Question of the Day
Hey folks. I'm afraid you're going to have to do your own link huntin' this morning, as I've got to haul down to Anaheim for the Dodgers game. Of course, all the really important information from Friday night is contained in the score: 108-105 LAL, putting a cap on a 4-2 series win over the Jazz. The Lakers may have let most of a 19-point lead slip away, but I will not abide by any "they didn't look good enough winning" talk. Any road win in the playoffs is a good one, especially when the opposition had lost five games on its floor all year.
Anyhoo, the big question this morning has more to do with the upcoming series than the one they finished. As in, who are the Lakers going to play? The fun will start Wednesday night against the winner of Monday's Game 7 between New Orleans and San Antonio. Which begs the question (of the day)- and I know this discussion has already started- who do you want the Lakers to play in the next round?
I would pick the Lakers to win against either team, in no fewer than six, but likely seven games. Both potential opponents are strong, both present different challenges for L.A. Clearly if San Antonio can go into New Orleans and win a Game 7, it proves that they're still a force in the Western Conference, and that their funeral as a major W.C. power will need to be put off for at least a while longer. They're methodical, don't make many mistakes, have great frontcourt play with Tim Duncan, players who can penetrate in Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, and a defensive stopper in Bruce Bowen.
The Hornets, on the other hand, are less polished and lack the same pedigree (though if you make the W.C. finals and knock off the champs along the way, fair to say a team has proved its worth), but are more dynamic. Chris Paul is the only PG in the league better than Deron Williams, who certainly had some success against the Lakers once he got going in the second half of Game 2. Tyson Chandler is a beast on the offensive glass and a solid defender in side. David West is probably the NBA's most underrated player, despite being an All- Star. We've all seen the damage Peja Stojakovic can do. Mo Peterson is solid, and their backup guard play in Jennaro Pargo is also very good.
Either way, the Lakers face a strong team.
I think they're better off, though, against the Spurs. This Lakers team isn't nearly as mistake prone as last year's edition, and is harder to goad into bad plays. Good as the Spurs are, the Lakers are younger and quicker. The Spurs are more likely to be worn down by the long series they'll have finished, and the one they'll be starting. Their offense is prone to drought, their supporting cast not quite as good as it has been in years past.
Meanwhile, the Hornets can play fast, or get into the halfcourt and let CP3 do his thing. They're very effective on the glass, and have balance offensively. And, not that Parker sucks, but NO has the best PG in basketball. That means something.
But as a fan of the game, I'd love to see the Lakers and Hornets over seven games. That would be fun.
BK
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Hornets - and I agree that it would be 7 games. I was actually surprised that Utah only went 6.
Let's go lake show!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | May 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
AK/BK
I prefer the Lakers to meet the Hornets because there no one that guard Kobe one on one not unlike the Spurs that have Edward Scissorhands(Bowen) in their lineup. And also, we can match up pretty well against the Hornets(except Chris Paul). If Ariza plays, Paul is going to work for his shot against the long hands of Trevor.
Posted by: Botsoy | May 17, 2008 at 11:11 AM
i would fear the spurs team more. They hae 3 guys that can create for other, while the hornets have one. but either would be tough
Posted by: greek dude | May 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I agree that the Spurs do not look great right now. Duncan in particular may have lost just a half point off his all time greatness. Assuming West gets healthy, the Hornets should advance, so I'll stick with my regular pick in these situations, I'd rather play whichever team looses.
That said, I think we'll beat either team, so just bring it on! But not for a couple days. I like the idea of them beating the crap out of each other while we rest:)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | May 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everybody....
As Mr. Gleason would say....wait for it.....HOW SWEET IT IS !
I for one especially love beating Utah and shoving it right up their fans collective rectums...
Here's some irony for you, and a little history.....
I became a Laker fan full time (and more) when I moved back to the States from Japan in 1966 (I was 9 years old) as there was no T.V in Japan I only heard rumblings about Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and Bill Russel--from what I gleaned from other people just coming to Japan the Lakers seemed like the cooler team....
I moved from Japan to Utah--luckily this was well before the Jazz moved there--it seemed like the Lakers were always the featured team on T.V. there---I then moved to Hawaii for 3 years and again it seemed that The Lakers were the "home team"...
After a lame ass year in Alabama we moved to Orange County where I lived for 20 years---Laker Land yeah !!
Now for the past 14 years I have lived in South East Idaho which is a satalite of Salt Lake City--complete with obnoxious Jazz fans and fervernt Laker Haters...
This victory was indeed sweet....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 17, 2008 at 11:14 AM
"But as a fan of the game, I'd love to see the Lakers and Hornets over seven games. That would be fun."
I would LOVE that. Nail-biting nervousness and all.
And I have to agree with you; not to say the Spurs aren't good, but, without all the embellishments, it's easier to beat them.
;)
Posted by: Alena | May 17, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Lakers is match better against the Spurs, IMHO. At PG position, DFish had not be able to contain CP3 during the regular season, CP3 is too fast for him. Jordan fared better but must shake off his ineffectiveness displayed in the Utah series. He was useless, as usual, yesterday.
4 days rest would give KB and Ariza ample time to heal!!
If LO played against the Spurs, Laker will take theSpurs in 5.
Posted by: Wallace | May 17, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Western Conference Finals Baby!
I want the Spurs. Beating them, will be MUCH bigger historically. We will be looking back in 10 years at this season as the one where the "Duncan Spurs" era ended, and the "Kobe, Pau, Bynum" era began.
One thing I see that I think is having a big impact in this years playoffs, is the way the refs are "Letting them play". I know that the playoffs are always rougher than the regular season, but HELL, I see guys getting HACKED 10 times a game, in every series. That is why it's near impossible for the road team to get a win in the second round.
A big "help" to the jazz last night during their comback was that the jazz were hacking the heck out of us and no whistle. Pau has been hacked and had a turnover on many occasions. Oh...and so I don't seem to be a homer, yeah....We were hacking the jazz too, and getting the "No-Call".
Big ups to VladRad and Sasha for good shooting in the close-out game.
Posted by: Eric M. | May 17, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Great win Lakers.
I want to face the Spurs. The championship goes through San Antonio and I want the Lakers to be the team to have knocked them off their throne.
Here's to the Lakers in 5 against either the Spurs or Hornets.
dpk
Posted by: dpk | May 17, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I think I'd rather face San Antonio, but there's really no right answer. I think we're clearly the more talented team. But to quote Charles Barkley, "The Spurs ain't going to die, you're going to have to kill them."
I do think we're better than the Hornets, but it's by a smaller margin than SA. Having to contend with Paul's scoring and playmaking is scary, and watching Pau battle Tyson Chandler on the glass is going to give us all headaches.
Posted by: Xodus | May 17, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Good Afternoon Nation!!!
Bring on the Hornets (or the Spurs)
Great game last night, lousy 4th quarter, huge win.
It was worth be awake till 3.am
Very nice we have till Wednesday to recover our guys, particularly Kobe and (maybe) Ariza.
8 down!
8 to go!
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | May 17, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Well, if the NBA doesn't want ratings to sink they'll be hopin' for NO-LA series. Personally, either team would be fine. I think the Lakers can spank em' both!
Cheers
Posted by: gman | May 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I would rather play the Spurs. They are old and just seem "done." They would still put up a really tough fight but the Hornets are playing like they have nothing to lose and we have trouble guarding elite point guards. I would be scared to see what Chris Paul would do to us. If Fish gets in foul trouble and Farmar has to guard CP3 we could be in major trouble. Granted Parker is a good PG but hes nothing compared to CP3 as shown in the current series.
Either way its going to be a tough series but the Spurs have never repeated and I'm looking for that trend to continue (hopefully in the WCF against us). Can't wait to see who we play.
LO= Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM
more ...
I have went to several Jazz games (one against the Lakers) and I can honestly say the "fans" there are definitely the most obnoxious and prejudiced group of fans in the NBA ---they really believe thier team never commits a foul of any kind---most of them go to the arena just to boo the other team for 3 and a half hours apparetnly....
My son went to the game last night and said there was a crowd waiting for the Laker bus so they could boo the players coming off the bus...
He also said how classless most of the fans were, with a lot of taunting and cursing Laker fans after the game..
so anyway, I get to gloat a little here with the misguided Jazz fans in my town...
As far as whom I would like to see us play in the WCF, I really have mixed emotions---I do think we can and should beat either team in 6 or 7 games....
The Hornets may be the better match up if we stick to Peja like stink on an outhouse....they seem to have less players to worry about than the Spurs....
Here's hoping the Cavs can beat the frickin' stinkin' Celtics...
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 17, 2008 at 11:33 AM
You hear that from the so-called NBA's loudest arena?
Silence.
NEXT!!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 17, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Spurs are old and are almost done.
LAKERS vs HORNETS would be a lot more entertaining!
Either way it's tough and either way Lakers will come up on top of the West.
So, I choose the best entertainment.
WESTERN CIONFERENCE FINALS BABY!!! Yelling at the top of my voice!!!
Posted by: Staples 24 | May 17, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Here is a really good post from a Jazz blogger:
"As a life-long Utah fan; I have to give major kudos to the Lakers. They overcame injuries all year long with Kobe carrying the weight. Deservingly he was rewarded with the Pau Gasol trade which made the Lakers immediate contenders and not pretenders like all the other "hopeful" trades made at the end of the season.
How could anyone count the Lakers out with Phil at the helm, the best pure basketball player in the league if not in the history of the game (Kobe), a championship veteran and class-act point guard (D-Fish), a swing-man that can do it all (Gasol), a HEALTHY and extremely athletic big man that does all the dirty work with both power and speed (Odom), and a supporting cast of teammates that can feed off of the confidence and experience of their starting five? Come on please! I am the truest of true Jazz fans, but the reality is we made it a series, but got beat by a better TEAM! D-Will is the ONLY constant in our game and is undoubtedly the only one with the H.O.C. (Heart of a Champion) hopefully he will be rewarded for his efforts the near future in or most likely, out of Utah.
As for the officiating, the refs did a GREAT job in this series. Consider the fact that my boys in Utah put a lot of pressure on the refs to make good judgment calls based upon their well-known physical-type of play. Utah relied on getting to the line throughout the season and the playoffs as a large part of their scoring game. When that plan went by the wayside because your opponents are much more athletic and can actually FINISH their shots after the contact; a part of your game plan is suddenly non-existent.
So to my fellow Jazz fans; QUIT WHINNING ABOUT THE REFS! If Boozer, Okur, and AK-47 would have played every quarter as if it was the 4th quarter in an elimination game, then the series may have taken a different turn if not forced a Game 7 in L.A. As for you "low-life" Utah fans that act like idiots on national TV and BOO one of the best class-act players in the league (D-Fish) for leaving Utah to ensure the LONGTERM well-being of his child; TO HELL WITH YOU ALL!!! Our Utah citizens have always praised the importance of family and to so distastefully disrespect and dishonor Derek and Larry Miller for making the RIGHT decision is inhumane, selfish, and for those Utah fans like myself who only have a tidbit of pride left; down right EMBARRASSING! Thanks again for making everyone associated to the Jazz including our great team, look like a bunch of classless idiots. I'm sure Adrian, Karl, John, and Jeff are glad to have retired when they did with at least a bit of pride left in their fans.
Good luck Lakers! GO HORNETS!!!""
Wow, a Jazz fan with class. Who'd thunk it?
(Actually, most of the jazz fans I know personally are overall classy individuals. This guy exemplifies the truer Jazz fan -- Not the idiots you see at ESA)
Posted by: Long Live Chick | May 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I don't want to face the Spurs as I'm worry about what Horry might do to Kobe's back. I love Horry as a Lakers, but what happened last year & this year play-off had me concern.
Any way, Go Lakers
Posted by: Lakers4Life | May 17, 2008 at 11:44 AM
That game was flat out awesome. That is why you keep pouring it on for as long as you can, especially on the road, because the home team WILL make a push. We were able to shove back and now we are moving on to the WCF. Way to go Laker Nation, keep those positive vibes flowing and we can take this all the way to the top.
Nice to know that Mihm is rounding back into shape and will be here next year, I honestly believe he could be a pretty dominant big man off the bench. Imagine a 2nd unit of Farmar and Vujacic in the back court, Turiaf and Mihm down low, and depending on the match up and the game needs Ariza or Walton at the 3. Smart, versatile and with a defensive toughmess no other bench brings. Next year could be a monster for us, if it all shakes out perfectly, we could be really dominant. Of course...you gotta play the games.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | May 17, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I WILL PLAY HORNETS...
EXPERIENCE COUNTS!!!!!
THEY WILL BE CHOKED AT THE END. HOWEVER, THEM BEATING SA WOULD BE A BIG CONFIDENCE BOOSTER.
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | May 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Utah fans loved their Jazz. They are passionate as Jazz homers because it is the only show in town. If they are not attending services or listening to their great choir, they're dreaming and hoping that someday Jazz will win one single Championship. They have been frustrated by the Bulls in the past, by the Spurs in so many playoffs encounter, by the Lakers in the eighties and at the start of the millennium with the presence of their 1-2 future hall of famers, Stockton and Malone. So booing an enemy was a natural recourse for that long drought. Eversince the Jazz landed in Utah, I have not heard any criminal or lawless element that happened to a team while playing in Utah. the worst case is booing and taunting at players, whining at refs that's the symptom of being forever a bridesmaid and future old maid on Championship. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I want San Antonio in the Western Conference Finals. The Devil you know is better than the one you don't.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM
BK,
Bring on all challengers. I don't care whom we face. It will be a difficult contest and we will win.
I believe the Spurs represent a tougher matchup for the Lakers. Individually, they aren't as scary on paper. With their excellent defense and tight execution, they're very difficult to play against. The Spurs are proven in the playoffs and have more troubling individual player matchups than the Hornets even though they have less talent.
Tony Parker will give us fits. Ginobli is a pain on both ends. Duncan is also a pain on both ends, but I feel we can defend him fairly well with well-timed doubles. On the defensive end, Duncan will bother us a lot. And the whole team has a sleuth of 3-point shooters that will bother us.
We've shown we can play a tightly-executing, many 3-point shooting, playoff tested, strong defensive team, but the Spurs are even more of a pain in these areas. The D-will problem will be solved as will the Mehmet Okur problem so there are ways in which it will be easier, but overall it will be a tougher, more annoying series.
While New Orleans looks like a better team, I think we match up better against them. Their defense isn't as stifling. I think Odom can give West trouble, maybe losing the individual matchup against West only by a little. Paul is a pain, but we can slow him down so he only inflicts serious rather than catastrophic damage. Our finesse trumps New Orleans's finesse. We're a tougher team with greater heart as well. I respect New Orleans a lot, but they just can't deal with us.
The teams that give us the most trouble are physical teams with strong defenses and playoff experience. Those teams have an advantage they can leverage against us. San Antonio is that team, New Orleans is not. When it becomes a question of quickness, offensive efficiency, and heart, there's no team that can beat us. Kobe's leading the team and he refuses to let us lose. Stubborn bastard.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Long Live Chick,
Thanks for the reminder that many (probably most) Jazz fans love basketball, respect their opponents, and are decent human beings. It's a nice reminder that there's still some humanity there. It's easy to lose sight of the good fans with all the animals they have in the stands.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 17, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I'd like to play thye Sonics in the next round, personally. But that doesn't seem likely. The two choices we have terrify me. I can see either of them getting wins in LA. San Antonio would be more likely to systematically exploit our weaknesses and play the physical type of game we struggle with... without giving up the calls Utah did.
On the other side, Chris Paul and Pargo will murder us.and the relative youth of their team might give us less advantage with our speed and length than we'd have over San Antonio.
Regardless, I'm happy we have home court advantage.
Posted by: j. d. hastings | May 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I'm going to take a moment and savor the fact that the Lakers are in the Western Conf Finals for the first time since I became a season ticket holder. I know we have a standard of "nothing less than a Championship" but, given the past couple of years, I think we deserve to enjoy the moment.
Say what you want about the Staples Center crowd. They may not be the loudest. But one thing they're not is, new to this. There are people who've been "in the building" for some of the greatest battles in NBA history going back 3+ decades. To get called 4 year olds by the commentators in laughable and speaks to the fact that Utah fans ARE new to this and don't know how to act. Good riddance.
Good riddance also to Hollinger's math pick to win-it-all. Sorry John. There's no formula that can replace what you know when you actually watch the games.
Hopefully the Lakers can recharge the batteries over this 4-day rest. I like how the team matches up against the Hornets but bring on either and let's have a war.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 17, 2008 at 12:35 PM
pretty lame to hear the jazz fans boo fish considering the questionable means in which they acquired carlos boozer.
that said, bring on either team. i like our chances.
Posted by: b mac | May 17, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I definitely want the Spurs
I like the way Pau matches up with Tim Duncan. Evidence was one of the final games in the season where the Lakers blew out the Spurs.
Tony Parker seems to have trouble penetrating and scoring on the collapsing long arms of Pau and Odom and he's not as good at finding his teammates as CP3.
The Spurs are the only team left in the playoffs that I think we can consistently out rebound.
I *don't* think that Horry will cheapshot and try to injure any Laker, especially Kobe Bryant. The Laker organization is a big reason he was able to make history and break Kareem's record.
The Spurs seem to shoot lights out at home, but I fully believe that our mature Laker team is capable of going in there and beating them. Evidence is that the Lakers did not let themselves get blown out in any of their away losses.
Kobe Bryant will not find a tougher defensive assignment in the playoffs than the combination of Brewer, Kirilenko, and Harpring. Three very good 1on1 defenders with varying styles.
Lakers vs Spurs, Lakers sweep.
Posted by: Justin N | May 17, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Either way, I think it will be an excellent series
Lane
LosAngelesSource.com
Your Source Los Angles Tickets
Posted by: Your Source Los Angles Tickets | May 17, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Well..since I live in Mississippi..im going to say Nawlins! That way I can go to a game..and act a 3-layer donkey when we steal one or two on the road! If anyone is in the LA/MS area we gotta represent! Oh..and for anyone wondering..im actually a Los Angeles son..I just live in the dirty..dirty!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 17, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I'm a pistons fan and could care less who the fakers play. It's the year of the pistons baby.
Posted by: Johnny Piston2008 | May 17, 2008 at 12:58 PM
It seems to me everyone is forgeting something.... this team is built to compete with any NBA team. In every series the Lakers did not make any major adjustments, they tweaked the offense/ defense a little bit and thats about it.
We really do have something special right now and for the future. When the Lakers assembled the Gasol trade, that tilted the NBA axis. That's why Phoenix and Dallas made the block buster trades to counter the Lakers move. We see how that turned out.
We are now the feared team because as the players have been saying in interviews "We have weapons." So my friends it doesn't matter who we play as long as we execute and play solid defense we will prevail to the top.
My two cents for free.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: JBizzo | May 17, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Can anyone give me a link in the internet to watch replay of the game pls???Go Lakers 2008 NBA Champs!!!
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | May 17, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I agree with this post on the grounds that if facing the Spurs, the Lakers pose a very formidable opponent in matchup scenarios. The Lakers big 3 are a handful in Bryant, Gasol, and Odom. Combined with veteran guard play from Fisher, the Lakers starting line up would be difficult to stop by both NO and SA. I am however concerned with the bench play in our second round. I really haven't seen the dominance from our second unit that helped relieve our starters from putting down some insane minutes in the regular season. My hope is that they come back true to form and get to the finals in 6.
Posted by: Jeff Ignacio | May 17, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Who do we play? I don't care.
I'm like the North Dakota wheat farmer who doesn't get excited about the weather. Can't change it, so why worry?
Or as the wise man Forrest Gump says, 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. Just enjoy who it is as you kick their butts.'
I say, whoever it is, I say bring it on! And be prepared to go fishing soon. This team is humming and getting better.
Just watch as Ariza helps to deny the middle and close out on the perimeter. The guy is awesome.
Allen-Brazil -
4 days for the Lakers players to rest? What about us bloggers? We need time to rest as well from that emotional series.
And finally, to the people of Utah. You are a beautiful people. I lived their for many years. They will give the shirt off their back to help their neighbors. But you got a problem when it comes to the Jazz. It brings out the worst in you.
Just remember, please support your team responsibly. Now have a nice summer, go enjoy some milk and cookies. You'll feel much better.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 17, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Whattup Laker Nation!
For my 2 cents worth, I want the Spurs. Not because I'm afraid of the Hornets (which I'm not) but because they are the reigning champs & to go through them would be more satisfying. Plus, I do think because they're older & have to fight harder to get out of round 2, we'd have the advantage there as well. Either way, I am supremely confident that the LakeShow will bring it and win in 6. (Yes, I'm a homer hoping for the sweep!!!) but I'll stick with 4-2 Lakers over either team. Now it's just time to rest, regroup, get healthy, watch some tape & get ready to rumble! LOL!
8 to O'Brien........
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2008 at 01:31 PM
The Lakers are going to the Western Conference Finals.
God that feels good to type!
Posted by: 15cmngsoon | May 17, 2008 at 01:51 PM
BK,
“…but I will not abide by any "they didn't look good enough winning" talk.”
Brian, good to see your Laker fan side push its way to the forefront at this historic moment in Lakers history. Great win by our team.
Outstanding analysis of the Lakers prospects versus the Spurs or Hornets. I agree with every point you made and would only add that I would prefer to see us play the Spurs so that we can be the team that dethrones the current champ. We will surely have many opportunities in the future to finish off Chris Paul and the Hornets but this may be our last shot to show Duncan and Popovich and the Spurs that in the end the Lakers rule.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Reasons to want the Hornets:
-West in pain?
-Inexperience in Conference finals
-No one to guard Kobe
-No Tony, Timmy, & Manu
-No Dirty Horry
-No HOF coach POP
Reasons to want the Spurs:
-No CP3
-They're older and slower than the Hornets
-No alley oopalooza
-No Peja
-Putting the nail in the dynasty's coffin
-Breaking the championship every other year streak
-Keep Horry from getting another ring
-Watching Pop stew on the bench
-Watching Pop choke as he's forced to praise Pau after a monster game
Since we split the season series with both teams and they're both equally tough, I'll say the Spurs.
If we win, it'll be a changing of, no make that reverting to the old guard. Taking back what was stolen from us when the Spurs tanked to get the number one pick.
If we lose, it'll be more respectable than losing to the Hornets.
However, we just played the toughest matchup in the West. We will be fine either way.
Posted by: mel | May 17, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Hey Lane ~
Um, welcome to blogging, 2008.
It is considered a major NO-NO in blogging to comment in someone's post simply to pimp yourself or your business. To make a pathetic and half-hearted attempt at joining in the coversation with a pithy one-liner, followed by an advertisement, is just lame. The fact that the K-Bros let you continue to do it speaks to their lack of "ego" regarding this site, but the blogging "community" dosen't take as kindly to spammers/trolls.
Having your signature as a clickable link should be all the pimping you need. If someone is interested, they will follow. Including the ad within the comment is classless. Like a Jazz fan.
Posted by: | May 17, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I would prefer the San Antonio Spurs.
My thought process is this: who would you rather face, the team on its way up (the Hornets), or the team on its way down (the Spurs)?
Of course, my assumption would have to be right that the Spurs are on the way down.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 17, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Jamie,
Glad to see another Laker fan who can see the big upside if Chris Mihm can get his game back for the Lakers next year. Before being injured, Chris was a top 15 NBA center with great hops and a polished low post offensive game. He could be our first round draft pick next year and a big contributor off the bench if he can come back all the way.
Chris was Kobe’s favorite Laker before his unfortunate and potentially career-ending injury. The fact that he, like Gasol, can play the 4 and 5 makes Chris potentially even more valuable. Great to hear optimistic words from Chris. I’m a big Mihm fan.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Hi all:
WCF - woohoo!!!
Next team: I don't care because we have 33 rings (coaches) and 4 days pure rest. LAL will be ready for whoever it is.
I'd like SAS - just to say we knocked the Champs out. And I like the match-ups all around. MVP loves to play against Bowen, D-Fish will be up to the task of Parker. LO7 and PG will be the wildcards - I think they can more than handle SAS bigs. If Vlad and Walton can give us 15-20 each game combined - I think we win.
If NOH - it will be way more exciting. CP3 isn't much different than D-Will - we just have to close off the lane. I think D-Fish is playing inspired and intelligent D. If he can continue to read plays and keep up the steals, that will frustrate CP3. But that's waht D-Fish needs to do because he knows he is not as fast. He can only play smarter and trust his teamates which he showed he can do ag. Jazz. I think LO7 will be the X-factor ag. NOH. If he continues his amazing play - he will be winning the games fo us. And we can't forget about their coach - Byron. He would love to take LAL out especially after losing to us when he was with Nets. I think the coaching match-up will bring the intrigue and tv drama. The players will give it the excitement.
Lakers in 6 - because we can win on the road!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 17, 2008 at 02:08 PM
BK,
You don't go down to Anaheim to a Dodger game.....It's called an Angel game until the Dodgers can make the playoffs for a few seasons....Purple, Gold and Red show would actually be interesting for more than half an hour on Wednesdays.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 17, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I was at the game last night...just finally recovered from a night of celebration!! Lakers baby!!!
Jazz fans are truly very obnoxious and classless, yet when it comes down to it, they are rarely violent (unlike other cities like Oakland, Philly, Pittsburgh, etc). They are easily the least intelligent fans in the league though, and are always looking for excuses for their teams failures, rarely giving the opponent any sort of respect...
I was actually sitting right next to a Jazz beat writer (with the Deseret News, local paper)...and we discussed the series, Kurt Rambis (I had my Rambis jersey on again), the future of both squads, and a continous dialogue as the game progressed. He was really impressed with this Lakers squad, yet we both agreed the Jazz came out too lethargic to put up any sort of fight. He actually left at the beginning to the 4th quarter to file his article, so he missed most of the comeback...but it was great talking with somebody who's actually knowledgeable about the game, and actually gives the opponent their just due...
With all that said, I did almost get into a few scuffles both last Sunday, and last night. Just stupid Jazz fans feeling the need to let frustration out on the opposing teams fans, and deciding throwing cups, paper, or shoulders at you. Let's just say they were lucky some smarter fans got betwen us.
Anyways, great win last night, especially in the wolfden.
Let the mach to the championship continue!!!
8 down, 8 to go!!!!!
SamB in the SLC
Posted by: SamBSLC | May 17, 2008 at 02:15 PM
JBizzo,
“It seems to me everyone is forgeting something.... this team is built to compete with any NBA team. In every series the Lakers did not make any major adjustments, they tweaked the offense/ defense a little bit and thats about it.
We really do have something special right now and for the future. When the Lakers assembled the Gasol trade, that tilted the NBA axis. That's why Phoenix and Dallas made the block buster trades to counter the Lakers move. We see how that turned out.
We are now the feared team because as the players have been saying in interviews "We have weapons." So my friends it doesn't matter who we play as long as we execute and play solid defense we will prevail to the top.
My two cents for free.”
Short, succinct, insightful, and right on point. Excellent job.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2008 at 02:16 PM
jistintimberlake-
Nothing's been edited. They must be sad and are taking the morning off.
pslakerfan-
You're welcome to petition the Times to crank up an Angels Blog, but I don't think I can man it. Anaheim is too far from my place. (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 17, 2008 at 02:29 PM
UNSUNG HEROES TIME:
1. Derek Fisher - if the Lakers have a different guard than Fisher, the Lakers do not beat the Jazz. That steal of Deron Williams in the open court was Houdini-esque. Now you see it, now you don't. And how many clutch momemtum stopping shots has the dude made? I'll admit, sometimes when he pulls up for that lefty J with no one rebounding, I'm cringing, but he really has a knack for making daggers.
2. Sasha Vujacic - Driving into the lane, making the left-handed layup? Is this the same Sasha from 2 years ago? And never mind that you EXPECT him to make an open three, how about the charge he took on Paul Millsap? Without flopping! Are you kidding me? This guy has impressed me beyond my wildest expectations.
3. Lamar Odom. The phrase "clutch free throw shooter" has never been written within the same sentence as "Lamar Odom", unless it was prefaced with a "not". Until now.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 17, 2008 at 02:32 PM
doesn't matter who's next, these Lakers got SWAGGER.
swagger: verb, behave in a very confident way...
For the foreseeable Laker future,
it's a noun.
Posted by: | May 17, 2008 at 02:34 PM
I personally think that the Hornets are the team we have the best chance of beating. Consider this, we have yet to play the Spurs at their best strength. If I recall correctly, we beat San Antonio when they were missing Ginobili the first time and the second time we beat them at the end of the season, they were missing Tony Parker (or perhaps its the other way around). In any case, we have yet to play the Spurs when they have all their weapons together.
Second, we've beaten the Hornets solidly this season twice. Forgetting the first time we met at Staples when we were still struggling, we have matched up well as of late. With Pau Gasol, we completely neutralize Tyson Chandler. Remember Andrew Bynum destroyed CHandler, but when he was injured and we didnt have Pau, Turiaf was all we had. Things are different now. We played the Hornets when it was their must-win situation and we beat them.
Second, if Trevor Ariza comes back, we have somebody to throw at Chris Paul. Sure, its asking a lot to have Ariza (whos been out for months) to suddenly come in and shut down Paul, but hes another body to throw at him. Or at least he can guard somebody like Peja for those 3s (if you remember Ariza shut down Peja in NO due to his length, something Luke couldnt do). Odom will neutralize West, and get him into foul trouble.
Lastly, the Hornets have shown that they lack some poise. Chandler gets too jacked up playing at home in LA, West throws fits, and Byron Scott coaching against the Lakers in the playoffs will be a distraction (you dont think Magic and Kareem will have him over for dinner??).
That being said, I want the Spurs. Why? Because we deserve the Spurs. It just adds to the rivarly.
Posted by: The Lake Show | May 17, 2008 at 02:45 PM