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
This is an easy question:
The Hornets are the weaker team.
Chris Paul is going to hurt you, yes, but if we can contain West, and let Chris shoot the ball, I'm not worried about anyone else on that team. The only reason Peja gets off is when our defenders double down and leave him open. Stay on Peja, and he's nullified as as a shooter. T Chandler is nothing but a dunker. He has no back to basket game; all he can do is wait for the D to double on Paul in the key and wait for the dish off. Phil should be able to devise a strategy to deal with that.
Now San Antonio can hurt you in numerous ways. Parker can drive on you and collapse your D, Duncan can overpower Pau very easily, we have no true answer for Ginobli, and the Spurs have a ton of role players that can be effective, plus they have more experience and poise than the Lakers (whom can be fragile at times).
The Lakers are use to dealing with fast hardhitting guards in the playoffs (Steve Nash), so I'm not so worried about Paul or Parker. It's the bigmen that worry me. We've seen how soft Pau is, and how foul prone Roni is. You get Duncan in there against these guys in the WCF, and it will be toast.
Lastly, the Lakers did better against the Hornets during the year.
Prediction: Lakers v. Hornets, Lakers in 5. Lakers v. Spurs, Spurs in 7.
Posted by: troy | May 17, 2008 at 02:50 PM
AK or BK,
What are your thoughts as to why Pau Gasol seemed to struggle so much against a small Utah frontline? I didn't notice the flaws in his game during the season. In fact, he was dominating many of our opponents (some of those teams were physical too).
But after the Utah series, I noticed him being soft, jittery, hesitant, clumsy, confused...what gives, in your opinion?
Posted by: troy | May 17, 2008 at 02:59 PM
As an NBA fan I want to play the Hornets as I think it will be a better (more exciting) series. As a Laker fan I want SA as I think we match up better. Funny thing I am usually a GHE kind of guy, but I feel like we will destroy either. I felt from the beginning of the playoffs like the Jazz were the toughest WC opponent and I still feel that way. I think after that NO or SA will be a cakewalk.
I hope I am right.......
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 17, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Wow. Parker (Candace, not Smush) is really good. Great win against the defending champs Phoenix.
Posted by: mel | May 17, 2008 at 03:03 PM
It is acknowledged all over the world that KB 24 is the most talented and gifted basketball player without any doubt. However, his behavior and shove it down your throat attitude leaves me wondering why such a gifted player needs to be so weak in personality, sportsmanship, and some ounce of humbleness? Does he have to behave like a horses hind end to accomplish his performances? Gees, everyone knows who he is and what he can do, isn't that enough for the guy?
Posted by: Jerry Evans | May 17, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Trade Luke Walton for Candace Parker
Posted by: drew | May 17, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Match up with spurs
offensively, they don't have anyone who matches up with Odom. this is key because, with Odom's new found aggressiveness, he'll really be able to light up whoever they put on him (Oberto? Duncan?). i say this because Kobe is Kobe, and he'll play great regardless if Bowen is on him, or Mo Pete is on him.
defensively however we do not match up with the spurs well at all. Duncan? he's giving Tyson Chandler fits, imagine gasol on him. Ginobli? that boy is clutch, and Kobe would have to expend copious amounts of energy to take him out of his game. who do we put Odom on? he's too slow to put on Ginobli, and it seems such a waste of his defensive capabilities if he has to guard Oberto. i guess we could put him on bowen and have vlad switch to oberto, but thats still a waste of defensive talent.. .which brings us to NO
NO match up
Offensively, they have no one to guard Kobe, and thats just fine with me, if you remember the last game against them, they had Peja on him down the stretch hahaha. Chris Paul likes to play center field and Fisher Spots up for 3s, i feel vladdy and peja, odom and west are washes. .
Defensively
CP3 is obviously better than D-will, but he's kind of like Odom in that he really doesn't have a reliable 3pt shot. also, i watched game 6 of the SA-NO matchup, and CP3 seemed passive most of the game, he didn't really drive aggressively with the ball every opportunity he had.
against West, we have Odom who is fast enough to close out the jump shot, and is long enough to contest as well. if Vladdy can reproduce the defensive intensity that helped him to limit Melo in the first round, i'm not too worried about Peja going off.
my conclusion. . .
we match up better offensively with Spurs but much better defensively against the hornets. . .
me personally, i'd like to see the hornets, if only to see the epic battle of "the master "man" v.s. the apprentice "poor man"
for those unsure, that means peja vs vladdy
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | May 17, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Thanks for all the well wishers on the first addition to my family -- All is well in the HmrHed household. The newest Laker fanatic is ready to go --- hahaha
Wait -- Let me try something ... “HEY JAZZ FAN” --- shhhh, listen – just what I expected -- I heard my echo! don't let the door hit you in the ass.
My prediction is that the Hornets will take the 7th game. It's against conventional wisdom, but I think SA is due for their "down" year --- They never win in it in even years.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 17, 2008 at 03:50 PM
HOW ARE LAKERS DOING STATISTICALLY?
The Lakers appear to be playing classic Lakers Basketball other than controlling the boards. Here is a recap of what the latest 2008 NBA Playoff Stats say:
RUNNING EFFICIENT OFFENSE – The Lakers are #1 in the 2008 NBA Playoffs in points per game at 112, points differential at +7.10, and field goal percentage at 48.7%. Among the teams still in the playoffs, the Lakers are also #1 in 3-point shot percentage at 39.7% and assists at 23.6 per game. The only concern is turnovers, where the Lakers rank 5th highest overall and highest among teams still in the playoffs at 12.8 giveaways per game. The Triangle Offense is clearly running on all cylinders.
ATTACKING THE RIM – The Lakers are #1 in free throws attempted at 35 per game and made at 26.6 per game. They have excelled in forcing their opponents defenses and the games referees to respond to their aggressiveness. In contrast, Lakers opponents have only made an average of 22.4 of 28 attempts, giving the Lakers an edge of 4 points per game in free throws, which is surprising since it seemed as if the advantage was greater. This also does not take into consideration the foul difficulties and substitutions and disqualifications that subsequently result from the Lakers edge in free throws.
CONTROLLING THE BOARDS – The Lakers rank 10 of 16 on total rebounds per game in the playoffs at 39.3 boards, 15 of 16 on offensive rebounds per game at 9.5 boards, and 9 of 16 in defensive rebounds per game at 29.8 boards. The problem is that the Lakers opponents are killing the purple and gold on the glass. The Lakers are 16 of 16 dead last in offensive rebounds allowed per game at 16.3 and total rebounds per game of 46.6. Fortunately, the Lakers have played well enough in other areas to overcome this deficiency so far. More fortunately, Andrew Bynum returning solves this problem.
PLAYING TOUGH DEFENSE – While the Lakers are 15 of 16 in points allowed at 105 per game, they are nevertheless 6th in opponent shooting percentage allowed at 43.7% and 2nd opponent 3-point percentage allowed at 30.6%. They also are 2nd overall and 1st among teams still in the playoffs in steals at 7.6 per game and #1 overall in blocks at 7.0 per game. The blocks per game, a testament to the Lakers length and athleticism, have been especially important with Andrew Bynum out of the lineup.
With the best win-loss record in the playoffs so far at 8-2, the Lakers look like the team to beat. 8 more games to the 15th NBA Championship for the Lakers, the 10th NBA Championship for Phil Jackson, the 4th NBA Championship for Kobe and Fish, and the 1st NBA Championship for the rest of the team and the LA Times Lakers Blog.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2008 at 04:02 PM
amazing,
Excellent post. Derek, Sasha, and Lamar are truly unsung heroes. What is so great about this team is that we actually have 10 different guys capable of stepping up and rising to the occasion to become individual game heroes and help Kobe and Pau lead the team to victory. The Lakers have more real players than any other team out there. Once we get Trevor and Drew back and Chris recovered next year, we will truly become invincible.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2008 at 04:10 PM
it doesn't matter who the Lakers face. they have to beat them all and both SA and NO are good teams.
Posted by: man | May 17, 2008 at 04:14 PM
LakerTom,
"HOW ARE LAKERS DOING STATISTICALLY?"
Dead last, on "Average Circumference of Calves."
Have you seen Gasol's skinny legs? They would be leading the league in that all-important area if not for that stupid trade!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 17, 2008 at 04:17 PM
LakerTom - seriously dude - why aren't you writing a column in a paper or something rather than just on here? Don't get me wrong - we at Laker Nation love your insights, etc. but you could be making money doing this. You are too gifted to "squander" your talent here!!! (No offense to AK/BK/LakerNation in general - I'm just saying this guy is REALLY good. MUCH better than most of the bozo's getting a paycheck for turning in work that's so far away in quality from LakerTom's you'd have to start a new ballpark....you know - it's not in the same ballpark as his...)
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2008 at 04:18 PM
BTW - HmrHed - congratulations on the new little hmrhed! We can always use another (rabid) Laker Fan!! LOL!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2008 at 04:19 PM
This Laker team is a real cruel team!
I am wondering right now how Kwame Brown is feeling? just think about it... he was here forever and forever the lakers had fever (never figured how to go to the next level).
I believe he is watching and deep inside he's not rooting for this team! because he doesn't want to feel like he was the reason why this team never moved up while he was here.
Prediction: Lakers will be playing in june!
Posted by: classic | May 17, 2008 at 04:21 PM
This Laker team is a real cruel team!
I am wondering right now how Kwame Brown is feeling? just think about it... he was here forever and forever the lakers had fever (never figured how to go to the next level).
I believe he is watching and deep inside he's not rooting for this team! because he doesn't want to feel like he was the reason why this team never moved up while he was here.
Prediction: Lakers will be playing in june!
Posted by: classic | May 17, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Jerry Evans - you are a troll of the worst sort - a Kobe hater who says he's a Laker fan. I think you should go back to the cave or hovel or whatever it is you call home & maybe watch the games on Tivo or something so you can recognize the greatness that is the Bean before you post on here. EVERY great opponent has that attitude - it's an "I'm going to do whatever it takes for me and my team to kick your team's hiney into the fishing boat for the rest of the season" attitude that makes the Lakers so great. It makes Kobe the best player in the league - hence the MVP trophy you tool. Now think before you post next time.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 17, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Tom,
Thanks so much for the great breakdown.
I'm sure there's a more accurate stat (defensive efficiency?) that tells us how good we are defensively. Opponents PPG may be a result of the fast pace of Laker games. Not to mention we played 2 of the more prolific offenses in the first two rounds. As long as we score at least one more point than the other guys, it's good.
We're seeing less missed assignments, more challenged shots, more help defense, more blocks, and on and on.
You hear it more and more from the broadcasters. "Clicking on all cylinders". They used to say that about the Pistons. We need our own catchphrase.
We went wire to wire in the last 2 games. Against the Jazz. Aggression is the key because there are no pretenders left in the playoffs.
Posted by: mel | May 17, 2008 at 04:26 PM
LakerTom,
You forgot that the .800 win pct in the playoffs came against a pretty tough "strength of schedule".
If we were to power rank the teams in the playoffs, the Lakers would be tops, but you already knew that.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 17, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Great comments on the blog. Everything's already been said.
I want San Antonio to put the nail in their coffin, plus I think they're getting old and worn out. The other team is more of a wild card. With San Antonio, Phil knows exactly what he's getting, and will be able to apply the appropriate counter-measures.
At any rate, let's beat whoever, and then give us Boston. For us long time Laker fans, we owe them a few, and it's time to pay them back.
Posted by: | May 17, 2008 at 04:40 PM
It ain't about how "exciting" any series would be. It's about the Laker's organization and especially Phil Jackson and Ko-Me Bryant being terified to death about the prospects of having to face the Spurs. Poor L.A. always looking for the "Big Easy" way out!!!
Posted by: DiamondDave | May 17, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Bring on the Spurs, bring on the Celtics...bring on the Trophy....see y'all on Figeuroa!!!
Posted by: thedropper | May 17, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Here is agood analysis by Charley Rosen why Lakers overwhelmed the Jazz. He used to be a Kobe critic now a Laker believer after the Gasol trade.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8148464
I think Gasol did a fantastic job. He appeared to be clumsy because he is a finnesse type of player, a typical Euro player, good in post ups, shooting and passing but not a power dunker or one who abuse the boards often seen among US college players. He despised the conventional wisdom that any player coming to the Lakers would have difficulty with the triangle. That only happens when you are a bad player without any fundamental knowledge of basketball. He is the right prescription for the triangle that was adjusted by PJ this year into a running game. That's what Jerry Buss wants, the Showtime Lakers fans prefer or a defensive fan like Faith preferred, a good defense that leads to easy layups or fast breaks. Wait for Drew to break those uncontested layups from opponents or Mbenga to gain foot speed and control the boards, that is coming in the next development of the Lakers while the perimeter shooters will get sharper in marksmanship from Sasha, Vlad, Farmar, hopefully Luke and Trevor, Coby and Lue that is in addition to the traditional ones. We can't offer any kind of criticisms for this bunch. I also observed that It is not a merely tweaking the team, there is a renaissance from the scrubby plays we were used to witness in Kwame, Smush, Cookie, Shammond under a slow, methodical but boring triangle. The comparison is night and day and the gap as wide as the distance between earth and mars. As the experience of this group grows, the confidence to dominate lingers with Kobe as the supreme ringmaster. I only hope they will remain humble while they're the topnotch team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 17, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Thanks mambafan --
Damn Tom, that's breaking it down old school --hahaha
I got games 5 and 6 on DVR -- I think I'll skip the 5th game and just go the clincher.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 17, 2008 at 05:30 PM
justanothermambafan,
Thanks for props even if they are a little over the top. I’ll leave any professional aspirations to Mike T. LOL. While I have my share of good takes, I’ve been around long enough to know a true professional job from an inspired amateur effort.
What I can contribute to the blog is the insight, optimism, and perspective gained from having experienced every one of the nine Lakers championships won in Los Angeles and the native ability to articulate and share my points with my fellow blogmates.
As for doing this for a living, the world belongs to the young. Budding entrepreneurs like Andy and Brian are the ones who are changing the infoscape and redefining where news and content intersect. I’m just a passionate old timer taking advantage of their forum.
I must say that I have never enjoyed any Lakers season or team as much as I have this season and this team. It’s astounding and unbelievable to think we may win our 15th NBA Championship even though we’re missing our phenom superstar center Andrew Bynum and best perimeter defender Trevor Ariza.
So stop making me blush with the compliments. LOL. Just responding to and sharing your thoughts regarding my posts is all I really want as well as compliment enough.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 17, 2008 at 05:39 PM
if the spurs win game 7 on the road, that means they are still good.
so would you rather play the spurs that proved they can win the big games on the road, or the hornets which would prove they can win the big game at home?
hornets
Posted by: greek dude | May 17, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Classic,
"how Kwame Brown is feeling? just think about it... he was here forever and forever the lakers had fever (never figured how to go to the next level)."
Kwame Brown did not impose himself to the NBA. Everyone made a mistake on Kwame based on his physique and initial showing. The great MJ erred in choosing him as No. 1 pick. PJ thought he was the right presciption as the post player he was looking for, to replace the void left by Shaq. Kwame played two and half seasons here because no one in his right mind wants to touch a "hot potato" player whose muscles are as hard as a walnut but his knowledge of basketball is up to the level of 7th grader teaching him how to shoot and catch the ball. He was untouchable UNTIL the wisdom from Grizzlies plan to revamp their line up and go for youth movement and inexpensive players. Gasol became disposable in exchange of Kwame's contract and youth substitutes like J-Critt, Marc Gasol and future 1st round draft picks. Without Kwame's huge contract, we have no Pau today in LA. That's why, there were protestations from the league coaches and gms. that why in the world did Grizzlies go for Kwame vs. Gasol trade and treated it as a fair exchange. They did not see the wisdom nor the viewpoint of Grizzlies owner of reducing his expenses and earn small profit in the future. Yes, it led to further change in other teams. In the case of Kwame he remained the same as Kwame, a cake-throwing player, a player that dated prostitutes and promised them heaven and earth, a player who would protect his cousin against brutish cops. These were headline news about Kwame. Today, he is happy go lucky individual to be paid big bucks without any fundamental knowledge but just good physique, soon he will be a retired journeyman. Therefore, it was not Kwame who was deficient, it was the coaches and general managers who blundered in expecting too much from Kwame.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 17, 2008 at 06:01 PM
justanothermambafan,
How do you know Jerry Evans is a Laker fan????
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 17, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Congratulations to our beloved Los Angeles Lakers for advancing to the WCFinals. They beat a very game opponent and overcame Utah's considerable home-court advantage.
Looking ahead, I think that the Lakers can handle either the Spurs or NO. To do so, the Lakers have to neutralize a member of each team's big 3. NOH feature Peja, David West and Paul. Peja has to be slowed to beat them, IMO. Witness how the momentum in their current series changed when Popovich made the defensive adjustment to play Bowen on Peja, as opposed to having him check CP3. It's much the same as when the Lakers had their playoff battles with Sacramento a few years ago. Rick Fox would make it his mission in life to stop Peja. And it worked...Sactown never beat the Lakers in the postseason. Same scenario here. Peja cannot be allowed to roam the perimeter and launch 3's. He's too good of a shooter and 3's have a way of turning a game around...as the late shots for Utah almost did last night.
I also think that Manu Ginobli is the key to beating the Spurs. His wild forays to the basket often result in breaking down the opposition and creating shots for his teammates. Manu has to be limited in order to beat the Spurs.
Hopefully, Trevor Ariza will be able to contribute during the WCF. Although it would be asking a lot for him to be operating at a high level after such a long layoff, if he can provide some additional perimeter defense, it would be invaluable.
That being said, I would prefer the Spurs as the Lakers' next opponent. San Antone is ready for a fall, while the Hornets are a team on the rise. Plus CP3 is special and will be very hard for The Show to deal with.
J O M O
Just One Man's Opinion.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 17, 2008 at 06:21 PM
I'd rather see the Lakers play the Hornets because they do not have the playoff experience San Antonio has.
Posted by: MOLaker | May 17, 2008 at 06:51 PM
LakerTom,
You're cool.
Thanks,
Tony Rambis
Posted by: Tony Rambis | May 17, 2008 at 06:53 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"
whoaa... i didnt know pistons fans can read nor write!
yup it is your year alryt, your last year as an elite in the WEAK EAST coz next year orlando, philly, atlanta will smack your hineys silly!
dream on fool, your 1 ring this decade was a fluke!
as for the next opponent i say bring whoever! This is the new & upgraded laker team that can play whatever kind of offense or defense that is thrown at them.
PURPLE & GOLD BABY!!!
Posted by: juanman888 | May 17, 2008 at 08:12 PM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U2aqNgbUMak&feature=related
= greatest mix ever!
go lakers!
Posted by: kareem4prez | May 17, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Laker Tom,
Thanks for going to the stats and doing the math on the Lakers' rebounding. It seems to be the most infuriating part of watching a game for me. The Lakers could shave 5-10 points off an opponent's score per game if the Lakers could dedicate a little more of themselves to this. Is it because the trade-off might be fewer fast-break points? Somehow, I don't think it should. If we play San Antonio, I think they're one of the better teams on the boards (without having checked the stats), it could make things harder for the Lakers.
Still, whether it's Hornets or Spurs doesn't matter a great deal. Lakers are still destined to be Western Conference Champions. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 17, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Okay, I know I'm late on this post, but I want to back up.
LAKERS NATION, HOW GREAT DOES IT FEEEL TO BE GOING TO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS???
We will win, but whatever happens will happen. Right now, lets celebrate the dawning of a new era.
Which team would we like to play? We are confident against each? When Bynum comes back there will be NO COMPARISON!!! Right??!!!?
So while we hedge our bets, remember the last three years and enjoy the view from up high. We are an elite team. In the years to come we will not only be contenders, but favorites!
GOoooOOOOO LLLLLAAAAAKERS!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 17, 2008 at 09:58 PM
I completely agree with LakerTom on his last post.
LakerTom is the dean of the elders in the blog who have witnessed several Lakers success and failures. While there were several writers who preceded Tom who seldom post like the original JJ, Mike T., Pete Mcquire, R. Z. Gaznabi, WiZo, Jorema, Taliq and many more you will read their names in the archives, they contributed insights that paved way to development of this blog. This new generation of bloggers posting here today are the new columnists of this generation. Gone are the days when we adore the Times sports columnists who write well, their ideas and spins are just same as yours with built-in biases and preferences. Well, as I said before I agree with my friend LakerTom 90% of his posts, I try to set aside the other 10% in reducing the excess optimism which is great but hard to absorb like convincing God to be a Laker fan. lol!
Anyway, we are all part of this blog family, the youth, not so young, the elders and visitors alike that make up this blog known as Lakerville community or sometimes called Laker nation, a community that transcends to global proportion. Laker players and coaches and management read this blog and get their ideas too from you. Kareem thought of writing a blog to attract many oldtimers here, he got the idea from this blog. J Adande tried to compete with AK/BK and also other posters put up their own blog, however there is only one Lakers Blog. It may sound silly but it is true, We were referred as "whackos" by an established KCAL sportcaster which I'm sure he regreted in painting and describing Laker fans who have been listening to him for years. Therefore, when addressing to fellow bloggers whether criticizing or augmenting his/her opinion, just take note that we are all a community of Laker fans here, most of the times we agree with our opinions and there are times when we just disagree on our takes. It is best to extend common courtesy in ironing those differences rather than abusing the poster or addressing our personal differences.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 17, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Don't worry about me guys, I've got 9 million reasons to enjoy my early vacation! I didn't exert myself much this year and I'm really looking forward to clubbin.
Kwame
a.k.a. "Ace of Cakes"
Posted by: kwame Brown from Kwame Town | May 17, 2008 at 11:00 PM
We take down either team in 6. The Spurs are a little more scary just because we've had to go through them so many times. We have a harder time guarding Tony Parker than CP3. I think we are much deeper with bigs than NO, and Chandler doesn't scare me at all. West has been playing well but he'll have to deal with LO who is playing great. Peja will do his usual post season fade just when he is needed most. Pargo scares me more snce we know first hand how good a shooter he is.
Posted by: cvlfan | May 17, 2008 at 11:05 PM
LakerTom - It really is scary that the Lakers are getting so far into the playoffs without Bynum and Ariza.
The only problems I can foresee in the future (next 3-4 years) are health issues, and if/when players start to look better because they are on a such a good team. Either some other team ends up overpaying for them, or the players themselves believe they should get more minutes. I can imagine teams doing that for players like Ronny and Sasha, and I can't blame them for taking the money.
But that's way out on the horizon. For now, the future looks bright and clear.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 17, 2008 at 11:17 PM
I would take SA just because they are the CHAMPS... defeating them would be symbolic of the passing on of the staff. Until a team beats them... they are the team to beat...
as a lakers fan... I believe our TEAM deserve to face them in a Conference Championships. Provided they went past NO on Monday, which I think they will.
The Spurs' system is an epitome of Championship play... beating them would definitely put the players' experience as battle tested as can be in a grueling NBA Finals with either the PIstons or the Celtics.
Go lakers!
Lakers = 2008 NBA World Champions
KOBE BEAN BRYANT = FInals MVP
Posted by: dice8up | May 18, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I want to play the Spurnets.
Does anyone else think we should try to get Javaris back? At least, he'll inspire Farmar to play better.
Posted by: never | May 18, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Well, since lakers will be beating either team, i would rather see NO advancing. Chris Paul is a scary, scary dude, which makes the playoffs even more exciting
Posted by: Alex | May 18, 2008 at 01:13 AM
I rather the hornets. like many bloggers pointed out they have the least experience of the two. Also there reallyisn't anyone to guard Kb24 1 om 1 on that team. I'd like Kb24 also to teach CP3 a lesson as well , just like Lebronzze and D-wade,Melo there time is not yet. KB24 is # 1still.
btw I have a huge crush on CP3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. Candace Parker that is(lol) boy is she fine, and she can ball too!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: vi lakerfan | May 18, 2008 at 03:56 AM
I say hornets. Dynasty talk aside, they can't guard kobe, have no duncan and, especially, won't have home court.
Without bynum, we will not match up nearly as good against the spurs.
Posted by: jan | May 18, 2008 at 06:01 AM
Hornets.
Dynasty talk aside, without bynum, we don't match nearly as good against the spurs. they have duncan, bowen and dont care about home court.
Posted by: | May 18, 2008 at 06:04 AM
I would preder the Spurs in th final altough I lik the Hornets better. Lakers have a better chance to beat the Spurs than the quickness of Chris Paul and the Hornets. As far s next season, I have a great idea for a trade package. Lets package up Walton, Farmar, and Mihm and see what we can hook. The reason or the Utah comeback in Game 6 was because Jackson left Walton and Farmar in way too long. These guys are simply uneffective out there. The only thing they add is fouling. On a positive note, Sasha needs to be in the starting lineup. He is awesome! Go Lamar!
Posted by: Lou G | May 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Laker Tom Scores
"I’ve been around long enough to know a true professional job from an inspired amateur effort."
Well said. But your efforts and others are more appreciated than "true professionals". Your only remuneration is the boost from having fans from around the world respond to your thoughts about your favorite subject. Probably not something you expected would ever be the case as your were watching Wilt and West.
Bob Costas recent investigation into blogging missed one critical point about bloggers. They bond. Pros don't bond with their readers because they don't interact. It's that bond that makes this work.
Since the early days here, many have tried to establish rule, opinion. Mike T and JJ probably got tired, realizing the time put in wasn't worth the payback. The blog requires constant care and feeding if you want to be "the man".
Laker Tom and others have taken over with an infectious brand of enthusiasm. It's encouraging that optimism and overall civility eventually wins out. The few that shout "fire" in this crowded room, don't last.
As this inevitable dynasty rolls downhill, gathering speed, the blog will pick up more and more bandwagoners. Great that they'll find it in such good hands when they sign on for the first time.
As a new project takes my time, I'll be checkin' in but probably not enough to be noticed. The team is in such good shape now, as I fade out, there's little left to say but
GO Lakers!
Posted by: Vman | May 18, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Nice win Laker's.
Hay how to do somebody has played a Jerry Sloan team, just look at their forearms they will have bruises all over them.
Go Lakes
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | May 18, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Repost sorry guys Hay how to do you know somebody has played a Jerry Sloan team, just look at their forearms they will have bruises all over them
Posted by: pk-in-the-mesa | May 18, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Laker Tom,
I'm glad to see an OB(original Blogger for y'all that don't know) still holding it down in here. Keep putting up the good posts, and keep representing us guys from the beginning of the blog!!!!
PS: I don't really care who we play, but both teams present their own challenges. Part of me wants to play the Spurs because I think it would be fitting for us to start our new dynasty by beating the champs.
The other side of me wants to play the hornets though because I THINK it COULD be an easier match up. Either way I expect us to win so it doesn't really matter.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 18, 2008 at 09:16 AM