More face time for Eva Longoria
We'll go out on a limb and predict you'll see her no fewer than four times and no more than seven on a TV screen between tomorrow and June 2nd (if necessary), as the San Antonio Spurs took down the New Orleans Hornets to become the Lakers' next opponent. What does this have to do with the "Desperate Housewives" starlet? Well, it's one of Hollywood and sports' best kept secrets, but we have it on good authority that she and Spurs PG Tony Parker are romantically involved. Throw in the fact that Longoria occasionally allows herself to be filmed at a high profile event (despite an obvious dislike for the spotlight) and it stands to reason that her mug will grace a contest or two during the series. And that the team she roots on presents a real challenge (even if slightly more ESPN pundits have the Lakers triumphing against the quite literally defending champs).
The decidedly stress-free Lakers learned of their fortune while breaking bread as a crew, yet another example of a roster digging each other's company. It's something of a shock to the system seeing a purple and gold squad with nothing to argue about, but the notion of dudes having each other's back is similar to the success-friendly atmosphere Gregg Popovich has helped to create in Lone Star Country. And now, thanks to the generosity of Kobe Bryant, the team's harmonious nature will be seen in its timeliness.
Will there be a shakeup in Cleveland?
Sir Charles is removing his bookie from his Fave 5.
Tim Donaghey's dropping more bombs, although the NBA ain't buying them.
What's up, fellow bloggers!!
Well it's come down to this. The road to the ring goes through San Antonio, Detroit, or Boston. Honestly until now I haven't been that into this. I've watched the games but they weren't that enjoyable because if they didn't at least get to the WCF or finals it would have been a huge disappointment.
This series against the Spurs will be tough. I don't care what anyone says these guys have all the experience and they know how to win. What happened in the regular season won’t matter, home court advantage wont matter, and neither will the fact that they are all old.
All I know is this is what we've been waiting for a long time. There are absolutely no excuses, Kobe is the MVP we have home court advantage, even though it may not help, and the team is as ready as it could be. I can't wait until tomorrow.
GO Lakers!!
Posted by: Th Original Ken | May 20, 2008 at 09:58 AM
IT’S TIME Rev 2.0
Be careful what you ask for, cause you just might get it.
You said you wanted the Spurs, You got them, deal with it.
If you want to be a champion, You have to beat the best
So the championship this year, Is the Finals in the West.
It’s only right that the Lakers, Play the current NBA King
Let there be no media excuses, When the Lakers win the ring.
Big Shot Rob how you doing, I knew we’d meet again
Surely you know that, There’s no way your Spurs can win.
So please keep it classy, Big shot, no cheap shots for you
If you try to cheap shot a Laker Your options will be few
You can pretend that you’re Carmello, and run away real fast
But no matter where you run to, We’ll find and whip your @ss
They say your leader Duncan, is so fundamentally sound
He’ll need more than fundamentals, when he tries for a rebound
Before the 1st quarters over, foul trouble he will be in.
Gasol is just to fast, face it Timmy, you can’t win
The Spurs were a classy champion, On that we can agree,
But Class my ass, the Lakers are, The team of destiny
Forget about the Finals, This round is for everything
Win this round my Lakers, and you will win the ring.
IT’S TIME my Laker Nation, This Series, THIS IS IT!
The Spurs are starting to realize, they’re in some deep SH+T
The formula is simple, 2 teams in and 1 team out
There can be but one, That one’s the Lakers, there’s no doubt
So bring on the introductions, Toss the ball and let it rip.
It won’t be long, the Spurs’ll be gone & we’ll have a championship
Posted by: mamba24 | May 20, 2008 at 09:59 AM
"Sir Charles is removing his bookie from his Fave 5."
I believe it is time to honor the host's with their own Comment of the Day.
Posted by: Charles | May 20, 2008 at 09:59 AM
That's all right, we got a counter.
David Beckham!
How's that for eye candy? haha.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 20, 2008 at 10:03 AM
BK,
I'm surprised you don't take credit for "Calling it" as you did back in this article:
http://tinyurl.com/5m9tvo
in which you note that a 3rd "mystery scorer" would make kobe AND lamar better. good call.
Posted by: eddie brock | May 20, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Off topic: Is Evan Longoria, the baseball player related to Eva??
As for Charles Barkley, I will believe he will stop gambling as soon as he stops eating! Which is gonna happen like.............never! He just said what everyone expected him to. I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't in deeper than anyone knows..
I wouldn't be surprised if he and Donaghey have connects...
Any Ole wayz, Go Lakers!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 20, 2008 at 10:07 AM
The road to the Finals goes through the defending champs. We shouldn't want it any other way. This should be a hard-fought series, but I have a good feeling about it...
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 20, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Supposed Spurs Fans,
Could you please repeat?
Posted by: Charles | May 20, 2008 at 10:09 AM
eva longoria = ANNOYINGLY UGLY.
plz don't use her pic anymore, kthxbye.
Posted by: d | May 20, 2008 at 10:14 AM
OBSERVATIONS:
X-FACTOR: Trevor Ariza, Odom and Luke
ENFORCER: Turiaf and Mbenga
LADIES MAN: Pretty Boy SHAHA to make Eva Longoria become a Laker lover
EQUALIZER: Pau Gasol
FOREIGN DIPLOMAT: Ira Newble
ALIEN WARRIORS: Vladimir Radmanovic and “The SPOCK”- Farmar
PASTOR: Derek Fisher
SIXTH MAN: PJ
FINAL VERDICT, ASSASIN & CLOSER: Kobe
Posted by: Your Uncle | May 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Good morning Laker family.
Toad, could you please decapitate the next troll that comes strolling into the blog? Leave his head by the gates of the blog as a warning to the other trolls....... Freakin buckethead trolls.
Mamba, your Vladdy and Machine wagons worked so well... You think we can build a Jordan Is A Bad Mofo And He's Gonna Show You So bandwagon? We sure could use him to give D Fish a breather from chasing Mr. Longoria around.
Posted by: magicman | May 20, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 20, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Charles:Supposed Spurs Fans, Could you please repeat?
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 20, 2008 at 10:19 AM
evan and eva longoria are related, cause every brother and sister have to have the same name.
Posted by: greek dude | May 20, 2008 at 10:27 AM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER:
Thanks for not letting my flesh get the better of me...LOL
Did you see my post to you on our last gameday?
Posted by: BOCALakerGurl | May 20, 2008 at 10:28 AM
The Artist Formerly known as another User Name,
Why would you count the 99 asterisk championship season as a Dynasty to this decade?
Then must I remind you of our 14? The 3 rings you have won for this decade is admirable but can you even sustain a repeat, or better yet a three peat?
Why do you use Fatty's name? Are you running out of names? Why don't you just use your name and gain some respect.
Posted by: Charles | May 20, 2008 at 10:30 AM
>>> a Laker Fan by submission to the blog <<<
Charles now who might you be talking about.
Posted by: RING RING | May 20, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Wow nice call BK, you were right on with that post in 2006.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
The Original Ken,
I like the fact that you say nothing really matters, the Spurs are the champs, and that this series will be tough.
You're right. But, we do have home court advantage and that does matter. The Spurs busted their asses to get home court advantage at the end of the season. It was very obvious that Pop thinks it matters.
Against lesser teams, it would matter less. The NOH just completely forgot how to execute their offense under tremendous defensive pressure yesterday. We're just not going to break down like that. I recall 2005 when the Spurs won. Home court seemed to help them then against a strong Pistons team.
This series isn't going to be easy, but I still say we win. Other posters have said it and I'll say it again. We run our offense and keep Kobe distributing unless he's got a good opening and we play strong D and we got this.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 20, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Charles,
"Could you please repeat?"
Sorry, that's not in their vocabulary. Peat is, though.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM
"4 championships...awww single digits, how cute" said the Lakers and Celtics.
"4 championships...and no repeats? that ain't domination." said Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaq, Bill Russell, Kareem, Robert Horry and everyone else who has repeated as champions.
"4 rings? Remember when you could fit your rings on 1 hand? Ahh, the 80s, such a long time ago." said Jerry Buss to Phil Jackson.
"Hey Mario, Jerome, Avery, do you guys remember how we won that 1999 championship? Oh, that's right, it was a midseason championship. Wait, so does it count?" said David Robinson
Posted by: | May 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Question of the day: Who would I rather punch: Skip Bayless or one of the Spurs I hate (Parker, Manu, Duncan, Bowen, Pop)?
My vote...Skip Bayless. He's an idiot. Plain and simple. ESPN might as well have one of us preview the series. He said this is the best Spurs team yet and predicted Spurs in 6. He also said this series would be easier then the Hornets series. I'm pretty sure the Lakers BLEW OUT the Spurs last time they met and Staples. I'm not saying this series is going to be very easy but I don't think the Spurs will walk away with it. Skip also didn't even point out Lamar (Greg Anthony did though). Who on the Spurs will guard him? No one can touch him. Just keep driving the ball to the rim and get them all in foul trouble.
Lakers in 6, maybe 7
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
AK/BK,
This little section of the Donaghy article is interesting and troubling:
The attorney also suggested that Donaghy told investigators about the gambling activities of other NBA officials and about a referee that passed "confidential" information to an unidentified coach.
The attorney, John F. Lauro, wrote that the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District agreed to plea agreements with other defendants in the case, even though his client told investigators about NBA matters outside of the government's initial investigation. Lauro said the disparity in treatment could not be fully explained because prosecutors have "surrounded this case with a cone of silence."
In a footnote, attorney John F. Lauro suggested that the NBA might have "pressured" the attorney's office "into shutting down this prosecution to avoid the disclosure of information unrelated to Tim's conduct."
The U.S. attorney's office said Tuesday it has no comment.
In a footnote, the attorney suggested that the NBA might have "pressured" the attorney's office "into shutting down this prosecution to avoid the disclosure of information unrelated to Tim's conduct."
Now this could be the desperate act of a many and attorney trying to avoid jail time, but it could also break open the NBA and help explain the crazy officiating over the last decade.
AK/BK,
I hope you guys keep up on this development. I could see it breaking wide open. Not that you guys would ever miss it...
I'm interested in your take right now on it. You're way closer to the NBA than anyone else here. Do you think there's any truth to Donaghy's comments? Do you think what he described may have affected the outcome of games and officiating?
Posted by: Benjamin | May 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
BK for Lakers Asst. GM!!
We like Mitch now so you can't have the top job - but you can certainly be groomed!
GO LAKERS
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Eva Longoria ugly?
Dude, you're trippin. She's not ugly at all. And she's got a crazy hot body. One of the benefits of this series is seeing more of her.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
*____________________________________*
Jordan Is A Bad Mofo And He's Gonna Show
You So BANDWAGON
*____________________________________*
(01) MAGICMAN - Owner and Driver
(02) Mamba24 - riding Shotgun
Posted by: mamba24 | May 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Yeah, BOCA...I saw your post. Friday night was crazy and I only saw the 1st half of the game. Same deal this coming Friday, too - I'll only catch the 1st half and will have to listen to the game in the car on the way to my second job.
Lakers in 6.
IDENTIFY - STARVE - WOUND!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
As for Barkley: The TNT crew is setting up shop at Staples for the games.
I bet (LOL) some LA celebrity big shot (or Paris) offer's Charles a plane for a quick trip to Vegas in between G1 and G2. He's too close to sin city to pass up the bright lights....his "never gamble again" will be over in 2 days.
Charles is just trying to run for mayor and clean up his past.....won't work in LA my friend. But he does like the Lakers so we have to give him some credit.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 20, 2008 at 10:50 AM
*_________________________________*
LAKERS SWEEP SPURS BANDWAGON
*________________________________*
(01) Mamba24 - Owner
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Jester Guru:"The NBA aristocracy is being restored. Lakers in 5."
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Your Uncle,
You forgot
LOOKS LIKE AN OVERGROWN KID: Coby Karl
Posted by: Charles | May 20, 2008 at 10:56 AM
d,
You think Eva's ugly? Wow, I most def have to disagree with you on that point.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I don't believe for a second that Eva's right thigh is that skinny. Photoshop baby!
Posted by: Chad | May 20, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Good Day Laker Nation Blogmunity!
The die has been cast! The Spurs are the next victims of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Good. It will be good to beat the defending champs.
The Lakers will be tan, ready, and rested on Wednesday; the Spurs, tired, blurry-eyed, and stressed.
The absolutely fantastic thing is that if/when we win the championship this year WITHOUT Andrew Bynum, during the offseason the rest of the league is going to panic in a similar fashion as they did when the Pau Gasol trade happened.
The result? More foolhardy short-term trades with the exception of the bottom rungs of the league, which will make long-term development trades that will ultimately undermine the top tier of the league, breaking the old powers (with the exception of the Lakers.)
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
In any case, I can hardly wait for tomorrow. I have a good, calm feeling in my gut about this series. I am looking forward to it beyond measure!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 20, 2008 at 11:00 AM
WHY DO I NEED TO LOOK AT HER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? WHEN I GOTS MS. UTAH AND MY BRONZE STATUE ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Posted by: KARL MALONE | May 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM
-- Repost --
Morning everyone,
Thanks to my friend thehammer for pointing this out a few years back: I hate the way the announcer in SA always says, "Spurs Ballllll!" so gleefully on every side-out.
This playoff season has been kinda nice for that reason. Lots of old animosities are being dredged up. I mean, do you guys remember when the Suns were nobody? It wasn't that long ago. Really, we have ruled the Pacific forever. In the Post-Magic era, it's really always been about thwarting these teams from the Southwest.
First it was Utah, in the mid to late '90s. Kobe's airballs, Elden Campbell, Stockton to Malone. They were the hump we couldn't quite get over and I hated them so much.
Then it was the Spurs. The last days of the Admiral (Anyone else remember when an aging Chick called him "The Commander"? CLASSIC!) and the rise of Timmy. A new team to hate above any other, even before the defection of Big Shot Rob and the additions of Parker-Longoria, Bruce Bowen and Ginobili.
So I guess what I'm saying is, this is a satisfying year because first we got Utah back and now we get to dominate SA (I like the Saint Anthony's smack by the way).
So, you folks from SA who suddenly showed up, I'd like to ask that you continue to post here after your team loses. I want to see you take it like men and admit you were wrong.
Like Fire32 -- who has been good enough to hang out and may even have become a Lakers fan in the process. His Suns have sunk back to that irrelevant place to which they rightfully belong but he gained a team with real tradition. I will have Mamba make a place for you Spurs fans on the Lakers Championship Bandwagon if you admit you were wrong and that your team blows once this is all over.
Yes, the Spurs are about to begin their descent as well. Because, really, until 1999, they were irrelevant too. The NBA aristocracy is being restored. Lakers in 5.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 20, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Wow. Kobe breaks out the $10,000 watches. Anyone have a picture of one? Maybe AK/BK can put up a picture of the watches for the next thread. That would be sweet. I assume Andrew got one too, having helped along the path to MVP and team success.
I feel good about this series and I wouldn’t be surprised if we win in five games.
Maybe something like this:
http://www.bacario.com/Details.asp?ProductID=5746
Wes
Posted by: | May 20, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everybody...
Well it's the Spurs--I guess I don't really care who we get to beat.....
Who is this Eva Whoever ---I assume she is some kind of T.V. star since I don't watch T.V.--so she's married to Tony Parker-- well at least he'll have something to pass his time with in June...
There is something about a girl in leather....
too bad Lebron sucks just enough to lose to the lucky frickin' Celtics---hopefully the insideous Pistons can get the job done...
I was hoping in the back of my little mind that Bynum would pull a Willis Reed this year--guess that's next year...
Crucial to hold home court advantage (no Sheet Sherlock) in this next series.....
Pick & Roll ala mode please...
Lakers should take this in 6, maybe 7....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 20, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Benjamin,
I didn't say that the Lakers would lose. You must also realize that 1) Sometimes the Lakers don't execute so well either AND they defer to Kobe too much. 2) The Spurs will very likely win at least a game in Staples Center. The Lakers can beat the Spur by forcing them to play their way. That means the scores are in the 100's rather than the 80's which is what the Spur want to do.
Posted by: THE original Ken | May 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Here are the reasons why the Lakers will beat the Spurs.
Gasol will neutralize Duncan to an even standstill. We will probably get hurt by Parker, but he will run ragged by the 4th qtr.
Mamba will get his because Bowen is to old and slow, he will have to resort to holding and grabbing to keep up and will get into foul trouble.
Rad will get his shot off on whoever has to guard him, because they have to play Bowen on Mamba.
X-factor for Spurs is Ginobili - Control him and you control the Spurs!!
I predict the difference maker will be LO who will throw up huge numbers with the Machine and Little Big Ears (Farmar).
Lake Show in 6 games!!
AW
Posted by: AW | May 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
This is going to be fun. I can't say that I'm totally sold on the Lakers winning this thing but they have a chance. Ariza will be the difference if they do win because he can stop Parker and/or Ginobili who are the kind of players that always make the Lakers look bad..
This team keeps stepping it up and surprising everyone and I hope it continues.
Hell yes.
Posted by: East Nyboer | May 20, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Charles,
Let me second that one. Among many witty contributions of our hosts (and some that are a little repetitive, such as the "I may not know much about basketball but...") that one (Barkly's Fav 5) deserves the Oscar Wilde award for memorable wit. I'll bet even Dwyane Wade will crack up when he sees it.
Posted by: Tsphere | May 20, 2008 at 11:20 AM
"The Spurs intended to fly last night from New Orleans to Los Angeles, but they ended up spending the night on their plane because of mechanical problems, according to a team spokesman."
Looks like a sweep. Isn't that the way the Nuggets got started with their bus?
Although I think it's very bad theology, God is a Laker fan!
Posted by: Tsphere | May 20, 2008 at 11:23 AM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3405018
http://tinyurl.com/6dulvj
Posted by: Charles | May 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Spurs quick get-away foiled.........
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3405018
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM
From the previous thread:
LAKER KEV SAID:
"I think I'm the first to pick this, but I'm sticking with it...Lakers in 4!!!!"
Laker Kev
Posted by: Laker Kev | May 20, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I'm with you on that one. LAKERS IN 4!
Why, you ask? I say, why not!
GO LAKERS!!!
Oh and by the way, DEN's bus incident, UTA's visa problem and SAS' plane delay are divine intervention at its best.
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | May 20, 2008 at 11:29 AM
ESPN ripped off my series analysis. Bastards.
Posted by: WWJWWD | May 20, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Lakers in 5.
Posted by: WWJWWD | May 20, 2008 at 11:35 AM
From the ESPN article:
"San Antonio uses the charter company Champion Air, which has announced it is ceasing all operations at the end of May."
Just like Charter Air, the San Antonio Spurs (too) will cease operating at the end of May.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | May 20, 2008 at 11:52 AM
mrbarneydangles,
Lamar Odom = Finals MVP.
He's this generation's James Worthy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 20, 2008 at 11:56 AM