Preparing for the champs
Everyone is well fed (courtesy of a team dinner last night), everyone knows what time it is (courtesy of Kobe). All that's left now is to kick off the Western Conference Finals, which the Lakers will do tomorrow night at Staples against the Spurs. Nobody in purple and gold seemed to harbor any illusions about what's in front of them. Forget any talk of the Spurs being tired, or too old to win. The Lakers aren't buying it. Said Lamar Odom:
"They're always right in the mix. They're a machine. People forget this is a man's game. You never hear, "Oh, the youngest team in the NBA won the championship." If you go back to 1988, 1992, the best players in the league were always 31, 32, 34 year olds. They get it. They execute. They make up for speed with their IQ as a basketball team. They're all smart, heady players out there. Duncan, Thomas, Oberto and how he passes. Parker, Finley, Bowen, Ginobili. All these guys have high IQs. Of course, so does their coach."
And that's basically what it is. The Spurs may not be the most
dynamic team athletically (though it's hardly like they're all limping
around, run 7.5 40's and have six inch verticals), but they're smart,
very talented, well coached, and extremely disciplined. San Antonio is
generally a team that requires the opposition to beat them, since
they're not going to beat themselves. On the other hand, when LA is
going strong, they don't do a lot of favors for the other team,
either. Odom believes they have more than enough skill and experience
to match up with the Spurs.
"When you look at our team, we have guys who have played in Game 7s before. My stomach is definitely a little bit different when I go out there now than it was in that first Phoenix series, or the first time I was in the playoffs with Miami. You understand what it's like to be on the road. Even be home. I don't know if you saw the game last night, but the crowd never seemed (to get into it). They were, "Oh man, we're in a Game 7! We're just gonna watch!" We've got Derek Fisher. We have Kobe Bryant. And our coaching staff, they have rings. Their poise and knowledge rubs off on us, especially Kobe's and Derek's."
Odom believes that the experience that most of these guys have
together, not just winning this year but failing to close out the Suns
two seasons back, then getting waxed in last year's playoffs, will come
in handy for the WCF. Some of the players haven't experienced a
parade, but for the principal players, it's not anyone's first day at
the rodeo. I tend to agree. Between Kobe, Fish, PJ, and a very
experienced coaching staff, and the lessons of previous seasons, the
Lakers have more than enough to fall back on. If they don't win, I
don't see lack of experience being the primary reason. Nor do I expect
either team to lose this series.
One is going to have to win it.
Other notes:
- Phil Jackson said after practice today that it was certainly possible that Trevor Ariza could play in Games 1 or 2. He didn't commit to a specific course of action, but certainly left the door open.
- The media Katamari ball is growing again, in a big way. The circus is definitely here, and only going to get bigger.
- Along those lines, Craig Sager was at practice, wearing a very nice TNT polo shirt and a fashionable pair of jeans. Frankly, seeing him in civilian clothes was a little disconcerting.
- The team was scrimmaging in the half court, with the starters (plus Walton) up against the reserves. Lots of crisp passing and ball movement from both sides. Ariza didn't look limited in any way.
- Line of the day goes to PJ, when asked if, given all the history between the two teams in both the regular season and playoffs, the Spurs are LA's biggest and best rival- "You mean after the Clippers?"
- There was a big time consensus, both among players and media types, that a San Antonio/LA series is an incredibly appropriate way to determine who wins the W.C. The Lakers are certainly shaping up to be the next big dynasty, while the Spurs aren't quite ready to be shown the door. Not to get all Ric Flair on everyone, but to be the man, you gotta beat the man (so to speak).
- PJ said he hoped the Lakers could single cover Tim Duncan as much as possible. As a team, they've generally tried to avoid doubling The Big Fundamental as much as possible, and the responsibility will fall primarily to Pau Gasol. Jackson also said he expects the Spurs to go right at Pau, trying to get him in foul trouble, and that they'll likely do the same on the other end with Duncan.
- Audio from LO (some of which is quoted above), talking about what makes the Spurs so good, where the Lakers have been and how they've grown, and other topics of interest: Download lamar_odom_5.20.mp3
BK
Charles, your jokes reflects the strong leanings of the the Filipino heritage. They are funny.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 20, 2008 at 09:49 PM
PREACH ON HUGO!.. we will represent tomorrow night!
Laker Nation..our time..our series..our mvp..our title.
lets do it.
colorado second home of the lakers!
Hugo and I should be posting while game is on!
kill the freakin sperms...
Posted by: | May 20, 2008 at 09:49 PM
PREACH ON HUGO!.. we will represent tomorrow night!
Laker Nation..our time..our series..our mvp..our title.
lets do it.
colorado second home of the lakers!
Hugo and I should be posting while game is on!
kill the freakin sperms...
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | May 20, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Regardless of how the series goes, it is a rematch of the league's two dominant franchises in the post-Michael Jordan era. San Antonio and the Lakers have combined to win seven of the past nine NBA titles, and after this series, will have represented the unforgiving West in nine of 10 Finals, with Dallas in 2006 the lone exception. These are serial heavyweights.
Posted by: BD | May 20, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Amazing-
Yeah, for sure. I think the Lakers will win, but certainly SA is more than capable of winning the series. But if they do, it won't be because the Lakers were to inexperienced to hang.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Any of y'all see Wade make an ass of himself. Smiling like the 2nd pick in the first round won him another night with Star Jones!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | May 20, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Thoughts on the Bulls draft possibility- pick rose, trade hinrich, sign brand. get a good coach. in the east, they could finish fourth right there.
Posted by: phred | May 20, 2008 at 10:48 PM
What is stopping the Lakers from beating the Spurs?
Another 19 hours.
Thank God the LA Times columnists aren't coaching the Lakers. They wouldn't show up for the games. Then they would marry the Spurs.
Aside: Is Plaschke a 1930's sportswriter who was thawed out 10 years ago? He writes like a guy who should be walking around wearing a fedora with a "PRESS" card sticking out of the band.
Posted by: Jman449 | May 20, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I'm not sure if you guys have read this, but try it... see if you can view LO7 in a different light. This year's playoffs has truly been his close-up.
http://www.lamarodom.com/index.php?q=node/329
Or, maybe you could try this same New York Times article but it's a li'l longer read.
http://tinyurl.com/5a2sbw
So few are calling a sweep... Lakers in 4!
GO LAKERS!!!
Oh and by and by, did you guys notice the picture of Andrew's gift at KB24's website? Kobe and the whole team has him in mind, too. So get well #17. The next ring for '09 is your coming out party.
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | May 20, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Gilmore,
Uh, Wade should be unhappy that his team will land Beasley or Rose to help their rebuilding process?
Posted by: Xodus | May 21, 2008 at 12:18 AM
I heard old Laker Rick Fox on the radio the other day, and I hope his message was relayed to the Lakers:
"You don't win a championship. You take it."
This is the Lakers' chance to rip it from the Spurs' hands. The Lakers must to go out there, hit first, and hit hard. They must understand that every second, every possession, is a tug-of-war, and if they let up just once, they may lose ground that will be twice as hard to recover. Kobe knows this. Derek knows this. Phil Jackson knows this. But does Lamar? Does Pau? Is Space Cadet going to return to Earth?
Chances to get to the Finals don't come around often. You have to come prepared to battle smart and battle hard. Don't take anything for granted. Breathe. Execute. And don't look up, don't look up at that scoreboard until you hear the final buzzer. Fight, fight fight. And if you do everything right, you just might come out ahead. For that one game.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 21, 2008 at 01:04 AM
Good NIght My Laker Brethren
Kobesbad
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 21, 2008 at 01:10 AM
Lets look at some strange things that have gone down......
1.Derick Fisher returns...good
2.Kobe wants to go...Bad
3.Kobe stays...good
4.Phill resigns...good
5.Bynum arrives...good
6.Cook and Evans for Ariza...good
7.Bynum gets hurt...bad
8.Kwame gets traded..Very good
9.Pau arrives....Fantastic
10.Lakers go on a run...Great
11.Pau gets hurt...Bad
12.Lakers ride the bumps and Pau returns
13.One of the Kam brothers spots Sloan in an Escalade outside the Lakers hotel...Strange
14.Denver bus catches on fire ...Strange
15Lakers win the first round...Great
16.Lakers start well against the Jazz..Good
17.At 3-2 AK47 has visa trouble...Strange
18.Lakers win over the Jazz...Great...
19.Spurs have plane trouble and sleep on the plane...Strange
What will number 20 be?
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 21, 2008 at 01:37 AM
Defining moment in Kobe’s career
And so it will be written (just what or when during the next journey of the Lakers season) after the Lakers vs. Spurs series.
As the Lakers now prepare to take on the might of the defending champions the West gets set for game one of the final Western showdown at the Ok Corral. One thing is certain after the dust settles, the words ‘Defining Moments’ will come to mean much more than a series won or lost.
This is after all the first real battle of Kobe leading his, yes HIS, troops into the battlefield to prove that indeed, yes, he is worthy of the MVP title bestowed upon his shoulders by the believers and just like the fifth star placed on a Generals’ shoulder he must now deliver!
No more dynamic-duo or a leader trying to emerge from the battles of within, the leader is Kobe make no mistake and THIS is the season and series that will decide if in fact Kobe is the ‘Air-apparent’ and the baton is finally going to be passed. I mean is it not about time it gets passed to someone? Let me add, someone truly deserving who has worked for it for so long and hard?
Does this sound familiar?
How long did MJ have to wait to become what he became?
I know, I have heard and seen it too, LeBron, Garnet, and the others that did figure but are now nowhere to be seen.
Kobe has a very good supporting cast, as did MJ, in fact just maybe, the Lakers have a better bench and more shooters but no Rodman controlling the boards. Yes the boards, we know ‘the team that controls the boards controls the game’.
We need someone focusing on the boards so that Kobe can define the moments in other ways, like with assists, shooting, driving & slashing, making free-throws and making everyone else better, the way he has done all season long. Now is the time for KB to focus, creative, finish, be a little greedy but don’t try to take the champions on all by himself.
Pick and choose your moments and please define them with an exclamation point, a high five to your team-mates, a point to your adoring fans in the nose bleed section and a kiss on the Lakers logo on your shirt whom without, this would NOT be possible, well not this season anyway! So, lets start to define the moments!
They say that no player is bigger than the team yet a team is like five fingers each one strong but not as strong as all five clinched like a fist! Go for the knock-out Lakers we are proud of you and behind you no matter!
Come on Lakers! Lets go and bring the Championship back to LA!
L4kers
Posted by: Alex | May 21, 2008 at 04:44 AM
GO SPURS GO!
Spurs in 6!
Posted by: David Puente | May 21, 2008 at 05:18 AM
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning Morning Mob: Bozz, Toad “Pig” Miller, HmrHed . Edwin G
PsychedLakerGirl, JohnnyP, JesterGuru, JustAnotherMambafan
Jon K, LakerTom, FairweatherFatty, SemiLakerGirl, EastCoastJessie
IT'S GAME DAY!!!!! ROLL CALL IN 2 HOURS
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 21, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Charles, lol, love your work... go lakers, lets get a W tomorrow! (or tonight for you LA natives)
Posted by: Tim in Sydney | May 21, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Greetings, Faker Fans, Welcome we have been expecting you. We Spurs fans know you all are scared and nervous, but don't worry it will be over soon. The Spurs will win this series in 5 or 6 games. I hate to tell you this but the Hornets would have taken the Fakers out. anyhew, I thought I would come over and say hello since so many of you guys are on our site talking trash. By the way, are the Fakers a one man team? Can one man really win it all? Don't you need good relief players in a series? What has history shown? Things that make you say Hmmmmmm.
Posted by: Kevin P | May 21, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Go LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 21, 2008 at 06:40 AM
pslakerfan,
Of course Spurs fans are delusional. They're from Texas. Texans think the world revolves around them.
George W. Bush's crazy decision making? Good old fashioned Texas thinking.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 06:54 AM
GOOD MORNING LAKER NATION!
GAME DAY!
A RED DAY!
A GOOD DAY!
ONWARDS TO VICTORY!
FORCED BEFUDDLEMENT UPON THE SPURS BEGINS TONIGHT!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 06:56 AM
The first two games will be crucial for the Lakers. If the Spurs steal one of the two, then the Spurs will win in 6. But if the Lakers defend their homecourt advantage, the the Lakers in 7.
Posted by: Botsoy | May 21, 2008 at 07:28 AM
*_______________________________*
Jordan Farmar Is A Bad Mofo And He's
Gonna Show You So BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) MAGICMAN - Owner and Driver
(02) Mamba24 - riding Shotgun
(03) KEIFO – Taught JF the crossover
*___________________________________*
Andrew the Beast Bynum We dedicate this
Championship Run to you - Bandwagon
*___________________________________*
(01) Edwin Gueco – Driver & Owner
(02) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet, Bynums personal Soothsayer
(03) Mamba24 – The Beasts Advance man.
(04) #4 – Director of WCF win number 4.
(05) Jon K. – Made Bynum get a second opinion.
(06) JustALakerFan – Was called in to consult on Dr. Choices
(07) Never – Told Bynum to have surgery immediately
(08) BronxLakerFan – suggested NY doctor for Bynum
(09) Bozz – Director of WCF win # 1.
(10) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of WCF win #2.
(11) Caliphilosopher – Will participate in Socks Rehab
(12) Jay Jay – Purchased a Shaq punching bag for him
(13) PsychedLakerGirl – Director of WCF win # 3.
(14) Stockton Showtime _ believes Socks deserves more credit
(15) #4 - Director of WCF win #4
(16) Pig Miller – Will chauffeur “Beast” to the Victory Parade
(17) Rick Friedman – Personally found a Dr. for Socks
(18) SamLL – Director of Victory Parade
(19) KobesBad – made Kobe apologize to the Beast
(20) Hmrhed – Director of the confetti concession.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
Here we go. GAME DAY! We are ready. We are pumped.
I'm counting on the Lakers to come out of the gate strong and make a statement. Yes, the road to the Championship goes through San Antonio. But the Spurs come into Staples Center without home team advantage. Bring it on!
Looking at the photos of the team dinner on the KB24 web site, the Purple & Gold crew is even more psyched than we are here on this blog. And that's saying something. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 21, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Good Morning Lakers Nation!
The Lakers and us bloggers are rusty.
But give us a 1-2 quarters to shake off the rust and we be fine.
It will be a good game and a good day to be a Lakers Fan.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 21, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Up and at 'em Laker Nation Morning Maniacs.........it's GAME DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 21, 2008 at 07:48 AM
*_______________________________*
Jordan Farmar Is A Bad Mofo And He's
Gonna Show You So BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) MAGICMAN - Owner and Driver
(02) Mamba24 - Riding Shotgun
(03) KEIFO – Taught JF the crossover
(04) Caliphilosopher – Taught Jordan to calm down
(05) JustAnotherMambafan – Told JF the secret is make Mamba happy
Posted by: mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles and a HUGE SHOUT OUT to the morning CRUE & the rest of this GREAT LAKER NATION!!!
YO - IT"S GAME DAY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I say BRING IT ON!!!!!!!! Those old, tired, broke-down Spurs are going to see first hand just why Kobe & Company are the best team in the league! Spurs are GOING DOWN!!!!!!!!!!
Mamba24 - add me to any and all rolling bandwagons please, sir!
Pig/Toad - break out the troll-B-gone & the BBQ - we are going to have us a FEAST tonight!
GO LAKERS!
8 to O'Brien.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 21, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Xodus,
Second pick - look surprised, frown, handshake first pick
First pick - smile, handshake second pick, pose for photos
The dude didn't even know what was going on.
Anyway, forget Wade...
Lakers take Game 1 tonight!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | May 21, 2008 at 07:54 AM
wtf!!! how in the hell a SPURPS fan got here???
OMG they now know how to read & write??? eva's effect i guess...
well its understandable how they love there team this couple of years, if you waited for that long to finally have a banner up in your arena i would definitely love that team more than my mother...
but seriously SPURPS4life your team is aging fast, every team in the league are catching up on your beloved team, WE have already pass by you!
only the lakers have the winning tradition for this past 60 years... your team got only 4! so talk smack with us when your team have 14 championships like we do!
4-0 fellas
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | May 21, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Good morning LAL friends!
GAME DAY!!! Finally - WCF G1 - set to go.
And I can't wait to hear the roster - will Trevor suit up?
I am still sticking with my hold him out until games 3 & 4 scenarios but whatever - I want to see him on the court and playing some serious D.
Good luck AB17 today in NYC. We hope to get a W to lessen the pain.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Hey BD, Feb 1st was my natal day, the day Lakers got the deliverance from bondage of the past underachievments.
With regards to Popovich comments on Kobe, that he is really the MVP is really lure to a kid to be an one man exhibitionist in this series. He is inviting him to become a one-on-one player tempting Kobe to play ala' MJ, or Kobe to carry the team on his shoulders taking 35 shots thereby, the Spurs don't have to spread out but just concentrate on Kobe. However, Kobe in 2008 has a different mindset, he opens his wallet at the restaurant to feed his hungry teammates and opens his mind on b'ball court to make the right decision at a given moment. He has more faith on Pau and Sasha than taking the ball to the hoop. Suddenly, he becomes a scholar of the game, studies the defense and apply what is needed, his torn pinkie gave him idea that passing the ball is much better than shooting at a long range. The coaching job of PJ has been lightened by these recent innovations of Kobe, no need of timeout to call for plays, Kobe is there to call it and apply the ramifications needed. So if you are Popovich, how will you set up the defense: a zone, man-to-man, double on Kobe, it's just mind boggling the many alaternatives because any of the 1st stringer could hurt you. There is no more O'Neal to foul, no more CP3 or Peja to freeze, any of the five cagers could do the job. Pau could shoot the ball at the post as if he is picking apples from a tree. LO could drive it to the hoop like a smart car maneuver the narrow cobbled streets in Europe, then you lose sight of Mutt and Jeff (50's cartoon characters) in the perimeter I'm referring to Vlady and Fisher both can strike a three if they are free. Lastly, the Superstar where all the preparation have been made just diss in without any knowledge whether he would shoot or pass so just foul him....then another sure two in the offing in Lakers favor These are the Lakers of 2008 that Popovich has been talking about, even the laker haters on ESPN noticed these transformations suddenly they joined bandwagon of believers of the Lakers after just witnessing two rounds.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 21, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Xodus,
IMO, the Bulls have already Rose or Beasly in their team today, what they need is a good coach to adjust the defense and mindset of the overachieving players. Having the 1st pick, they should trade this for a good leader who is a veteran. After securing a good coach, trade the 1st pick for Lebron or Wade & they will be in contention in the East. Among their past rookies like Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah these are NCAA superstars who disappeared in NBA. Then after shipping Wallace to Cleveland, they have Hughes, Gooden these two players alone could rock the boat if they have a good coach. In fact, if Cleavelend did not trade Gooden and Hughes, they could have beaten the Celtics in that series. Of course just my two cents which is really worthless nowadays. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 21, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Yeah baby, it's gameday! Good morning to all!
Finally, after a sleepless night, the day we've all been waiting for is here. The more I analyze this matchup, the more advantages I see for us. Duncan can be single covered, he's not too overpowering like Shaq was. Ginobli can only go left (Zoolander?) and Horry's losing his touch. Bowen, that cheap a$$ punk, can't shoot worth crap, so he's of no concern unless he takes a crossbow to Kobe. The only thing that might be a nuisance is Parker, but he'll be too busy checking out his fine wife in the stands (as will I). My prediction for tonight: Lakers 101 Spurs 94.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 21, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Kevin P,
Dude, I literally burst out into open laughter when I read your threatening post.
You don't understand. We WANT to play you!
All of Laker Nation is looking forward to tonight with gleeful anticipation and joy in our hearts!
Tonight you will see who is the better team and that team is the Lakers.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Kevin P,
"Things that make you say Hmmmmmm."
The rules of this blog don't allow us to discuss why you are saying "Hmmmmmm".
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 21, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Good Morning My Purple and Gold Bleeding Fam Members!
Thanks everybody for the props! The Scum Antonio Sterns are going to be the proper road to take. Winning that Gold ball is never easy. But Kobe loves a challenge and is grooming this group to Save Private Ryan.
One love and carry on troops. Mamba24, Time for the military check in to these two videos.
“TURN IT UP!”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WenexYFWri8
http://tinyurl.com/5pk94y
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gFRHQjRJXV4
http://tinyurl.com/6o6fwd
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Hey Mamba and the rest of my Laker fam....game day baby. Let's manhandle the geriatric Spurs. Our speed, athleticism, and superb offense is gonna make their "defense" null and void baby.
I don't see a game 7...6 max with the Lakers on top, of course.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 21, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Good game day morning to the Laker family.
Magic Man reporting for duty front an center señor Mamba. Ready for that roll call my man. Ready for battle with freakin' buckethead trolls. Ready to watch my boys do what they do... Win.
Posted by: magicman | May 21, 2008 at 08:56 AM
"Charles,
All love.
btw do you know who I was posting as before?"
Every other multi posting name that I have ripped before?
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Good morning Lakers boys and girls.
Its time again for Mr Fatty’s Neighborhood.
Mr. Fatty is so proud of you bloggers. It was a looong time between games and no one was beat, maimed, or killed on the blog. Except for some silly trolls dumb enough to wander into our happy blog home.
Our cute and cuddly pet blog watch dogs, ‘Satan and Lucifer’ ate them for breakfast. Wasn’t that sweet? Ah, look at them now, they are playing keep away with the head of a troll! “Now you be nice Lucifer and share with your brother Satan!”
Mr. Fatty is especially proud of our big brothers, the Lakers. They had one ‘hell of a season’. Oops! Mr. Fatty said a bad word. Shame on you Mr. Fatty! You said, ‘They had’ like the season was over, and trust Mr. Fatty, its FAR from over.
Mr. Fatty and all the Lakers boys and girls were very worried about our Lakers in October. It was really scary! Monster under the bed scary! It looked like we might be wearing those brown bags on the heads to cover our shame. But ‘Uncle Kobe’ said not to worry, when he got on the court, he would give it his all, and boy did he!
And now our Lakers are back where they supposed to be, challenging for Thee Title of the NBA!
So, the word for the day is, ‘Back in the High Life Again’. Can you say, ‘Back in the High Life Again’? Of course you can! But Mr. Fatty wants you to sing it. So he’s asked his good friend Stevie Winwood to lead us all in a group song.
http://tinyurl.com/66c5gj
Now doesn’t that make you feel good, warm, and fuzzy all over? Its like having a Big Cup of hot chocolate with lots of Daddy’s ‘Jesus Juice’ from the cupboard added to it!.
“Its a beautiful day in Mr Fatty’s and the Lakers Neighborhood. Won’t you be, won’t you be mine?”
Mr. Fatty
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 21, 2008 at 09:05 AM
You know what kills me? The hacks who try to make this a "style vs substance" battle. "Flash vs Hard Work". "Bling vs Blue Collar". Are you kidding me? It's more like "substance vs substance". I know people need their tag lines, but just because the Lakers are in L.A. doesn't mean their game is Hollywood. They are for real. And so are the Spurs. It really is a clash of Titans.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 21, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Good morning, Lakers Nation.
Ah... I love game day.
Kobe will be focused and fired up early. Look for some sick no-look passes to Gasol. Odom straight to the cup. And Ariza getting his re-debut DUNK over some hapless fool like Oberto.
And don't mind the trolls... it's classic that they come over here. I've NEVER visited another team's blog. Seems... pointless.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 21, 2008 at 09:08 AM
juanman888,
"wtf!!! how in the hell a SPURPS fan got here???"
Through a mud funnel.
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Edwin,
Yeah, but there's no way Miami or Cleveland is trading either of those guys.
Posted by: Xodus | May 21, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Too much respect becomes concern becomes fear.
Enough nice talk, let's take this thing.
This is SAS last chance to beat LA without Bynum.
The beginning of their end is tonight.
GO LAkers
Posted by: Vman | May 21, 2008 at 09:23 AM
We have every reason in the world to be excited. What we are witnessing is the rebirth of Laker Greatness. We're watching one of the greatest Lakers passing teams led by the most skilled Laker of all time.
In Lamar Odom we have a true original. Pau Gasol, a consummate professional. Derrick Fisher is grits and gravy. And Sasha Vujacic is a playoff villain. Ariza has got nerves of steel.
it's on.
Posted by: eddie brock | May 21, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Morning, crew!
I sorts thought maybe we could get somegood debate going with Spurs fans about the upcoming series, and I'm glad they are showing up.
Unfortuntaely, they seem to just do this this post and run kinda thing, and in general they fail to mention basketball points at all.
Oh, except for Kobe being a one-man team. Uhhhh, have you WATCHED the Lakers play this year? Have you read why the media overcame its bias and gave him the MVP? It's because he makes his teammates better. That's right. It's exactly because he's NOT (or no longer) a one-man team.
Clue in.
And with all due respect, calling Lakers fans nervous about this series is just preposterous. What, did you take a magic pill that allows you to see into our minds? If you read the posts, I think what you will see is overwhelming confidence.
$10 to the first Spurs fan who can come up with a reasonable argument whay Lamar Odom will not be a beast in this series.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 21, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Mamba,
Both the Jordan and Bynum bandwagons, please. With alacrity.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | May 21, 2008 at 09:47 AM
The San Antonio Independent-Democrat-Republican Review
From the 'Answer Me This' Column
Dear Answer Me,
I keep hearing people saying on Texas sports shows, 'Remember the Alamo'. I thought it was some history thing.
What are they talking about?
Signed,
Edwin Gueco (confused history buff)
Dear Edwin Gueco (confused history buff),
That goes back to D. Fishers's historic .4 shot. The shot heard around the world, on that fateful day in the Alamo Dome.
That shot has been seared into the minds and hearts of Spurs fans forever. Pop stills cries himself to sleep every night thinking about it.
Every time a Spurs fan see's an Alamo Car Rental commercial, his/her eyes well up in tears.
Every time a school kid reads about the History Alamo Story, they can't help but think to that split second when the Refs, the NBA, and God betrayed them.
This is also why they changed the name from the Alamo Dome to the AT & T Center.
Spurs fans will never forget, "Remember the Alamo!"
Signed,
Answer Me
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 21, 2008 at 09:48 AM