Quatro
The fourth Lakers-Spurs showdown is in the works, with everyone wondering if Sunday's loss was a legit warning sign or a mere hiccup on the road to a Purple and Gold title. In the meantime, here are a few more items worth wondering, in my humble estimation.
1) The Laker reaction: There have been a lot of postseason tests offered and passed in 2008. The Lakers have closed out a series twice in two opportunities presented. They shed the disappointment of their first loss (Game 3 against Utah) with a strong Game 4 (another loss, but it took overtime). They climbed out of their first big hole of the playoffs to pull a comeback against these same Spurs. But until last Sunday's thumping, they'd yet to experience the inevitable beat down that comes at least once during every playoff run. Will they shake it off like it never happened (a reaction that stands positive even if today brings another loss) or will the experience of coming up so thoroughly short stay with them and allow doubt to settle in? I'm of the opinion they can move beyond this, but nobody knows for sure until we see it.
2) Pau Gasol: I don't expect Gasol to outplay TD for a number of reasons, the biggest of which being that The Big Fundamental is much better than him. But I was counting on Gasol to give Duncan fits while trying to defend him and thus far, that's been anything but the case. I can't even recall Gasol drawing a foul against his Spurs counterpart, in large part because Pau has been looking to finesse things instead of going right at Duncan. I don't mean outmuscling Timmy, because he clearly can't. But he can make Duncan's life more difficult trying to defend him, with stronger moves toward the basket. I'm hoping to see more of that this evening, along with less frustration over a perceived lack of ref love.
3) Trevor Ariza: I think he's gonna get a little more run tonight. Not a ton, and I do agree with Phil Jackson (and some Lakersblog readers) that Ariza's extremely long layoff and relatively few practice minutes don't make the ideal combo for entering the rotation in the middle of the Western Conference finals. But even if you don't believe in the notion of "being in game shape" (which also includes being accustomed to playoff physicality), rotations become very specific during the playoffs, in part because that's how players like it. Unless foul trouble dictates changes, everyone knows who their court mates will be in most scenarios, how to anticipate each other's moves, etc. Ariza still hadn't spent a ton of time playing with these Lakers before he got hurt and that lack of familiarity might equal problems in big PT. But I could see him getting some spot minutes as a change of pace guy to guard Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli, especially if the Lakers encounter any struggles. If that happens, I'm mostly just curious how he looks.
Additional Two Cents
SportsHubLA.com's David Neiman sees a Laker win in the works, precisely in Bizarro-fashion of how they fell on Sunday. That breakdown is broken down by SI's Arash Markazi. The polar opposite of Neiman's opinion is presented by Scout's Inc./ESPN's David Thorpe.
Forumblueandgold.com is expecting an entertaining game, one that will be even more so for Lakers fans as Kobe and crew do a better job sticking to various Spurs.
Kelly Dwyer from Ball Don't Lie takes a look back at what went right for the Spurs and wrong for the Lakers during game tres.
Hoopworld's Eric Pincus wonders if the Game 3 loss was the signal of a legit series in the works.
This has very little to do with the actual games at hand, but it's a hilariously awful and hilariously entertaining Kobe v. Timmy battle.
LABallTalk.com breaks down both the series as it stands and what could be coming in Game 4.
More Ariza!
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Ariza will have a monster dunk tonight. Gasol and Odom will turn it around and Jordan will continue his solid play. When its all said and done I see a Laker victory or a very close loss (leaning more towards the victory).
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 27, 2008 at 02:40 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FL
HI GUYS,
NOW, THE TEAM AND THE COACH KNOW THAT THEY HAVE TO MAKE AN AGGRESSIVE JOB TONIGHT. IT'S A MUST WIN FOR US.
I AM VERY CONFIDENT ON THAT WIN #3 CUZ PHIL SAID HE ONLY NEEDS A WIN THERE=GUARANTEED
SO EXPECT GREAT FROM OUR TEAM TONIGHT.
HUNGRY, FOCUS, DEFENSE AND PASSION=WIN#3
EVERYBODY IN THE TEAM RECGONIZE THEIR MISTAKES FROM SUNDAY, THIS IS WHY WE WILL ENJOY THE LAKERS SHOW IN SAN ANTONIO.
KOBE AND PHIL KNOW BEST.
THANKS GOD FOR WIN#3
LOVE TO OUR TEAM AND TO ALL
SHEKOBE FOREVER
Posted by: SHEKOBE | May 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Tonight's the night we get to find out if the Lakers have "grown up a little" and "have grown hair in their chests" !!!
Posted by: Robyn | May 27, 2008 at 02:59 PM
the Lakers need to give San Antonio a beatdown tonight and send Horry and crew into retirement. A 3-1 lead going home would be impossible for San Antonio to overcome. I want to see Radmanovic put in 2, 3's in the first quarter, Gasol get a couple of easy drop in's from Kobe/Fisher lobs, Lamar grabbing rebounds and leading a fastbreak. Then I want that second team to come in and just run the Spurs off the court.
We destroyed the Phonenix Suns as we knew them, it's time to demolish the Spurs and put them in rebuilding mode.
Posted by: TaosHum | May 27, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I predicted a Spurs role player would step up big last game and Brent Barry's (even though I predicted Udoka) performance definitely qualified. The Lakers are due to have one of their role players step up and have an unforseen impact. We need one of those post-game quotes from Pop like when whoever was coaching Orlando last year said that "We can't let the Smush Parker's of the world beat us like that".
I think LO will either have a huge bounceback game or will be on the bench b/c he's being too aggressive and San Antonio has the recognition to bait him into silly fouls.
I think tonight's x-factor will be Pau. When he gets the ball in the post, if he continually tries to juke Duncan into a bad position, he'll have another subpar performance. Whether he drives hard to the basket, does an up-and-under, goes across the lane for a hook shot or shoots a mid-range jumper, it should be done within one or two beats of him receiving the ball. Otherwise, he's just stifling the ball movement and allowing Duncan to get his bearings. If Pau has a better game, things will open up for LO offensively and that can only be a good thing.
I'm surprised no one else has really talked about Vlad's performance the other night. He's that fifth Beatle in the starting line-up (like D George in 2004) and really brought some great raw energy (like ripping rebounds out of Duncan's hands) but also showed some poor recognition (launching a contested 3 off-the-dribble). He, moreso than anyone else, needs to pick his spots and be smarter offensively.
I wanted a war last game and didn't get it. I need one this game. Lakers steal one on the road and some blood gets spilled.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 03:09 PM
lakers_sth,
How are you? I have a feeling that the Lakers will show their mettle tonight. With Kobe looking really upset and the end of the game; I believe he behind the doors chewed out his team for motivation for this game.
You also bring up a great point about Vlad's energy on the rebounding end, and poor shot selection. I still feel we can exploit Manu on Vlad.
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 03:34 PM
DOMINATE TONIGHT LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 27, 2008 at 03:40 PM
The key to tonight's game isn't Kobe, isn't Lamar, isn't Ariza or any of the role players. It's Gasol. The "weenie" label will stick forever if he doesn't man up and play physical basketball. No more whining to the zebras.
His lack of aggression, his indecisiveness, and whhaaaaaah I've been fouled routine has been costly even in the games the Lakers have won.
Sure, his arrival got the Lakers through the regular season without Bynum, but we're in the Playoffs now and that's a different brand of basketball.
Pau Gasol. Man or weenie? Show us what you're made of tonight. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 27, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Pete Best or George Martin?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I'm in Europe right now and I just saw the Lakers vs. Spurs Game 4.
Box score shows that Odom had a near triple-double, just one assist shy. Kobe scored 39, Gasol scored 18. Great game, hopefully the Lakers can close this thing out in LA now.
hehe... call me nostradamus later
GO LAKERS
Posted by: DEREK | May 27, 2008 at 03:48 PM
This series is all about Manu and Parker. If Manu and TP get going again tonight, the spurs cannot be beaten.
No lakers have played this deep into the postseason outside #8 and fischer, as the SUNS have sent the rest of these lakers packing every time in the playoffs. That inexperience has to be taken into account as the pressure mounts.
I foresee a bryant tantrum directed toward his teammates tonight, if Lamar "Only two settings: hot and ice cold" Odom and Pau "I don't want to rebound" Gasal can't get a rhythm going.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 27, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Ex,
Yoko Ono.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 27, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I can feel it man! The Lakers will win tonight. It will be close
Posted by: Botsoy | May 27, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Missy Eliot has as much talent and charisma as an overfed, drunken badger.
Sorry, I just had to say that.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 27, 2008 at 04:00 PM
As Magic used to say, "It's winning time!"
Posted by: rdlee | May 27, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Ex,
I gotta go George Martin. We know what he did for the band, and in the meantime, who knows if Best could have even sung "With a little Help from my friends?"
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 27, 2008 at 04:03 PM
"No lakers have played this deep into the postseason outside #8 and fischer, as the SUNS have sent the rest of these lakers packing every time in the playoffs."
Butler's theme song:
IT'S SO HARD TO SAY GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 27, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Excellent points Butler, they make complete sense.
Posted by: 2006 | May 27, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Butler, are you playing with the DeLorean again? The flux capacitor is shot, it skips all of 2005-2007!!
Posted by: Doc Brown | May 27, 2008 at 04:17 PM
BUTLER,
I understand that Suns have beat us 2 years in a row and in 1993.
One thing you have to understand is that you are barking upwards now. It is really becoming bitching and moaning while you are fishing. Please understand that we are LOOKING DOWN AT YOUR POST'S.
Why do you lambaste in the non achievements of the current Suns team? If you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result, that would be called insanity. That goes for your expectations with the blog.
Your points about how much better the Suns are moot because the only thing that matters are trophy's. Since your team has never won a championship since its inception; I completely realize your communication frame of mind. We Laker fans talk about Championships. I could try to explain further but, it's hard speak human to roaches.
If you decide to pick at our injuries as arsenal for your pundits, I might as well classify you as the horrific tasteless Jazz fans who rip on Fisher for deciding to move on for the betterment of his daughter.
If you feel Barkley broke our spirit, boy did make a hell of a comeback. Talk about 3 titles before the 10 year mark of our spirit rejuvenation.
And since your claims of domination, why did your team go and trade Marion for O'neal? Why do you need a Laker alumni in helping your basketball modus operandi? So now you owe Shaq 40 million on the next two years. If you use braggadocios words about your team, you must not be in the now. Because right now, your team is not playing. Are you bragging for the future?
I hate to frown on your smiling parade http://tinyurl.com/5mfwmo , smirk with a Ring first ok?
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 04:18 PM
It's 4:20 PM. Do you know where Lamar Odom is?
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 27, 2008 at 04:20 PM
After all of the hurt the Spurs have given the Funs, and all of the pains they've gone to in deriding the Spurs here in Phoenix, I can't believe a Funs fan is trolling on our board for them.
The guys at AZ Central would be ashamed of you Butler.
Shame on you.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 27, 2008 at 04:22 PM
I realize we got WAXED on Sunday and all that but on the real, for real for real, why come every keeps harping on a 19 pt loss to the Spurs, did we not BUST dat same ASZ by 30 on Friday nite, hello? Somebody feel me or what??? I mean dayum already.
Okay. Moving on..We need a MADD "W" tonite in the worst way...The Spurs had their SWAGGER smirks on while sittin on the bench, so we need to make them remember why we HERE!
GO Lakers!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 27, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Wow Tom,
Your tone resembles that of Mike T.
But I do agree with your assessment.
GO LAKERS!!
We are now 7 GAMES away from 15...
For those who are a little slow, that means we'll finish the season up with a 6-1 record.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 27, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 27, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Charles - Obviously the biggest difference between the Spurs role players and the Lakers role players is age. As front court players get older, you see them usually develop one or two money shots - a spot on the floor where they're money from - like Kurt Thomas from slightly above the elbow or Yao Ming/Juwan Howard's baseline set shot. That might be due to physical limitations but there's also a nice certainty/confidence to it. That's why Ronny always seems to drain one or two of those improbably mid-range jumpers every game. He's not going to score from anywhere, he's just going to focus on being able to score from a couple of places really well. I think that's what Pau needs to utilize more. He has a really nice baseline set-shot and needs to shoot about 500 of those and 500 from the elbow every day. Just over and over and over (like that NBA commercial with Yao last season). Vlad as well. I like that he's trying to be multi-dimensional but I'd rather he (and his teammates) knew exactly where he's money from. Let Kobe and LO be the guys who can score from anywhere. Everyone else needs to get to their spots and shoot with confidence and certainty.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Butler,
Dang boy, who learned you how to spelled? You must have ordered the wrong CDs!! You should have gotten the 'Hooked on P-H-O-N-I-C-S" NOT "Hooked on Phoenix"!! Now I know that all you got to do this summer is hate on the Lakers and wait for another coach to come in and almost get the Suns to the Finals again next season, but if you insist on hating at least sound a little more educated.
Here's some help:
Pau G-A-S-O-L not Gasal. I know A and O get confusing sometimes, especially in lower case letters.
Derek F-I-S-H-E-R not Fischer. You maybe thinking of the movie "in Search of Bobby Fischer." Sounds the same, but again very different.
Kobe is no longer #8. He changed it to #24 last season.
Hope this helps!! Enjoy the game tonight!! Tell Steve Nosh and Amerie Stoutamire I said "hello."
Posted by: JSNV | May 27, 2008 at 04:41 PM
exhelodrvr,
George Martin.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 27, 2008 at 04:47 PM
THERE WILL BE BLOOD tonight! We demand it!
I think Sasha should get in Manu's ear and whisper "I drink your milkshake. I drink it up." in Slovenian.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 27, 2008 at 04:52 PM
JSNV, nice one!! lol
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 27, 2008 at 04:55 PM
I wonder if LO watched the replay of game 3 with the sound on. If so, I hope he heeded the words of Doug Collins who's talked repeatedly about how LO has "laid himself out" on his drives to the hole. Not only does this create an out of control/lower percentage shot, it also is an offensive foul waiting to happen AND takes him out of the play going the other way. Let Parker and Ginobli be the guys who fall down every drive so the Lakers can have numbers going the opposite direction. And let's hope Pau stops complaining and gets back on defense. Yelling is fine. Talking to the refs is something to do going into timeouts, not during fast-breaks.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 04:58 PM
and the Charles of 2006-2007 emerges. like what Mamba24 said "the Blog Enforcer." before they were named trolls!
Posted by: blingbling | May 27, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Butler - I have two words for you. Doug Moe. This is your current generation of Suns' legacy. COY. Conf Finals. High octane. Led the league in scoring. Why you thought this would work today when it didn't back then is beyond me.
"From 1980-90, Moe compiled a 432-357 (.548) record and led the Nuggets to the postseason nine-straight years - advancing as far as the Western Conference Finals in 1985. He guided the Nuggets to two Midwest Division titles (’84-85 and ’87-88) and a franchise-record 54 wins in 1987-88. He was named NBA Coach of the Year that same year. Under Moe’s direction, the Nuggets high-octane offense led the league in scoring in six of his 10 seasons in Denver."
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 05:04 PM
JSNV,
Thanks for the corrections! Those were in jest, but glad you caught my joke. I call bryant #8 because he stole that from the master, Mike D'Antoni. What's an Italian kid like Bryant to do in a country dominated by the best PG in basketball? Can't blame him.
Seriously, if Grant Hill hadn't been hurt, the SUNS would be thumping the lakers for the 3rd time in a row right now. SHACK would devastate gasal and you know how D'Antoni loves to play PJ. Alas, we'll have to see how Steve Kerr coaches the team next season...speaking of which, next season will be interesting...Portland owns the lakers and will become more powerful with Oden. Look out for LeMarcus and Roy and Oden, lakers! And since PHX owns Portland, and will become more powerful with the addition of their next 7-footer....well, like I said, it's a-gonna be interestin'.
Which leads me to think...this might be your best chance at a title for years to come. I think the spurs will have something to say about that, if the demolition last game is any indication. Where's byenumb when you need him?
Posted by: BUTLER | May 27, 2008 at 05:07 PM
HERE WE GO EVERYONE! About an hour before game time remaining! I don't know about you but i am freaking excited!!! This is gonna be a great game! My spurs are gonna come out fighting! They are not gonna give this championship away! In all honesty i think this might be the last title run the spurs may have for some time. I KNOW next year they are gonna tear apart the team (minus the big three of course) to get some fresh legs on the squad. WE NEED IT! But for now, my team still have a fight in them. You lakers are an incredibly talented team! I respect you guys and am nervous about your squad. Here we go again people! GET READY! GAME 4!
SPURS IN 7!!
GO SPURS GO!!!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 27, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Butler..go away troll..
LAKER TOM...
PREACH ON BROTHER PREACH IT!!
I hear you..I lived the small town mentality b/c i lived in freakin TEXAS...
I learned to hate the mavericks quite efficiently over my three years there...
THE SA spurs are exactly what you proclaim and more.....
i dont know if i hate them as much as the playoff chokers that are the mavs..but still fun to go against all that is tx.
again the most annoying chant is that GO SPURS GO
we need to RIP their hearts out tonight..
no questions about it...
do you think KOBE will be denied again?...NO
Do you think lamar doesnt want to shove that ball down the basket with authority? OF COURSE
are we going up in this series 3-1 after tonight....? you can take it to VEGAS.
GO LAKERS!
it's our time..our team...NOW.
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | May 27, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I'm watching shootaround right now and it's funny how Sasha doesn't participate in the around the world - 3pt line game with Hodges and Brian Shaw anymore. You see Farmar, Ariza and Luke do it. But Sasha just runs reps of catch-and-shoot from various spots on the floor. Looks like he wants to be a mini Ray Allen/Rip Hamilton. And who is doing hard reps on mid-range jumpers? Chris Mihm. Physical limitations but you'll know he's money from there.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 05:15 PM
THAT COMMERCIAL IS SO RIDICULOUS, HAHAHA. Wow. It's embarrassing watching it. It's kinda cute how young they are.
But anyway, I'm prepared for another loss tonight. Unfortunately. Either way the game goes, I won't be surprised. These are two great and exciting teams. It applies best to them when they say "Expect the unexpected".
Still, GO LAKERS!!!
I got a bunch of comments on my "This Girl Loves the Lakers" shirt today. :D
Posted by: Alena | May 27, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Gee, I always thought Phil Spector was the 5th Beatle ! !
Anywhoo, think we are in for a make-up game by LA's finest. Looking for cutters, maniacal defense and the killer instinct Farmar displayed when he blocked THAT shot.
Come on 6pm
GO LAKERS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by: StocktonShowtime | May 27, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Laker Tom-
Asterisks in place of letters in words you're not supposed to use on the site still aren't okay. Pick a different expression to express your displeasure at Pop.
Thanks.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 27, 2008 at 05:26 PM
BUTLER, give up the fight man, we're done. Seriously, this is Steve Nash. You trust me right?
Posted by: Steve Nash | May 27, 2008 at 05:29 PM
BUTLER, an appropriate name for someone who is trying to clean up my mess.
...and for the last time, I didn't quit because I saw that the Lakers were going to dominate the conference for the next 7 years!!
I left because I was dominated by the Spurs for the past 3!
I didn't want to get busted in the playoffs again!
Posted by: Mike D'Antoni | May 27, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Eva Longoria and the Biv on TNT Overtime at halftime? I thought San Antonio wasn't about the stars and the fame. Maybe they should play a little "Balance Trois" by MC Tony Parker in the background.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 27, 2008 at 05:33 PM
BK,
All we're asking for is equal enforcement of the law. How many times have we seen Trolls make use of "asterisks in place of letters" with impunity? Why should Laker Tom be singled out?
Go Laker Tom!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 27, 2008 at 05:33 PM
BUTLER, this is Shawn, you know the Matrix? Its time to give it up dude. Phoenix isn't going anywhere without me, let alone with that punk Stoudemire and 4th best point guard Nash at the helm. I'm not selfish, but it was my team!
Join me with the Miami heat. Our future is much brighter!! Brighter than the Suns!!
The Matrix
PS Go Lakers!! (Damn, I shoulda got traded there.)
Posted by: Shawn "the Matrix" Marion | May 27, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Jon K,
If what you're describing gets through (by someone you consider a "troll" or otherwise), it's not because we're being selective in our enforcement. It's because we literally didn't see it. Sometimes stuff just gets by us. We do our best, but it happens.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 27, 2008 at 05:35 PM
the key in tonights game is...........
not odom.....
not gasol.........
not ariza........
not fisher........
it's phil jackson..........
will he stick to the same game plain are will he try to switch it up......
lo played 40 min of worthless ball.......
luke played 17 min of worthless ball.......
sasha played 24 min of worhtless ball........
fisher
pa.........this is why people say phil isn't a good in-game decision......how long will he leave folks in the game when thier struggling.
Cant wait to see what in-game adjustment phil is going to make when things go sour.
Posted by: compton finest | May 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Butler, how much do you want to bet the Suns won't make the playoffs next year? $400,000?
Posted by: Charles Barkley | May 27, 2008 at 05:38 PM