Looking for three in four
My Big Three can beat up Your Big Three. For two games, the Lakers got the best of the equation, in Game 3, San Antonio's crew stepped up in a big way. In tonight's Game 4, L.A. will look to reclaim the advantage. Lamar Odom knows he needs to step it up, and plans to attack the rim harder Tuesday night. Ask Kobe, and he'll say that it might not hurt for LO, who has both extremely high standards for himself and a tendency to live too deep inside his own head, to chillax a little. OK, Kobe didn't really say "chillax," but the sentiment was similar. Let it go, get out of your own way. As for Pau Gasol, the second third of L.A.'s key trio to disappoint Sunday night, he's being asked to toughen up a little. And it wouldn't hurt for the Odom-Gasol connection, so effective since Pau arrived out west, to find some rhythm, too. Add a little substance to a frontline that, at least according to Buck Harvey of the SA Express News, lacks any traditional muscle.
Then there's Derek Fisher, who also suffered through a tough game on Sunday. Nothing that a good meal couldn't wipe away, but bad enough to get the attention of the typewriter types, at least two of whom are looking for D-Fish to pick it up.
In Game 3, San Antonio got a lift by adding some motion to their O, getting better ball movement and spacing. Certainly they looked a lot more spry, after being accused of aging rapidly over the first two games. Of course, they always look good when Manu plays well. As he goes, so go the Spurs?
Getting deep inside Phil Jackson. And a look at the GM that put the team together, and has left last summer behind. Speaking of left behind, there's the vitriol between the Spurs and Lakers. Now, it's about hoops.
Sasha has a history with Ginobili. Could Trevor Ariza see some time on him as well?
An interesting look at the role of alcohol in the NBA.
Kevin Love and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute are looking to raise their respective stocks.
GAME DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lakers win would be huge and practically seal the deal.
Lamar = FInals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 27, 2008 at 09:28 AM
So quiet here. Glad I am the first to post today.
Go lakers go
Posted by: Jack Nickolson | May 27, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Kill those "cockroaches", as Barkley claimed.
Posted by: Jack Nickolson | May 27, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Im sorry but Pau vs. Duncan is such a mismatch! Duncan is a far better player than Pau is. LO and Fisher need to step thier game up if they plan to challenge our spurs. I see the spurs coming out strong like they did in game 3. LET GO SPURS!! And in all honesty the lakers biggest weakness is Kobe. Hold on before you get all bent out of shape check this out: Kobe is amazing. NO ifs, ands, or buts about it. Bowen will guard him but he will not stop him. If kobe takes al lthe shots and we handle the rest of your team then we are GOLDEN. I think that is what the Spurs are gonna do from now on. Im still nervous about you Lakers. Once you guys gain momentum its very hard to stop you guys. Tonite will be a great game i can feel it!
SPURS IN 7!
GO SPURS GO!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 27, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Good morning, Charles. Good morning, all.
As I get my day started all is right in Lakerland.
Jon K. will be back in his traditional seat. A roll call is coming. Never is predicting disaster. I love it!
But not as much as I'm gonna love that 3-1 lead.
I have to agree with the poster on the last thread who pointed out that we missed so many chippies last game, so many shots we usually drill. I gotta believe that isn;t happening two games ina row.
Couple that with Manu being unconscious from downtown, Duncan getting a gift no-call in the first quarter that woulda been his second foul and a seat on the bench and all the other little things that went so wrong in game one.
Things can only get better.
I called Lakers in five and I stand by my prediction.
Hey, Larry, let's revive the too many freakin' hours til gametime and I Love L.O. bandwagons....
GO FB&G!
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM
The Spurs big three is better than the Lakers big three; the difference in the teams is in spots 4-12, where the Lakers are stronger. But being better "on paper" (or in "bits and bytes" for the internet) doesn't always equate to being better on the court. The players still have to produce; on Sunday the Lakers didn't, and the Spurs did. Typically in the playoffs most of the Lakers have followed up individual "bad" games with individual "good" games. Hopefully that happens tonight.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM
*****
Tuesday May 27, 2008 – The Force will deliver
Laker Nation let the Force Guide Youl.
*****
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning, Morning Maniacs JohnnyP. Bozz, Toad, Pig Miller, Fearless
JustAnotherMambaFan, Edward Gueco, EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl
Good Morning Laker Nation
****
AND NOW WE HAVE A FIGHT
The Laker Nation sat down, they were cocky & sure of a win
The Spurs though hurt, just went to work & played like champions
At 2-0 The Lakers thought, this would be just stroll in the park
But they soon found, their reasoning unsound & the game was no lark
So now we are left to ponder, what this first loss in the WCF means
Believe this is true, what I say to you, It don’t mean a d@mn thing.
Did you think in these playoffs, the lakers would win every game?
Come on folks, stop the jokes, No one can be that lame
Did you think that the champions, would see the Lakers & just fall down
This is for the WCF title, so it is vital, that you go out & take the crown
Two out of three games aint bad, of this I have been told
So don’t dismay, on this game day, Strap it up Purple & Gold.
With the entire team misfiring, And even as they lost Phil had a grin.
Just tighten up & play, for I can confidently say, That grin guaranteed a win.
Tonight just sit back and watch, Phils grin is an ironclad guarantee
The Lakers will come out, and without a doubt , they will bring home a victory
The Lakers will then only need, One more game for the WCF win
They will then go home, and under the Staples dome, become the WCF champion.
Then all of this silly worrying, will be a joke to both you and to me
If you just stand tall, let 9Rings make the call and hitch a ride on the 4th dynasty
YEAH, THO I WALK THRU THE VALLEY OF THE SPURS
I SHALL FEAR NO DEFEAT, FOR THE BADDEST MOFO IN
THE VALLEY KOBE BRYANT IS WITH ME, HIS MVP
AND 81 POINTS COMFORT ME
GAME 4 NEXT.
ROLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLL: JHNLANNERY, ADAM PALOMAR, SUPERSA
(1) Faith, (1A)Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, Fatty, AngryLaker
Tha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, LakerTruth
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The Outlaw, Tsphere, Jon Kavulic, WeaveMan, SixOneZero, FEARLESS, CBuck, MAN
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, Never, JANAYA, EastCoastJessie, JMAN
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JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, Mamba#5, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, LALFan, KOBE24
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AMAZING HAPPENS, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real,
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You Ever Notice? MARKYTHEARKY, Justin Leonard, Linda Pineda, Kidwell, Mel
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AA Los, Wizo, Caeser, Maxximo, Wolf, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen, Man, Jeff Grotke
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KIKOS DAD, RicoTico, SocalSpider , BigGameJames, LAKERSNZ , Karynanr*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
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
Posted by: | May 27, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Glad to see the optimism this morning! Mamba24! Fire it up!
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Hey Guys,
I haven't realized that I made it to the 3 round. Voting Ends Tonight!!!
http://tinyurl.com/5rxs8k
Vote for Charles Yao!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 09:46 AM
It's gonna be good 2-nite.
Somehow we will eke out a victory and take control of the series.
Kobesbaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 27, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Good morning, Laker faithful.
Mamba24, I'm ready for the game day roll call!
Here's to hoping that the great din of the trolls resonates with a resounding silence tomorrow as the trolls disappear into the dark, vacuous hole from whence they came. Implosion: imminent.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 27, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Charles:Vote for Charles Yao!!!
I did and will again.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 10:08 AM
" If they ( the Lakers ) don't win, they will be painted not in failure or disgrace, but in the hopeful shades of a team whose journey is just beginning......." Bill Plaschke.
Posted by: Shum | May 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning ALL of Laker Nation!
toad present and acounted for, Mr. Mamba, sir!
Let's get this going folks! We played our worst game in the playoffs Sunday............need to hit the good shots, make the frees, and make the Spurns play our game, not theirs. Cannot let them control the tempo.
Star out hard and fast, and get them down then keep them down! Win one there and the series comes home to conclusion.
FOCUS, INTENSITY, AND DEEEEFENSE!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 27, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Thanks Mamba24,
I believe you may only vote once on the same computer which makes it fair...
Best
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Well tonights game 4 matchup should be interesting. Dude why can't Pau get it through his head that u gota fight for position. I won't complain to much about him cuz he's one of the main reasons why we are where we are today. Odom (Dr. Doom as some call him) will get it together. Im not worried about Kobe..he'll d his thang no doubt. Yada yada yada the bench need to step up. Manu will not shoot lights out tonight..and Duncan will not make those toss up 10ft's (hopefully he won't get the and1's) Im expecting Victory!..but a loss will not sour my mood unless SA go up 3-2 in LA. The fate of the series lies on tonight ball movement. Embrace the boo's..use it to your advantage Lakers! LO..homey..are you paying attention to how Oberto is gaurding you..he's making no attempt to block your shot..he's hoping to draw a charge all night. 1 foul on Duncan and he's timid to play tough D under the basket..I've noticed that in game 2 and 3. Exploit the mismatches..exploit it till they change there game plan. Don't assume the ref won't call a foul..drive hard anyway..don worry bout wistles they will come. SA makes a living of not fouling..theres no reason what so ever that Kobe shouldn't be at the line for 10-15 att. Cmon Lakers don't give SA the pleasure of going to LA 2-2..make em pay..make em hurt..make em obey! Attack..attack..attack!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Lakers Fan 24 | May 27, 2008 at 10:17 AM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_
ballard/05/27/kobe0602/index.html?eref=sircrc
Posted by: Ed | May 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Good morning Mamba24 and all of Laker Nation. It's gameday baby and only optimism is allowed on this blog today.
Can you say 3-1 and a nice close out in L.A. on Thursday? We got this baby!
Game 3 is gone and we can be happy knowing we were close pretty much all the way even with Ginobili's ridiculous game. We missed some really easy shots that could have helped us get the W (ahem...Odom, Fish & Pau) but we'll be fine come tonight. We've made adjustments and I foresee a little more Ariza coming in to settle Ginobili down.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 27, 2008 at 10:21 AM
From the USA Today article: Jack Ramsay, the retired coach who works for ESPN Radio, says, "People think he's pompous and aloof. And he may be some of each of those. But I've never heard anyone say Phil Jackson cannot coach."
Obviously Dr. Jack hasn't been on the LA Times Lakersblog.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Just voted for you Charles.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 27, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Good morning Charles, Mamba24, K Bros and Laker family!
Tonight's 1st five plays:
- LO posting up Oberto
- D-Fish jumper on the left of the top of the key
- Pau post up, drive to the hoop
- Pau in the post passing to cutting Lamar.
- Kobe drive and dish to Fish for a jumper
Here's to getting the win tonight! It will be a big statement about this team if we get this one.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 27, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Well, Trevor is not the total solution for Manu but just part of the defense to be employed to slow down the deliveries to the posts. Manu is equivalent to UPS (always in a hurry) as Tony is the US Postal Service, (a reliable service in any weather) once you stop them, then there is drought in deliveries that may cause Duncan, Oberto and Udioka temporary depression. Now what are my propositions for these two shenanigans deliverers:
First three quarter, the task of guarding Manu will be divided between Sasha and Trevor, spread their fouls if need be. Last quarter, give him to LO in the 4th quarter. Why? both are south paws so LO would know where the shooting power comes from.
For Tony Langoria, assign Fisher and Farmar for the first three quarters just match the speed and derail the express and for the 4th quarter, let MVP Kobe handle the task. He could frustrate Langoria-Parker from navigating with his footwork. Besides the first three quarters slowed him down by constant shadowing of the F & F tandem. I noticed that when tall men and long hands get on his way, he could not do his usual trapeze.
When these two deliverers escape the first line of defense, the tall men in the post becomes the second line of defense who would cut supply line to Duncan while the abled guards switch to the perimeter shooters like Bowen, Barry, Horry and Udioka instead of just standing and watching the game play. (I noticed in the Termite Kingdom, that when someone attacks the Queen Termite, everyone take their position and defend the territory from the human exterminator. If Ex-man doesn't use chemicals which is equivalent to nuclear halocaust to them, they could safeguard their Queen if you try to get it by hand.) Based on this analogy, the Queen is equivalent to the hoop. Don't let them come nearer or even see the hole. A nursery child knows this game.
In Game 3, I noticed also that we didn't have a difficulty in stopping the Spurs in their first attempts but it is the 2nd or 3rd attempts that Lakers get burned. In a nutshell, we didn't take care of the offensive rebounds especially on Duncan who loves to follow thru his misses, why not assign another player to box him out or anticipate those misses and tap it to Kobe. Kobe has a reliable hands in catching and bringing the ball to the front court.
We suggested the appearance of Mbenga and Turiaf in company of Gasol in order to spread out the fouls on Duncan. Gasol cannot afford to accumulate fouls, it has to be done by another role player. Mbenga and Turiaf will have only three roles: Rebound, Block and Dunk. If you try to make them shooters when they are not, then that is another risks of unnecessary T/O's.
I guess I deduced it to a simplified form of explanation which is too elementary for the advanced basketeers and the deep philosophers. This is really a show and tell for a nursery child, the captive audience of Caillou. Simplicity is beauty and no need of using complicated English. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 27, 2008 at 10:23 AM
IT's TIme to get as desperate as they are...
You can hear knees creakin' on their roster, they know the hour glass is about up on their era. It's gonna take a silver bullet.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Vman | May 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM
FREE THROWS ARE THE KEY!
Get to the line and make the free throws!!
Fish will have a big game and LO will deliver!!
GO LAKE SHOW!!
Posted by: keifo | May 27, 2008 at 10:26 AM
mrbarneydangles,
Chest Pound!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Key Lakers players shooting for WCF
Those way down: "weenie group"
Odom - .362
Gasol - .465
Fisher - .333
Sasha - .318
Those up: "manly group"
Kobe - .557
Vlade - .688
Team America Lakers - .466
San An Tone Spurs - 416
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Spurs fans thinking that Kobe is going to play one on five is just like Lakers fans relying on the Spurs being old and tired. Neither of those things are likely to factor in b/c both teams know that the exact opposite is what's needed to be successful. They make for easy talking points for people who choose to ignore what's actually being played out on the court. Just like buying into the characterizations of the Lakers being all about drama and superstardom and the Spurs being boring. These are all outdated storylines. They don't hold water with me.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
EXhelodvr
"The Spurs big three is better than the Lakers big three"
True, assuming the Spurs "3" includes the "6th" man of the year.
Posted by: Vman | May 27, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Yeah charles that security is pretty tight. I guess they record the email addresses.
I though it might just be in the cookies but that's not it.
VOTE FOR CHARLES http://tinyurl.com/5rxs8k
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 10:37 AM
SA has never won back to back and this is their off year. GO LAKERS!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 27, 2008 at 10:38 AM
VMAN:"It's gonna take a silver bullet."
GO GET THEM BLADE! LOL!
EDWIN GUECO:"I guess I deduced it to a simplified form of explanation which is too elementary for
the advanced basketeers and the deep philosophers. This is really a show and tell for a nursery child,
the captive audience of Caillou. Simplicity is beauty and no need of using complicated English. lol!"
SIMPLE IS JUST FINE FOR ME SIR! KEEP IT COMMING.
SHUM:"If they ( the Lakers ) don't win, they will be painted not in failure or disgrace, but in the hopeful
shades of a team whose journey is just beginning......." Bill Plaschke."
Thanks Shum but Plashke is just trying to jump on the Bandwagon before his @ss get's
left behind. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM
EASTCOASTJESSIE:"We got this baby!"
If EastCoast says it I believe it.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Hey Charles,
I voted for you several times but the percentage kept on registering this breakdown. Who is C. Colton? Is he an American Idol or just a name concocted by 570 AM? Got to find the machinery and pull the plug.
Colton
78.79 %
Click to Listen
Charles Yao
21.21 %
You are against the 570 machinery, they did this trick before so they are just gathering our IPS. We have to think like termites to fizzle their usual strokes.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM
If I'm the Spurs and I'm paying attention to the fact that LO is going to look to be aggressive and finish harder, then I'm looking to draw offensive fouls. When LO has a bad game, he usually commits at least 2 offensive fouls that hurt the momentum for the Lakers. If he's not aware of how the Spurs are adjusting to him, he may find himself on the bench quick and for quite some time.
If I'm LO, I start with what I know will energize me and help contribute early and easily - gobble up defensive rebounds and limit San Antonio's second chance opportunities. If he (or any of his teammates) presses and tries to make things happen that aren't there, then San Antonio will be sure to take advantage - likely leading to turnovers and easy buckets for them.
I imagine, from the few interviews I've seen with PJ, that he's looking for more decisivie offensive possessions to cure their defensive woes (i.e. no easy transition buckets - keep things half court). However, I hope there are some defensive adjustments up his sleeve if the Spurs big three are getting going early.
The goal here is to make things as uncomfortable for them as possible. I say, stop doubling Duncan and really attack Parker and Ginobli on both ends. Tim is like Elton Brand - he is the rock - the consistent performer that keeps them in games. What usually determines if they win or lose is P&G's performance combined with how they shoot from 3.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Charles, you have my vote.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 27, 2008 at 10:50 AM
BIG GAME TONIGHT!
This is about as close to a must win as there is..I believe the Lakers need to win this game to ensure they win the series.
For one, the Spurs are not old. They are in their prime. The Spurs tried to steal game 1 and when that didn't happen,they rested more in Game 2 to get ready for home cookin.
The Spurs are in the driver's seat to win this series if they win tonight...The Lakers will be less confident for the critical game 5 and surely the Spurs will close it out at home in game 6.
We cannot let that happen.. At the same time, Odom and Gasol need to RELAX and play their game..Make the adjustments in order to win this critical game. Winning this game will take the wind out of San Antonio.
Posted by: zen | May 27, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Ed
Thanks for posting that SI article on Kobe. Very good read. Learned a lot about Kobe.
Bryant versus Jordan, each in his prime. "There'd be blood on the floor by the end," says Winter.
I wish i could see it happen. Maybe a computer simulation like in Rocky Balboa? And after he sees the simulation, Jordan will come back out of retirement just like Rocky did?
Posted by: DavyJonze | May 27, 2008 at 10:51 AM
You got my vote, Charles!
Posted by: toad | May 27, 2008 at 10:54 AM
LAKERS_STH:"What usually determines if they win or lose is P&G's performance combined with how
they shoot from 3."
GREAT POST LAKERS_STH
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 27, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Holla Mamba24 - great, rousing roll-call - thank you, sir!
GAME DAY BABY!!!!!!! I cannot wait! T minus 7 hours & counting.........
EVERYONE - PLEASE - make sure you're doing your normal pre-game and in-game rituals - WE WANT THIS WIN!!!!!!
6 to O'Brien.......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 27, 2008 at 10:56 AM
That's right Mamba...I said it. We'll celebrate 3-1 tomorrow.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 27, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Charles Yao gets my vote!
Posted by: Xodus | May 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Jesteguru, Edwin Gueco
One Love.
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Say it again! 3-1!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,
I really like your prayers and I have a suggestion brother, please pay close attention:
When you write your prayer down, please make it as specific and detailed as possible, no ambiguities whatsoever; the power of our minds and His Power is unlimited, but the message has to be as clear and exact as can be, for instance: when you write stuff like "let LO confuse the defense..." please write instead: "let Lamar Odom confuse the SPURS defense..." spell EVERYTHING out and you will see what happens, no shorcuts, please!
Do your thing tomorrow, we will pray with you, but make it as clear as can be and you will see the Power of the Lord and our minds coming together for a Lakers win.
Posted by: Antonio | May 27, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Say it again! 3-1!!! Say it again! 3-1!!! CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Say it again! 3-1!!! Say it again! 3-1!! !CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Xodus, Blog Fam
Thanks for the vote. Did you guys actually hear the edited stuff from calling in from the Lakers Blog show?
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM
GAME ON!
Anyone else besides me notice that Phil, Kobe, Fish & LO's post game 3 comments are STRIKINGLY SIMILAR to the issues that I bring up in our Game Day Prayers? Coincidence? Doubt it...
LET US PRAY!
Dear Lord, we thank You for who You are in our lives and how You have blessed us - both in our personal day to day endeavors and with our favorite B-Ball team the Los Angeles Lakers. We just can't stop thinking about last summer & fall when the entire sports community wrote us off. They danced on our graves like it was over. But here we are 1 year later - proving the naysayers and playa-haters wrong. We simply cannot thank You enough for Your power to RESTORE!
We call on that power for tonight's game: THE POWER OF RESTORATION.
Restore LO's confidence. Let him follow Kobe's (and YOURS for that matter!) advice to get out of his own way and to let the greatness within him take center stage tonight. Don't let him force his game, Lord but, instead, allow the game to come to him. You have empowered him and equipped him, Lord. He knows what he has to do. Let him do it with poise and confidence.
We continue to lift up Pau Gasol before You. Work on his heart and mindset, Lord. Continue to remind him of what his coach has told him and what we at The Blog have prayed for him: he has to TAKE HIS GAME! This is Championship Basketball. Nothing will come easy. Nothing will come without a bitter and grueling struggle. As Your Word says, "The violent take it by force." Let tonight be the night in which this prayer and encouragement takes hold in his game. Give him the freedom and confidence to TAKE HIS GAME BY FORCE! No complaining, no shoulder shrugs at the refs, no arguing missed or blown calls. Just pure intensity and determination every second Pau is on the floor. May he TAKE every point he scores and TAKE every rebound he goes after. Once again, we pray that Pau Gasol TAKES HIS GAME tonight!
We pray for Sasha. May he live to his namesake as a DEFENSIVE MACHINE, confusing and confounding Manu Ginobli at every step and turn on the court. You have led Sasha to success in Games 1 & 2. Allow him to revisit that success. We thank You for his confidence and his energy that he brings on the court. He has battled and struggled to reach his full potential over the past few years. Today he is reaping the rewards of his faith. Bless Sasha tonight, Lord.
We pray for D-Fish. He has been here before. You have allowed him to thrust a mighty dagger into the hearts of Spurs fans once before with THE SHOT that can ONLY BE DESCRIBED as COMING FROM YOUR HAND! We pray that You DO IT AGAIN, LORD! Use D-Fish's game tonight to strike that dagger once again. Use his game to strike fear at the hearts and minds of his opponents. Use his game as the catalyst to prepare our Lakers for the biggest stage of them all - the NBA Finals. Make his shots fall like rain from the heavens. Above all, may he play in honor of You as a way of saying "Thank You' for healing his little girl.
We pray for KB24 the MVP. You have allowed him to maintain his poise throughout these playoffs. You have allowed him to shoot when it's time to shoot, to pass when it's time to pass and so on. Tonight... UNLEASH BLACK MAMBA! May tonight's game be a breakout game for KB24. Confuse the defense with his game. Make every shot fall with authority. Unleash the greatness within him that has made us in Los Angeles celebrate and the rest of the nation playa-hate. Let him lead by example again tonight, Lord. Through his confidence, let him inspire LO. Through his tenacity, let him teach Pau to TAKE HIS GAME. Through his steadfastness, let him encourage Sasha to be THE DEFENSIVE MACHINE. Through his will to win, let him push D-Fish to drive that dagger into the heart of the Spurs!
We pray for Vlad Rad to continue to make his shots with grace and efficiency. Continue to spark in him that fire that made his so great in Seattle.
We pray for Jordan, Luke, Ronny, Trevor & the Bench Mob. May the greatness that they stepped into on Friday night revisit them again tonight. They are deeper - not just in b-ball ability, but in their love and camraderie as well. Unify them, Lord that our Starting 5 would have the support that they need.
We pray for the Spurs that they would continue to walk with the hearts of champions and play the game fairly with true sportsmanship, honor and respect for the game.
We pray for PJ and the coaching staff, grant them the wisdom and insight that they need to lead us to victory.
We pray for the continued healing of Andrew's knee. We pray for Chris Mihm that, should we need him tonight, he'd answer the bell and play with confidence.
Lastly, I pray for The Blog. Thank You for the leadership of our BlogFathers the K-Bros, Mamba 24, Edwin Gueco, Laker Tom, Rick Friedman, Jon K, Fairweather Fatty and our BlogMama Faith. May all of us together be united for this one cause and goal: A WIN IN TONIGHTS GAME. Whether we have to labor for tonight's win or if You make the road easy for us to get tonight's win, we pray that we maintain our faith and trust in our Purple & Gold. Help us to Identify, Wound and Starve every Troll who comes against us. You have knit our spirits together. Thank You for our bond of unity and love.
We submit all these requests to You thanking You in advance for answered prayer. We thank You once again for blessing our Los Angeles Lakers to come this far - and we know that You didn't bring us this far to leave us now. Do Your work once again, Lord...AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM
E. Gueco, Vman, Jon K, Ex,
It's funny to hear talk about the Spurs Big 3.
What people fail to realize is that our Big Gun is basically equivalent to 2 of their guys and in the end will carry the day over their 3.
Remember those Knicks teams? They were up and down better than the Bulls, but what was the difference? Jordan.
Remember those Blazer teams? Up and Down better than us playa for playa? But we had Kobe/Shaq.
How did the Heat beat a more talented Maveicks? Wade was that much better.
Given that this series is a close one, what's going to happen is obvious to me.
When a series is close, usually the team with the best player will win. I truly believe Kobe is the best player on the floor and THAT MUCH better than Duncan such that when the series get close the next 2 games you'll see that the singular greatness of Kobe is more than the distributed greatness of Duncan or Ginobli or Parker.
Posted by: Korey | May 27, 2008 at 11:15 AM