Lockdown
Over the course of what has become an extremely successful season a whole lot of attention has been given to the Lakers offense. Makes sense. Between frontliners like Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and then Pau Gasol (plus Andrew Bynum, when healthy), offensive-minded supporting players - Sasha Vujacic, Vlad Radmanovic and Jordan Farmar come to mind - and a dime-happy scheme, L.A. can fill up the basketball hoop like a fat man can a hula. So you'd think on a night where the Lakers were shooting nearly 60% at the end of the third, the O would once again dominate the headlines.
You'd be wrong.
The Lakers took a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference finals matchup against the Spurs on the strength of some suffocating defense that limited San Antonio to 34.5% from the floor and never let them score more than 21 points in a quarter. That, not offensive production, explains L.A.'s 101-71 blowout win. They'll head to Texas confident, but well aware of what the Spurs did one round ago, when, just as they did in L.A., San Antonio lost the first two games on the road before eventually winning the series. Still, this is a confident group, and deservedly so after what was probably, given the timing, their best defensive game of the season.
AK has the breakdown below.
BK
The Good
- Lamar Odom: After a pretty nondescript Game 1, it was important for the Lakers that Lamar bounce back with a quality effort. His work tonight would qualify as some seriously elevated spring-boarding. Seventeen seconds elapsed before LO racked the Lakers' first two points. From there, he never looked back. Twenty points off seven-for-10 shooting, and save one swished 19-footer, all of his attempts came from inside of the key. Odom was relentless around the rim, getting buckets off one-handed alley-oop dunks, hand-switching layups, or just some good old-fashioned post-ups. Defensively, he was also a beast, grabbing a dozen boards or notching four swats, a pair of which came within a minute of each other during the third quarter. His energy from start to finish was visibly contagious. Save a defensive three-second violation, it's hard to cite much of anything the dude did wrong.
- Derek Fisher: If Odom's Wednesday game was "nondescript," Fish's qualified as flat-out poor (one-for-nine shooting, five personals outweighing four points), making him even in more need of a Bizarro-game. And like LO, Fisher found it tonight. Four for five from the floor and three for three from the line for 11 points. And like Lamar, Fish got his game back through aggressive play at the cup, highlighted by a couple of sweet, twisting layups. Often regarded as a spot-up shooter, Fisher followed #7's suit with only one jumper taken (and canned). He also spent a fair amount of time guarding Tony Parker, who wrapped up the night with a ho-hum 14 points, plus four turnovers to complement four assists. You can do the math from here.
- Jordan Farmar: Odom and Fisher may have shown up tonight seeking redemption, but they had nothing on the Lakers' backup point guard. The previous two series have been brutal for Farmar, the hope being that San Antonio could provide something of a fresh start to spark Farmar. After showing some signs of life during Game 1, Farmar finally broke through with a game where he looked like "himself." Fourteen points off five-for-seven shooting, the shots a nice mix of distance makes (two for four from behind the arc) and drives inside the paint. He also arguably made the game's uber-highlight play, flying in from behind to block Ime Udoka's layup, a killer display of hops and effort that predictably brought the house to its feet. We won't know for sure until the next couple of games whether tonight served as Farmar's true "slump breaker." But if anyone's willing to at least be optimistic, I'd hardly blame them.
When it comes to both these difficulties and hopefully having conquered them, Farmar has taken a pragmatic outlook. "It is what is. I see guys like Ray Allen, who's maybe the best shooter in the game right now, go through struggles. If a guy like that, who can shoot the ball as well he does, can go through something like that, then I know I have nothing to worry about. Just continue to play, continue to work. Find a way to work your way through it."
- Trevor Ariza: Nice to just see the guy in anything other than a suit, much less on the court. Predictably, the crowd went nuts when he took (and made) his first jumper from 17 feet out. The small forward was just happy that everyone remembered who he was. "I definitely felt it," smiled Ariza of the buzz permeating as he prepared to let fly. "It was a great feeling. I appreciate them all. I love them all."
- Kobe Bryant: So after all the chatter and analysis, "which" Kobe showed up for Game 2? How about the one that was just really good?
The Bad
- Truth be told, not a whole heckuva lot. Yeah, Pau Gasol's first half was kinda weak, one where he not only struggled to hit hardwood paydirt (two for six for four points), but did little on the glass (four boards). But then his third frame was more promising, with six points and matching Tim Duncan rebound for rebound at three each, a display of momentum that might have been carried through the final quarter, were Gasol's services even required by then. Plus, he does deserve some credit for helping keep TD contained. And yeah, Luke Walton's shot was mostly off and occasionally way off, but he also collected five boards, four dimes and a pair of steals. Bottom line, everyone playing significant minutes brought a significant something to the table. And really, how much could really have gone wrong when you beat the defending champs by 30?
AUDIO
- Trevor Ariza: Download trevor_ariza_sa_game_2_postgame.mp3
- Jordan Farmar: Download jordan_farmar_sa_postgame_2.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_post_game_2.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_post_game_2.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_post_game_2.mp3
- Ronny Turiaf (talks about LO, and being mic'd up for the game): Download ronny_turiaf_post_game_2_on_lo.mp3
- Trevor Ariza: Download trevor_ariza_post_game_2.mp3
AK
Edwin Guerco,
It's over.
Could the Spurs win the next two in San Antonio? Possibly, but probably not.
Truth is the Jazz better matched up against us than the Spurs do. If they play our game, we dominate. If they play their game, we survive.
I still don't think that we'll sweep the Spurs. I have a lot of respect for that hated rival. However, we've got their number.
Now, watch as David Stern manipulates the Celtics-Pistons series to get a Celtics-Lakers Finals. Fine by me, as long as Stern keeps his grubby little claws off the NBA Finals.
We win without the Sith Lord expressing his influence.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 24, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Can someone tell me why Chris Mihm does not get any playing time at all even in a blown out game? What is up with this?
Posted by: Robyn | May 24, 2008 at 09:23 AM
As a lifetime Laker fan and LA native I would like to put things in perspective:
Yes, the Lakers look good and I am sure the Spurs are a bit discouraged, but NEVER question the heart of a Champion. They are going to scratch and claw and try and get back into this series.The Lakers did what they were supposed to do is all,win at home. Now the Spurs go back to the friendly confines and home base of San Antonio, where they will be rejuvenated.That being said,I think the Lakers win 1 game and come back to LA up 3-1.The series goes 5 or 6. I don't see 7 games in the cards but it is surely possible.
Now to Boston.What is up with the Celtics? Is it possible they were simply overrated in a weak eastern conference? I don't think so but you have to begin to wonder.I think Detroit played awesome in Game 2 and just played a poised game with a lot of confidence.Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Celts really played lax defense at crucial times.I think Boston has a gut check here and wins one in Detroit and goes back to Boston 2-2. This is going to be a very interesting conference finals in both the east and the west.Both the Lakers and Celtics are looking for a changing of the Guard.The Lakers need to stay aggressive and play with a lot of energy.The Lakers need to strike a dagger deep into the Spurs heart with a road win in SA.The Celts need to dig deep and prove to themselves and the league that they are Championship contenders,not pretenders. Simply Win, or go home.
Posted by: spike | May 24, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Oh-oh, AK got in trouble with his girlfriend it's already 9:45 AM no postings yet. This is due to over exhuberance in showing his color to a lady texan. Got to behave well AK if you want to paddle your canoe from the ocean to the river.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 24, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Farmar DOES need a cool nickname... "Baby New Year" just ain't cuttin' it.
Still feel like these playoffs are some kind of dream waiting to turn on me. Someone is going to get hurt in Game 3 as the Spurs get desperate. But what's a little blood? As long as the joints are intact, Lakers in 4!
Posted by: East Nyboer | May 24, 2008 at 09:46 AM
One of my favorite quotes from last night was in the goofy
Hollywood sketch they did in the post game show. Peter
Mehlman asked Sasha how it was possible to "give 110%".
Sasha replied that you borrow 10% from someone else.
Nice.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | May 24, 2008 at 09:50 AM
There were a lot of comments with regards to words- eye-view of Coach Doug and Marv Albert. They were giving a lot of props to the Lakers but they have to remain impartial as TNT broadcasters. We're used to hearing Myers and Stu of being homers but discrupt the game by interviewing a celebrity. That's not effective to a city who are used to seeing celebrities.
On the other picture, did you see how TNT promoted the shoes of Kobe without even trying? They created a story within the story that Kobe changed his shoes on the first game and wore his attacking shoes in the second half. Boy! that's an effective message which has no correlation at all with the game. If the Lakers lost, that story of changing of shoes would not even be touched. I can just imagine young boys or teen age youth asking their Mom to buy them the Black Mambas, there is nothing black in it for it is colored purple. Shoes stores should have stock on these black mambas because they will be in great demand even during hard times, parents will spend their stimulus refund on shoes instead of buying gas, just to please a Laker child. Did you also see the Ad-Promo of Kobe after the game flying over the makeshift pool? Ads like that are big deal in the eyes of the child as well in foreign countries. Unfortunately, the copy cats in Asia are now duplicating the Mamba shoes. Indeed, Kobe is back it was resurrection from the grave. Those commercials who fled away from Kobe did not foresee that this event will happen. Placing wrong bets on a player is a poor market forecasting by McDonald, and all other establishments who junked Kobe.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 24, 2008 at 10:05 AM
The only thing I'd change about last night would be to have Mihm get out there for a few minutes toward the end - I kinda feel bad for the guy. Other than that - a truly rocking night... I could throw every superlative known to man out there and it still wouldn't describe how I feel about this season and this team.
Posted by: dave m | May 24, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 24, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I am one happy NBA fan.
All's right with the world... order is restored.
The better this gets, the less there is to say.
IT IS Inevitable...
GO Lakers
Posted by: Vman | May 24, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Did Michael T send in that picture of the prison cell?
Posted by: rdlee | May 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Good Morning Charles---Good Morning Everybody...
Another great win--just the kind I was lookin' for--focus, purpose, intensity, execution....
EVERY time we run a pick and roll (as well as a give and go) we score--usually a dunk ---can we PLEASE run that more than we do?
I like the body language and interviews after the game--these Lakers seemed focused on the task at hand and realize they are building something one game at a time--they really believe in themselves...
On the other hand the Spurs seem unconvinced that they can win this series....
We need at least one victory in San Antone (no sheet Sherlock)....
Finally seeing Ariza come in was very gratifying indeed--and to see him hit his first shot was nothing short of the epitone of coolville baby...
Mbenga could play more....and why didn't Mihm get a nod?
I really wish there was some Sprs to make fun of, but other than Oberto's lame attempt at Sasha's hairstyle......
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM
more....
This Laker team is so deep when someone has an off night (last night was Pau's turn) there are plenty of players to step up and fill the eternal void....
I knew Lamar and Fisher would bounce back and have great games....look for Pau to do the same....
And as I optimistically predicted, Famar is indeed on the road to redemption--Good God Almighty--say it again!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 24, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Good morning, Lakers family!
Is there anything more satisying than blowing out the defending champs in the WCF? I'll let you know when we squash Boston's hopes for another banner... assuming they can get past Detroit to even make it an issue.
I want a solemn promise from everyone on this blog: when the Lakers win #17 (which should be sometime in the Kobe/Bynum/Gasol era), we need to have a celebration. I'm talking major, rent-out-the-Hilton, diving-into-pools-of-champagne BLOWOUT celebration when we FINALLY, officially become the winningest franchise in the NBA. Can you smell it coming?
Posted by: SBPimp | May 24, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Enjoy it while you can, L.A.
By Sam Amico
Pro Basketball News
LOS ANGELES - The Lakers should take their day off and do nothing but party. They hold a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals and appear, in a word, invincible.
But I am here to tell you it won’t last. I am here to tell you the Lakers are playing over their heads. I am here to tell you the Spurs will win the series.
I write this after watching L.A. dismantle San Antonio 101-71 in Game 2 at the Staples Center -- a game in which the Lakers turned the fourth quarter into 12 minutes of garbage time.
I write it just a couple days after watching the Spurs blow a 20-point lead in the second half of Game 1.
And I write it with confidence despite knowing all that.
I repeat: The Spurs will win the series.
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_052408.html
Posted by: maneasy | May 24, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Superb win. I screamed so loud when LO had those dunks!
I was at Big Whang's in Hollywood at 5 and these two 19 year old or so girls wearing all Spurs gear came in! They got some eyes from everyone and some people booed! They left like 5 minutes later. I didn't watch the game there, but it looked like it would be fun.
Posted by: ajax | May 24, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Doesn't anyone want to talk about Luke's sub par performance?
But seriously folks,
Laker defense is no longer a well kept secret.
Mike T. was right all along... protect the RIM.
And speaking of which:
A PHIL JACKSON JOURNAL thumbs up to PJ for having his team peaking higher and healthier than every other team in the league.
Posted by: Vman | May 24, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Tsphere-
i always enjoy your takes, but here's a mild smackdown on your latest. as they say, "save the drama fo yo mama". the "boring" proposition of endless Laker wins is the other teams' problem. i'll stick with glee, thanks. :^)
Posted by: man | May 24, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I think Adande had it right...
Lamar should be known as "The Butler" - he does all the dirty work behind the scenes, cleans up after the superstars, and without him the whole operation falls apart. Awesome nickname.
What a season. Just Wow.
Posted by: drewpaukobe | May 24, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Faith,
"The key to a good defensive game is effort. It's effort, intensity, it's the desire. The desire to be better, to play better, to win"
There you are, the first lady of the blog has spoken. We noticed the effective results because it was the good players who are implemented the PJ'scoaching ingenuity. He gave the same instructions to Kwame, Smush and Cookie but there were fundamental gaps compared to the Lakers of today. The biggest change is Fisher acting as the court general, then Pau which according to Kobe is a great decision maker. That's what the pundits failed to see in Pau, they only see the softness not the art work of the Catalan. Both of them attract defense that frees the nimble Kobe and LO free in roaming aound.
PJ is using the US Military style of order of battle. He controls the air (double player defensive blocks), the sea lanes (Spurs passing lanes are blocked), the communications among Spurs players are jammed, then the Lakers ground troops follow in succession based on the intelligence feed what the Spurs displayed in previous playoff games. Laker coaching staff exactly know where Manu would stand and what Tony would do with the ball. The whole court is measured by inches, the time is calculated in seconds, the fouls are counted and phased and players are all aware what to do at a given time, how to react in transition offense and the kind of strategy to be utilized? It's a total battle plan by the $12M coach.
This Laker team today has a better coordination than the Showtime era, of course they have not won any Championship yet and I'm only describing one game. PJ has innovated the triangle to incorporate the wishes of the fans and the owner to make it an more exciting with this fast break triangle or so called motion triangle. In the Bull's era, it was slow and methodical focused on MJ, Pippen then kicked out to the perimeter shooters. In the Shaq era, Big Diesel was the focal point by controlling the post area and kick out to Kobe, Fisher and Fox as well as Horry. In this Laker team, you get puzzled on the ball movements. Kobe needs to be guarded by at least two or three players but when he dissed the ball to his teammates, the game becomes confusing for Popo because Gasol can shoot at will in different angles, here comes Odom camping at the post while Sasha and Fisher or Farmar are equally dangerous waiting to receive the ball and execute their long tom sails. How will you solve this problem? By this time, the Spurs coaching staff are in great dilemma how to devise a strategy that will work against the Lakers offense?
This run bring back memories of the Showtime era that feeling of excitement and confidence with Magic as the great conductor in distributing the ball to Wilkes, Norm and Kareem at a fast pace that dominated the Sixers. Toward the mid eighties, it was taken over by Scott, Worthy, Rambis, Mychal and McAddoo while the Celts were waiting for the Lakers in the NBA Finals The only difference at that time, the Celtics were a good team in the East, today they are mere pretenders and a collection of half-hearted Superstars. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 24, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Vman!
Have you yet made peace in your heart with allowing Lamar to remain as a Laker? Or are you still looking to trade him? I think he comes in kind of handy, especially when he doesn't wander too far away from the basket!
Posted by: Guity | May 24, 2008 at 11:21 AM
VMan,
"Mike T. was right all along... protect the RIM."
Yes, Mike T. was right in all his analysis on the wrong player. He was describing Pau and LO combined what his Kwame boy cannot accomplished. Even his famous "Make Them Obey" monicker was addressed to the wrong team. He was addressing it to the Lakers but it was the Suns who picked it up. Today, his analysis and momicker will be given more props and his past transgression with law will be ignored by fellow fans if comes back and contribute. This must be a tragic feeling to be silent like a capuchine monk when fellow bloggers were in glee describing his prison cell and his well documented works as the madman of the blog. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 24, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Man,
Thanks for the smackdown, not that I deserve it (or don't deserve it). It's just that I'm as pleased as you are with what has happened. I just feel sorry for all the others, who must wallow in despair. I want all our games to be blowouts and next year I want to see this dynasty outdo the Shaq-Kobe team that went 15-1. 16-0 is next year's goal. In the meantime we've flattered the Jazz by giving them two.
Posted by: Tsphere | May 24, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Jon K.
Deep in our heart, we know it's over as passionate Laker fans. But borrowing an overused cliche' "It is really not over, till it's over." Spurs have pride of their own, they don't want to be trampled in front of their fans. These texan rattlers will bite back, I'm not worried because Sasha is not only an irritant machine but also a Slovenian snake charmer. He will tame the wild Spurs in a more precarious way of adding more salt to the wounds of the aging warriors.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 24, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Everyone should get a Tivo.
Live, you follow the ball and watch for sheer enjoyment.
But with the Tivo, the second time around, you watch all the little things off the ball and grow with appreciation on just how good the team and coaches are.
This Lakers team is growing better with each game. But the problem San Anton is having is the Lakers are showing NO tendencies on offense.
They have no idea what the Lakers will do and have been reduced to guarding like a shot in the dark. They are becoming almost one step slow with every play.
Mr. Manu man? Nothing really that wrong with his ankle. Listening to the media, you would think he's playing on crutches. I've watched him carefully. Its just incredible individual and team D making Manu rather uncomfortable.
Enjoy your weekend bloggers, you've earned it.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 24, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Great, great game by The Show! Superb defense! It seems like the Lakers have decided to pack the paint and force the Spurs to beat them over the top with outside shooting. The transformation is now compllete; the Lakers are a well rounded team...capable on both offense and defense. It's a beautiful thing!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 24, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Think how good this Lakers team would be if they had a coach besides Jackson!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I still do not like Farmer. He is not the future PG in lakers team.
Yesterday game he got some points is purely because Spur started to quit the game. It really means nothing.
To be a good PG, you need to be a good passer first, I do not see that in Farmer at all.
Posted by: xk | May 24, 2008 at 12:20 PM
That Sam Amico dude has gone off the deep end. every point he makes in his article has to do with the unknown occurring.
He sets the Spurs up to come back in a series where they play every other day, and have injured and tired older players. He suggest that the Spurs will start making their shots, yet gives no credit to the Lakers defense. He says that the Laker bench players can't continue to play at a high level in this series, when they've been doing it all year, and post-season. Tim Duncan will apparently come back stronger than he's been in this series, and both Tony and Manu will suddenly wake up and start dominating. Duncan already scored 30 and grabbed 16 boards in a game, and the Spurs still lost. Manu is aging, and PJ has Parker solved again, just as he did the last time theses teams met in a conference final.
Phil has always owned Popovich and will continue to do so. The Spurs are a veteran team that has resorted to last ditch efforts of grabbing and holding, and fouling when the refs are looking the other way.
I watched more than a few plays over and over again last night when SA players got away with jersey grabbing and no fouls were called. It's a sad sight when players have finally lost so much ability that they have to resort to playing dirty basketball. Every one of the Spurs players works a referee after a call, even when they aren't involved in the play. If there was ever a reason to hate the Spurs, that's plainly it. I can't wait until their reign of boring, dirty, complaint riddled, and plainly low-brow style of basketball is eliminated from the Playoffs. I'm sure they'll be strong at home, but I have a feeling the Lakers will be able to overwhelm them again at least once in SA and bring it home to finish it off.
Lakers in 5
Snort
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 24, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Maneasy,
Someone should seriously consider firing the idiot, Sam Amico, who wrote the article. I say this not because he predicts that the Lakers will lose the series (which by itself is ludicrous at this point), but because none of his arguments actually make sense. First he says that the Lakers have won the first two games because of home cooking (meaning they were favored by refs), which is a lot to say when a team outscores their opponent by fifty-four the last 63 minutes of the first two games. Not only that, but the number of fouls called against each team don’t support Amico’s theory. The Spurs were called for more fouls, but only eight more, 39-31. That by itself is not a lot, but the number is actually skewed because at the end of the second game, all the Spurs bench players were fouling to prevent the Lakers from making things more embarrassing. The second argument that Amico uses is that Odom, Fisher and Vujajic will not keep playing well. It’s not like all these three magically started playing well during this series. They’ve been doing it all year. Plus Fisher and Odom, had horrendous games during game 1 (something that has now become a rarity) and Vujajic only shot 3-9 in game 2. Therefore, the Lakers have not even played their best so far and they’re still up 2-0. Amico seems to ignore that, but that’s not worst part because he goes on with his irrational arguments. He says that Duncan is going to tear the Lakers apart, and they’ll lose because of that. Well, he averaged 21 and 17 throughout the first two games, and that didn’t seem to prevent the Lakers from winning. What does he think, that Duncan is gonna go for 40 and 25? Then Amico brings out probably the most ridiculous argument I’ve heard in a while. He says that this is like when he predicted the Suns would win against the Lakers in 2006 after LA took a 3-1 lead. First of all, during that series, the Suns were clearly the better team and they had home court advantage. There is a difference. It was much more predictable that the Suns would win that series. In this series, the Spurs don’t have homecourt advantage and they’re not the better team. It is ridiculous that someone would publish that article. Now I really hope the Lakers sweep the Spurs, dismantling them in games 3 and 4 so that I can e-mail this Amico guy.
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 24, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Tomorrow's game is SA's best chance to make a series of this. If they lose tomorrow, its a for sure sweep.
Can't figure out who I'd rather see in the Finals. Just for the sheer thrill of it, I think Boston. God I hate them. But I also happen to think we match up pretty damn well against them.
I believe that the only team that will realistically be able to compete with us next year when Bynum is back in the fold will be the emerging beast that is Portland.
As I said two weeks ago, getting tooled by D. Williams was long term the best thing that could happen for Farmar's game. If he is smart he will use that series as a roadmap for all the areas offensively and defensively that he needs to develop to compete at the higher echelon's of his position.
Posted by: dwntwn atty | May 24, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Thelonius,
Spring time in Paris still beautiful or has summer taken over? Good to hear from you. Yes, sweep seems to be in the wind unless the Spurs can find the magic elixir to restore their youth and vitality. I think the Lakers know what has to be done and will go into San Antonio determined to win both games. Kobe and company have shown already the best playoff focus of the four teams left and Sunday should bring more of the same.
As for worrying about boredom because the Lakers will too dominant in the future, don’t. I think Portland will take over the role of being our Joe Frazier with memorable battles between Bynum and Oden. There will always be the pretenders and straw dogs that the Laker-haters will put up there for us to knock down. And there are always injuries to level the playing field. But if you’re looking for great odds on the Lakers anytime in the near future, though, you’re going to be SOL for sure.
The key to this next dynasty is that it will transform NBA history and bring Phil, Kobe, and the Lakers a number of high profile NBA records previously held by Red Auerbach, MJ, and the Celtics. It will ultimately crown Phil as the greatest coach ever, Kobe as the greatest player ever, and the Lakers as the greatest franchise ever. Look forward to that.
Have a croquet monsieur for me. Lakers 6 games from their 15th NBA Championship.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 24, 2008 at 05:52 PM
>>>I still do not like Farmer. He is not the future PG in
>>>lakers team.
>>>
>>>Yesterday game he got some points is purely
>>>because Spur started to quit the game. It really means
>>>nothing.
Oh, you mean like the basket he made with 8 minutes left
in the 2nd quarter? With the Lakers only up by 3? Or
the shot he hustled back and blocked a minute later, when
the Lakers were up by 3.
I've said this before and I'll say it again: Farmar is still very
young and he is still learning. You can't judge him by a
weak string of games in his sophomore season. Look
at the entirety of this season and throw in the big jump in
improvement from last season to next season, and it's clear
that Farmar has a VERY promising future.
Earlier in the year I had to defend Sasha every time he had
a bad game and Korey started calling him Vujawack. The
second half of the season, with Luke playing poorly on a
weak ankle, I stood by him here and you can clearly see
that both Luke and Sasha are STRONG contributors to
the Lakers current success.
Farmar will get there as well. In fact, I'll predict it next
year. Just as I started the Sasha Vujacic breakout
bandwagon last season, I'm going to start the Jordan
Farmar breakout bandwagon right now. Next season,
the people who are currently whining about Farmar not
being worthy of being a Laker will be begging for him
to start. MARK MY WORDS!
To be a good PG, you need to be a good passer first, I do not see that in Farmer at all.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | May 24, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Think how good this Lakers team would be if they had a coach besides Jackson!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Don't know if that is sarcasm. But do you mean, Exelodrvr, that we could have beaten them by more than 30 points? Would you also consider that things could get worse? You aren't suggesting bringing Del Harris back are you??
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 25, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Johnny P,
Yes, that was being sarcastic. PJ is one of the top 2 or three coaches in the league, possibly the top coach, and he and his staff have done an exceptional job dealing with injuries, roster changes, off-the-court issues, and developing young players.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 25, 2008 at 01:47 PM