What the heck has happened to Jordan Farmar?

* One of my favorite players, Sasha, continues to impress the Lakers staff. He's getting key playing time finishing games. No doubt they re-sign him.

* Vlad Rad has got to go.

* Why do Laker opponents always seem to hit late game, impossible 3 point shots.

* When Kobe is on, he's brilliant

* Utah doesn't scare me. Maybe they win one game, but the Lakers will definetly move on.

* I hope we get the Hornets next round. If so, then the Lakers will win it in 6 games.

* The Laker bench has lost its regular swagger and confidence; you can blame this mostly on Farmar disappearing.

* Who cares if Ariza comes back.

* Gasol's numbers may be good, but he really hurt us tonight. He has got to finish those shots.

Posted by: troy | May 07, 2008 at 10:36 PM

I agree with you troy, part of Mitch's homework for the summer is find a taker for Vlad. With AB in the starting lineup next year, Lamar moves to SF. From the bench, Phil will have a choice of Ariza and Luke depending on the situation. There is really no room for the spacey, inconsistent Vlad Rad.

Posted by: LakerinBC | May 07, 2008