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
I know its good to be confident about this Laker team but c'mon... why are we here wishing for Hornets or Spurs like we're the ones who will be playing?
I mean... either team plays in WC and either team is capable of beating the Lakers. I think the wise thing to do is to enjoy this victory and hoping for those (lakers) to be healthy enough until wednesday and hopefully until june.
I don't discredit either Hornets or Spurs because of their lack of experience or age (Hornets beat the experienec Dallas mavericks) and (Spurs beat the young and very atheltic Phoenix Suns).
Yes we have Kobe, Lamar, Gasol, Fisher... but they have Duncan, Ginobilli, Parker and a very disciplined bench which is the contrary of ours undisciplined bench which constantely blows away big leads.
Yes we have Kobe, Lamar, Gasol, Fisher...but they have C.Paul, West, Peja, Tyson and mental tough guys in Bonzi, Pargo etc who I personally think are 60% better than our 40% Farmar, Turiaf and WALTON.
Vlad sometimes get caught by trying to compete with Peja in that 3 point game. (Doesn't work... Peja is way to better shooter than Vlad)
L.O attack the rim as well as Kobe... Tyson attack the rim as well as C.paul
Vlad...vs Barry ..I won't go there either
L.O and Kobe attacking the rim VS Parker and Ginobilli attacking the rim (pretty equal)
So... lets just hope those guys to be healthy and mentally prepared for whatever they'll see on the next round! because it will get tougher
Posted by: classic | May 18, 2008 at 09:37 AM
vi lakerfan,
"Candace Parker that is(lol) boy is she fine, and she can ball too!!!!"
If NBA went for women refs., how about CP3 gatecrushing the league? I'm pretty sure that will open a new of can of worms for David Stearns' all male dominated sports. All she needs to do is enlist her name in the draft. Clippers might have a better showing than having Smush Parker.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 18, 2008 at 09:52 AM
I really want the Spurs. They are so unlikeable. I kinda like the Hornets, they're fun to watch and CP3 is great.
The Spurs are annoying on so many levels. Let's start with the P.A. announcer always saying "SPURS BALL!" in that nasally tone of voice.
From there let's go right to the top - Pop, while he surely is a great coach, struck me as being quite a whiner this year in regards to the whole Pau trade. It's as if he knew it spelled their doom this season and for years to come. Wahhhh.
They're all babies who cry after every foul and non-foul. Especially Duncan. I could forgive him his overall apathetic and dispassionate vibe on the court if he only wasn't such a chronic complainer.
And who among us doesn't relish the thought of Kobe dissecting Bruce Blowen night after night?
Bring on the Champs. Today I root for San Antonio.
Posted by: thehammer | May 18, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Why I want to play the Spurs, by Jon K.
1. It continues the Spurs/Lakers rivalry, adding to history.
2. Spurs are on the way down. It'll be fun to kick them as they fall.
3. We know the Spurs. Jackson understands Popovich. It'll be easier to make adjustments.
4. I don't like the idea of beating Byron Scott. He's a Laker.
5. The Hornets are a second half team. I don't like that.
6. Chris Paul would give Farmar and Fisher fits.
7. The Spurs bench is far worse than the Lakers bench.
8. Though I think that we'll beat both the Spurs and the Hornets, I think that the experience of the Spurs will better prepare us for playing the Pistons or Celtics, as the Hornets play a frenetic style, really unlike the Pistons', the Celtics' or the Cavillers' game.
9. The Spurs are tired. We're rested, and hungry.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyway.
I clicked on the link to T.J. Simers' most recent article.
I knew it was a bad idea, but I did it anyway.
God, that article sucked. He is such a substandard writer, yet he manages to convey a smug sense of arrogance and annoyance with every paragraph he writes.
I'm trying to convey the feeling I have upon reading a T.J. Simers article. I'm not sure there's a perfect word for it. A combination of disbelief, frustration, disgust, bitterness, and repulsion.
How is this guy a featured writer in one of the largest circulated newspapers in America? It makes no sense.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Hmmm.
La di da di da.
(Wes taps fingers)
Ahem.
Shouldn't we be having an update right about now?
(Wes sees himself on a beach in Mexico)
Hmmm...
Wes
Posted by: | May 18, 2008 at 11:08 AM
ORIGINAL ROLL CALL:...
Korey (me!), LakerTom, Mike T., Faith, Edwin Gueco, Vman, JJ, Taliq,dan the man smushcalade, the lamar show, Jon K, and who am I missing?
I had to shout myself out just in case these youngstas didnt know!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 18, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Lakerville!
Damn, now I know where Ms Cleo wound up!!!
I gotta piggyback with Jon K ( see post Jon K.| May 18, 2008 at 10:19 AM ) with the lone exception of # 9.
Although in my heart, I feel Lakers/Hornets would be better from a Basketball fans perspective, in terms of the exciting frenetic play and pace of the game, not to mention how it will get down right school yard at times they way CP3 handles the ball..
I'd RATHER see us play the Spurs for the simple reason.. In order to become the King, you must DETHRONE the sitting King. Like it or not, respect it or not, fact remains and yes, I did state FACT Timmy, Tony Manu and the Spurs are the current KINGS, facing and beating them in the WCF would be Oh so sweet as opposed to beating B Scott, local homie Tyson and future HOF PG CP3.. In my world, the Spurs would taste so much better.
As far as the # 9 reason, The Hornets are in the same boat as the Spurs, Lakers, Pistons blah blah blah.. if you're good and lucky enough to STILL be playing this late in the season, it only stands to reason, injuries and fatigue play a major role in the eventual champs success so even IF we get the Hornets, with West having back problems and Chandler feet, you can make the excuse, they werent at 100% and "tired" from a knock down drag out fight with the Spurs. Heck, WE arent a 100% and because the only team so far, to handle business when they have to, earned some days off as a reward.. but Whoever it is.. that team will be more beat up and tired than the Lakers from going 7 games in a series, thats why most of the country has LA in the Finals.
Posted by: complex brotha | May 18, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Korey,
We wear the mantle of OB ("original bloggers") proudly!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Complex Brotha,
You're right. As a member of Laker Nation, we have an aesthetic that no other professional basketball team fan has.
For us, it's not only about winning the Championship, it's about HOW we win the Championship. It's about HOW that Championship will be remembered.
Better to win it through the Jazz, Spurs, and Celtics than through the Rockets, Hornets, and Cavilliars. It means more that way, and lays the path to Dynasty.
That's what Laker Nation is always rooting for. Not simple victory, but domination. Dynasty.
I was watching Game Four against the Jazz at a bar in Cleveland (our overtime loss), and I was beside myself, and angry.
The Clevelanders didn't get why I was so angry. They pointed out that Los Angeles still has the advantage and that the Jazz are nigh-impossible to beat at home.
I said to them, "That's not it. I'm a diehard Lakers fan. I don't EVER think we should lose."
They looked at me with complete befuddlement. They completely didn't get it... and then reverted to their collective delusion that LeBron James is somehow going to lift their Al-Sadr City by the Lake onto true glory.
Yeah. Right.
The Sun Never Sets On Laker Nation!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 12:10 PM
"Korey,
We wear the mantle of OB ("original bloggers") proudly!
GO LAKERS!"
Jeez, I'll send you all a medal with the initials WC. Guess what that stands for (hint; it rhymes with Two Hairs)
This is a blog, not a clique. Get over yourselves.
Posted by: troy | May 18, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I'm wondering if Andrew and Brian saw the great story on soccer and the NBA in yesterday's NYTimes--quoted Koby and Tex--very interesting. Ironic, even.
Posted by: Jack | May 18, 2008 at 03:43 PM
mel,
I agree that the Lakers have picked up their defense in the playoffs, especially late in the game when they needed key stops. As for defensive stats, it’s pretty hard to beat field goal percentage allowed, although giving the other team 20 extra second chance shots can offset that. Right now, we just miss what Andrew Bynum will give us going forward.
I was really frustrated looking for other defensive stats such as points in the paint, which I can’t consistently find even for individual games. If anybody out there knows of a better stats site than ESPN.com or NBA.com, please let me know. What would be great would be a site with stats you could download and play with in Excel and update with individual game results.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 04:05 PM
ex,
“Dead last, on "Average Circumference of Calves."
Tough job finding any nuggets of negativism in Lakersville these days, isn’t it, ex. You might have to switch to GHF or consider becoming a Clippers fan. Now there is a team that could really use a dose of reality. LOL. Actually, there probably is no more GHE.
Did you read the Charley Rosen article on the Lakers taking out the Jazz. Charley’s theme was the Lakers speed and athleticism trumping the Jazz’ power. What Charley did not address was that the Lakers will have speed, athleticism, AND power with Drew.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 04:14 PM
LakerTom,
I have not read that article yet; I will check it out. Boston certainly doesn't look very threatening right now, and at their ages, they are not going to be getting better.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 18, 2008 at 04:22 PM
How BORING these games are in the East. I think it will be Detriot winning ECF. I sure would like a rematch of 04 finals. We have some payback coming with a side of pride.
Posted by: MambaMVP08 | May 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM
troy,
ultimately it doesnt matter who was here first or not, but when you spent many hours blogging when the Lakers sucked (3 years ago) you are entitled to gloat a little bit about your loyaltly when they are good.
If you are a real fan, I would hope you understand that.
Stop hating.
BTW, If you say that Sasha Vujacic was more important that Pau Gasol in the last series again I will know your name is Mike T. not troy!
Posted by: Korey | May 18, 2008 at 04:42 PM
troy,
Who peed in your Wheaties?
You can be a fricken annoyingly negative grouch at times. If you think any admonishments on your part are going to change my behavior, it shows that you're not only grouchy, but stupid.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 05:13 PM
You guys are bragging about how long you've been here, which is fine but you sometimes make it feel like you are entitled or special or something. I've been here almost as long as you guys, and you don't see me bragging about it.
Jon K. enjoy your contributions, always positive. Korey you too. Anyway, we're all Laker fans, so that's the most important thing to me, not how long so and so has been blogging here.
Posted by: troy | May 18, 2008 at 06:53 PM
troy,
You're responsible for your own feelings. Not I. I've been here since the beginning and I'm proud of that fact. We've had a lot of great bloggers over that period of time, but the fact is that most of the original bloggers no longer regularly contribute. If that somehow makes you feel bad or less a blogger, I think you're confused. Don't worry about it. You've been here since forever as well. It's no big deal.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 19, 2008 at 05:52 AM
I agree with BK that the Spurs would be a more favorable matchup. The main reason is Chris Paul. I have watched him alot and he's really tough to handle. While Tony Parker is a great player, he's sort of one-dimesional. He basically is an attacking player. He's like a better version of Devin Harris, better jump shot. Chris Paul is a SUPERSTAR. He can carry th Hornets into a victory, the same way Kobe can do with the Lakers. Tim Duncan can't really do that anymore, and Tony Parker can't either (at least on any consistent basis). The player that probably scares me the most from the Spurs is Manu.
Another reason why I would not like a Lakers-Hornets matchup is that the Hornets present the two biggest problems the Lakers have defensively: pick and roll (Paul + West/Chandler), and three point shooting (Peja, Jannero Pargo, Peterson, and I think they have Mike James but I'm not sure). With the Spurs we could also have that issue, but because of Paul it works better for the Hornets.
I also think matchup-wise the Lakers are better-off with the Spurs,
Spurs-Lakers
Duncan-Gasol (I think advantage Lakers)
Oberto-Odom (Definitely advantage Lakers)
Finley-Radmanovic (Pretty even, maybe advantage Spurs)
Bowen-Kobe (Pretty obvious advantage LA)
Parker-Fisher (Advantage Spurs, but I don't think that much, simply because Fisher is such an effective shooter and has alot of poise)
Sixth man
Ginobili-Walton (Spurs win here by alot)
Rest of Bench (Advantage Lakers)
Hornets-Lakers
Chandler-Gasol (Advantage Lakers)
West-Odom (Slight Advantage Hornets)
Stojakovic-Radmanovic (Advantage Hornets)
Peterson-Kobe (Advantage Lakers by alot)
Paul-Fisher (Advantage Hornets by alot)
Sixth man
Pargo?-Walton (Even)
Rest of Bench (Advantage Lakers)
Therefore, just going down the list of matchups the Hornets are a more difficult team. There are three things that scare me about the Spurs, though: physicality (especially rebounding), experience, and the fact that there are three players who can create their own shot consistently as opposed to the Hornets who have only two: (Paul, West). I guess with everything I've said here my point is that both teams are gonna be tough, but the Hornets would probably present more challenges to the Lakers.
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 19, 2008 at 01:46 PM
I agree with BK that the Spurs would be a more favorable matchup. The main reason is Chris Paul. I have watched him alot and he's really tough to handle. While Tony Parker is a great player, he's sort of one-dimesional. He basically is an attacking player. He's like a better version of Devin Harris, better jump shot. Chris Paul is a SUPERSTAR. He can carry th Hornets into a victory, the same way Kobe can do with the Lakers. Tim Duncan can't really do that anymore, and Tony Parker can't either (at least on any consistent basis). The player that probably scares me the most from the Spurs is Manu.
Another reason why I would not like a Lakers-Hornets matchup is that the Hornets present the two biggest problems the Lakers have defensively: pick and roll (Paul + West/Chandler), and three point shooting (Peja, Jannero Pargo, Peterson, and I think they have Mike James but I'm not sure). With the Spurs we could also have that issue, but because of Paul it works better for the Hornets.
I also think matchup-wise the Lakers are better-off with the Spurs,
Spurs-Lakers
Duncan-Gasol (I think advantage Lakers)
Oberto-Odom (Definitely advantage Lakers)
Finley-Radmanovic (Pretty even, maybe advantage Spurs)
Bowen-Kobe (Pretty obvious advantage LA)
Parker-Fisher (Advantage Spurs, but I don't think that much, simply because Fisher is such an effective shooter and has alot of poise)
Sixth man
Ginobili-Walton (Spurs win here by alot)
Rest of Bench (Advantage Lakers)
Hornets-Lakers
Chandler-Gasol (Advantage Lakers)
West-Odom (Slight Advantage Hornets)
Stojakovic-Radmanovic (Advantage Hornets)
Peterson-Kobe (Advantage Lakers by alot)
Paul-Fisher (Advantage Hornets by alot)
Sixth man
Pargo?-Walton (Even)
Rest of Bench (Advantage Lakers)
Therefore, just going down the list of matchups the Hornets are a more difficult team. There are three things that scare me about the Spurs, though: physicality (especially rebounding), experience, and the fact that there are three players who can create their own shot consistently as opposed to the Hornets who have only two: (Paul, West). I guess with everything I've said here my point is that both teams are gonna be tough, but the Hornets would probably present more challenges to the Lakers.
Posted by: laker hopeful | May 19, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I wonder if I'm the only Lakers fan who was a bit embarrased by the refs giving the Jazz no chance in this series? I really think we could have won the series without such favoritism by the officials. Too bad we will never know. Don't get me wrong I'm glad we won, but next time I hope we have to do it o our own.
SAD!
Posted by: bolinder | May 19, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Everyone has made good comments here. But no one, I think has mentioned the following:
1) The Lakers have not beaten a healthy Spurs team this season. Our guys barely won in December, with San Antonio playing without Duncan and Parker. And for the game in March, Popovich kept Ginobli out of the game.
2) The Lakers have not played well against top defensive teams, with a combined 6-9 record against the league's top 5 in points allowed (Detroit, Boston, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans). This includes the two wins against a depleted Spurs team and a win over Detroit without Billips in November.
3) Can the Lakers win a series against a team with a lightning fast point guard? In spite of Derek Fisher's wonderful efforts to contain Deron Williams - in part, because he played with the team last year and knew Williams and the Jazz offense intimately - the fact is he and Jordan Farmar have been shredded by Chris Paul and Tony Parker in the majority of games they have played this year.
Game 1 will be really important for the Lakers, because they are coming off a long layoff, haven't faced the Spurs at their best, and they'll feel the pressure of maintaining home court. The Spurs should have more in the tank for game 1, after the long rest between game 6 and 7 against the Hornets. If they start to feel their age, it's more likely to happen towards the end of the series, as there will be a game every two days, with none of those ridiculous long rests to fit the TV schedule.
Lakers in 6!
Posted by: BruinAlum77 | May 19, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Yet another "informed" sportswriter. It has become the norm to find that just about every sportswriter from another city every single year claims (i) they would prefer to play the Spurs, and (ii) thier team matches up better with the Spurs. TNT guys the same. Phoenix newspaper the worst because the Spurs beat them every year yet they continue to claim they are better team and will win. From pure match-up analysis they were (are), actually kill the Spurs. But they are not a better "team."
Beware of what you wish for.
This will be an iteresting series because in the ealry 2000's the Lakers had the X factor. Spurs would panic, lack of expereince and Lakers/Jackon would gert in their heads. Popovich too. Current Spurs teams are different. There is a quiet swagger there. They truly thought they would win game 7 w/ Hornets. In fact, they went straight from NO to LA, alreadt packed.
Spurs paly best "team basketball" in league. Watch them pass the ball into Duncan and around perimeter to get open look after open look. These match-up analyis are just dumb. Spurs in 7.
Posted by: Tejon | May 20, 2008 at 07:10 AM