Seriously, you thought they'd roll over?
Two games into the Western Conference finals, it would be easy for some fans to forget that the Spurs have won three titles in five years, 56 games during the regular season (only one fewer than L.A.), have All-Stars and an MVP, and only one round ago came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the New Orleans Hornets in seven games. In case you forgot all that, Sunday in San Antonio the Spurs delivered a rather unsubtle reminder in the form of a 103-84 win over the Lakers in Game 3 that leaves the Lakers with a 2-1 series lead. The story of this one was S.A.'s big three of Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker, who combined for 72 points. Ginobili was particularly effective, blowing up for 30, including 22 in the first half and impressing the hell out of Kobe Bryant. Call him a force of nature. Duncan, with 22/21/5, was no slouch either, proving he still has plenty left to offer even as Ginobili evolves into the linchpin of the Spurs attack.
As for the Lakers, they brought the proverbial knife to the proverbial gunfight (in basketball terms, about 15 minutes of good play in a 48-minute game), unable to match San Antonio's energy or get Kobe much help. Big three becomes big one. Kobe called it a good learning experience, one that the Lakers and Phil Jackson hope not to learn again Tuesday night.
Of course, this being sports and sports media, someone had to be blamed for the loss. Kobe played large, so he wasn't a candidate. There were the ineffective Lakers bigs, and the box score (and this report) points out a tough night for Derek Fisher. Lamar Odom, in particular, was the focus for Steve Dilbeck of the Daily News, who believes Odom is still the game's most frustrating player. Odom, for his part, was more than willing to accept the blame for the game, unless you believe "I take the blame, totally, for this game," isn't explicit enough. But it's a team game, and that box showed that the team didn't play well.
As Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals tips off tonight, here's an interesting look at the relationship between Boston and basketball.
Pau needs to man up man. His game is really frustrating this past two series (Utah and now Spurs) I cant really blame it all on me because he is playing out of position. Hopefully Bynum will help his game out, so he can stay at the 4 position. I do think he will have a better series in the finals against either the Celtics or pistons. But his having big problems against the bigs in the west, even Okur, not just defensively but offensively too.
__________________________________________
This type of comment drives me crazy. How quickly fans forget. In the Utah series, Pau guarded Boozer-an All Star big man--and did an exceptional job. After game 6, a reporter asked Phil how the Lakers were able to control Boozer throughout the series and Phil highlighted Pau's length as causing Boozer trouble.
In the Denver series, Pau faced the former Defensive Player of the Year in Camby (who was also first team All Defensive team this year) and destroyed him.
Pau now has the impossible task of single covering Duncan. No big man in the league can do that. It's no surprise that Pau has struggled, and Phil has (reluctantly) started to double team him.
Posted by: | May 26, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I see a lakers team that took advantage of an exhausted spurs team in the first couple games. Still, even with manu hurt and the fatigue factor, the spurs had the lakers down by 20 in Game 1.
Add to this the annihilation of the lakers last night, and a trend is obvious: the lakers cannot score anywhere close to their avg vs. the spurs.
The lakers are an efficient offensive team, at home, but this is the first great defensive team they've met in the postseason. San Antone now has a bit of rest in familiar beds, and pop knows how to exploit the lakers' most glaring weakness: kobe.
How many assists did the mvp get last night? He shot a nice % and that is what pop wants him to do. Kobe can get his points but the options will be cut off. Odom is not the one I would pin my hopes on, as he is way too inconsistent. And Gasal is a decent scorer but is no match for the spurs' front line in terms of defense and rebounding.
It's only going to get tougher from here on out for the lakers. As we speak (or write), pop and his braintrust are deciphering the lakers and finding them vulnerable, inexperienced, and led by a man who is so easily lured into being The Man and forgetting his teammates.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 26, 2008 at 07:06 PM
If the Lakers don't win tomorrow, the Lakers will lose the series. I don't see the Lakers winning 2 out of three from SA.
Posted by: never
-----------------------------------------
I've got to disagree with you here, never. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see this series go back to LA tied at 2.
Yes, the Lakers may lose this series. But, two of the final three games are at Staples.
Two of the first three games in this series were at Staples, and which team won 2 of those 3 games?
Say that again? I CAN'T HEAR YOU.
Right on. It was the Lakers. What's to say history won't repeat itself? The Lakers play much better and aggressively at home.
And before you say they should have lost the first game (I saw your other post regarding that) they in fact did not lose that one. It doesn't matter how they did it. They won that game. If you want to cite fatigue as doing the Spurs in because of their "tough 7 game series" over NO, I'll remind you that every game in the WCF series is being played with just one day off in between. Add in the travel factor between games 5, 6 and 7 and the fatigue excuse just doesn't hold up.
I do expect a closer game tomorrow, and to be brutally honest, I'll consider it good if the Lakers manage to cover the spread. (No, I do not have $$ on the game) However, I'll be watching because there is a CHANCE they will get the upset and put themselves firmly in the drivers seat.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 26, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Preach it Lakers4realz.
Spent the day in Boulder running, great town.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | May 26, 2008 at 08:24 PM
The Lakers were not passing as well as before. We saw a lot of one on one from Gasol and LO. Being agressive and going one are one are veeery different.
We'll figure this out.
GOOOooooOOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 26, 2008 at 08:37 PM
justanothermambafan,
Dude, Ohio is fricken nuts. Half the bars shut down on Sundays, liquor stores won't sell hard liquor, and gas statiions will only sell beer--no wine.
This state doesn't understand that by banning things they don't make progress easier.
Anyhow, I digress. I will be in my lucky bar for Game Four and the Spurs shall feel the wrath of the Los Angeles Lakers.
ODOM SPELLS DOOM FOR THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 08:40 PM
BUTLER,
If the Spurs come back 2-0 to win a series twice in a row they deserve to win the championship. Why? Because the probability is something like 0.8%.
Your Spurs are a good team. I don't disrespect them, but we are going to win this series and your bombastic, idiotic analysis is every indication of the disquiet you feel in your spirit regarding this situation.
Dude, your team is good. Excellent. But your time is over.
Everything has to end.
It doesn't matter if it goes to Game Seven. Your time is over.
Let the new Dynasty begin.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Never,
You still believe in Kwame Brown.
Sit down. Shut up. And speak when spoken to.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Jon - I have given careful deliberation to everyone's comments over the past two threads and I think your lucky chair scenario makes the most sense. Kudos to you brother, for manning up.
Posted by: dave m | May 26, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Tim4Show, you are starting to see the conspiracy theory. You nailed it when you were questioning PJ's bewildering pattern of substitutions in Game 3. Phil knows EXACTLY what he is doing. He knows he has to lose the game, so he ever so slightly alters the sub patterns. Keeping Kobe out during condition critical times of the game. Finally putting him back in when it's too late. The players know EXACTLY what they are doing too. Go back and watch and study the games. Watch how in Game 3 our players stood around, didn't box out, let the spurs steal the ball from them, not even put a hand in 3 point shooters, etc. They do a pretty good job at covering it up, but sometimes they screw up and the obvious is very noticeable. Did any of you hear the other nite, after game 2, on TNT, Magic corrected EJ and told him he would be back for game 5. mind you, this was immediately after Game 2 when most everyone in the basketball world sensed the Lakers would sweep the spurs. Magic kind of slipped up there a little, but go back and watch it again, see how EJ smooths it over ever so eloquently.
Posted by: Conspiracy Theory | May 26, 2008 at 08:59 PM
PHIL JACKSON IS A CYLON! AND HE HAS A PLAN!
Let it be unfold.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 09:01 PM
BUTLER, did you really watch the game yesterday or just want to bash on Kobe? Come on, how could he get any assist when his teammates threw up brick after brick, duh!
Get a life and enjoy your win yesterday. If Lakers can get some foul call tomorrow, the series will be over on Thursday.
Posted by: Wallace | May 26, 2008 at 09:08 PM
It seems like a much higher percentage of postings today are by people who seem to be trying for a colonoscopy without the colonoscope. ie, by shoving their head up their ... oh wait, you guys probably got that one. also i'm pretty sure there isn't anything called a colonoscope. And there were a couple of good ones, tsphere; very funny guy. only one that I thought was a gently correctable observation, though
to quote "
wow,
I think Kung-Pau is his own worst enemy in that regard. He complains too much and refs have to get annoyed by that over time.
He needs to understand human nature better.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 12:20 PM
"
Yeah, cause the refs are just gonna give the call to the guy Pau's guarding, cause he never complains. Nah, Jon K., I kid. but seriously, it could be a lot of things, but if that was the case, I don't think the Spurs would win five games in ten years, let alone 5 rings.
the rest of you- you owe me a new little wheelie thing for my mouse, cause I had to scroll past so many stupid posts it's worn down to the size of a cheerio.
Posted by: phred | May 26, 2008 at 09:11 PM
it was the spurs lucky night.
everything was falling for them
it was basically the reversal of the la games...
we would come near, hit some great shots, but they would match it. very fortunate for them
other than that, it was the rotation which was a little off. you can see kobe's face when we had a chance to win it in the 4th. we brought it down to 9 but PJ played the bench too long... didnt call timeouts when we had to.
sad thing is that we have to live with it because pj doesnt have plans of changing it...
oh well..
Posted by: i_heart_LA | May 26, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Odom need to take that mid-range shot that the spurs are giving him! Because, they notice that he is not confident in that shot! If he knock those shots that the spurs are giving him it, will be easy for him to go to the hoop!
Posted by: JERMAINE THE KOBE FAN | May 26, 2008 at 09:36 PM
You guys are pathetic!! You boo your own team, criticize them and then want them to win. You need to be faithful fans. The fakers lost game 3 because kobe wants to be the team. that's what they're lacking, teamwork.
SPURS in 6!!!!
Posted by: #1 SPURS fan | May 26, 2008 at 09:50 PM
QUESTION?? (And perhaps a key to victory in game 4)
WHY does Phil let Pop dictate OUR defensive matchups???
Seriously I know the Spurs want Bowen on Kobe and I must admit it works well for them, but why do we have to go along with that when we're on the defensive end? Bowen isn't the only player out there on the NBA all-defensive team, there's also Mr Mamba 24! Why not put him on Genobli - he loves "stopping the other team's best player." (remember Team USA last summer?) Then we could bring in Ariza as a sub and put him on Manu a while to give Kobe some minutes where he doesn't have to focus on defense.
I guarantee that Genobli wouldn't have a chance of getting off with Kobe and Trevor on him like he can with Rad and Sacha. So - why doesn't Phil do that????
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 26, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Was it a Times article that reported Phil Jackson breathed a huge sigh of relief when D'Antoni left the pacific conf?
Posted by: BUTLER | May 26, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Steps towards recovering in game 4:
1. Get LO different looks. So far having him drive in all the way from the perimeter hasn't worked. Lets put him on the block and have him drive into the middle from there. Neither Horry nor Oberto can block his shots. And there they will be bodied up, meaning he can gain some leverage to spin.
2. Pau needs to forget about his shooting woes, and fire away from the perimeter. Why? He's too good a shooter. If he can hit 3, 4 straight of those mid-range shots, Duncan will have no choice but to run at him, and risk letting him drive. That will open up his entire game.
Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 26, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Jon K - good to know you'll be back in your place next game. We now have the edge we need for Game 4! Don't do that again - it's just not right.
BUUUTTT seriously folks - This is the Lakers' time. Spores are going down. I don't care how many games it takes, WE'VE got the advantage. Let's just cheer for our team! They've come this far against what so-called conventional wisdom said at the beginning of the season. I don't see why we would think they would start bucking that trend now and lose.
Lakers will win - take that to the bank! This is OUR time, OUR year, OUR RINGS!!!!!
6 to O'Brien.......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 26, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Go Spurs Go! That was an amazing game on Sunday! Ginobli was just incredible! Our bench also has to step up like it did for this next game. The same goes for you Lakers. Your bench HAS to show up to play if you guys want to win it. Kobe can't do everything himself. He is an amazing player...but he needs that backup! I feel the spurs bringing the same intensity in this Game 4 tonite! We are going 2-2 after tonite. Its time for you guys to work for this! I hate to say it but Denver and Utah were not much of a match up compared to the Laker team. You guys are too strong. You needed a challenge, and we are happy to bring it to you guys. I love this series. Game 7 here we come!
SPURS IN 7!!
GO SPURS GO!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 26, 2008 at 11:11 PM
As far as playing Mbenga or Ariza; good coaches do what is MOST LIKELY to work. That is not playing a very rusty Ariza, that is sticking with the current rotation. Much more likely that the current rotation will run off a 10-0 streak and be back in the game, than that Ariza or Mbenga will come in and spark that 10-0 streak.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Yeah right. Thats exactly what happened didn't it?
Rusty how would you know? You at the practice to see first hand? Mbenga not help? Put the pipe down.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 26, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Phil Jackson will adjust. Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher will play Game Four as if they have something to prove (which they do), and I'll have my lucky seat back at my lucky bar for Game Four.
We should expect a much different outcome.
No reason for panic and every reason to maintain optimism.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 26, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Phil Jackson will adjust? Hell when? All season long his supporters said he will get us ready for playoffs and make adjustments. Read past posts and the common refrain were "Why shooting all the 3's? "Why not take it to the paint?"
Did you notice we fell behind with all those missed 3 point shots and the game got out of hand? Tentative taking it inside?
So where are the adjustments. Where are the substitutions? Yes Mbenga and TA could have helped in spot minutes. If anything we could have kept up faster tempo and that would work in our favor over the series as the olds get tired and we throw younger legs at them.
They get lesss rest and we are deeper. Exploit the disadvantage. Oh yeah PJ does not make adjustments justs waits to call TO's until too late. If we win he takes credit. If we lose he publically insults players (weinie shots) but does not take blame. Where was he calling TO and telling Pau and LO to finish hard at the rim during game? Why say at press conference what should have been said in huddle or locker room? I like PJ but hate his methods.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 26, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Conspiracy Theory,
While I was a heavy promoter of winning one for Jerry Buss, it is nice to joke around. Seriously speaking, we have to be fair with the league, the teams and the fans to arrive at that perfect setting. There are just too many forces involved to tank games, to engage players in short changing their fans and to coerce referees to be partial at all times & control the outcome. Can you imagine the risks involved if one person from all these participants has a mole or Judas, like Canseco? He could make an expose' and destroy the reputation of everyone involved. How much is at risk to a franchise, to a player's career and fortune as well as the cost of litigation plus jail time? Just ask Barry Bonds or Michael Vick or this referee who was convicted this year. Too much of a risks, isn't it? The conspiracy could be an unwritten rule in an urban legend setting but there is no hard and fast rule that it really exist and someone can easily cheat at all times in the United States. Many have attempted but the system in place would catch up with such abuses in the long run. Example are the Cosa Nostra, corrupt politicians, sleazy CEO's, illicit businesses.... in the long run the system in place would abide with the fundamental law of the land.
I sincerely believe Lakers will win tomorrow because they have an appointment with destiny this year.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 26, 2008 at 11:44 PM
hey jon k , just want you to know butlers a phoenix funs fan... hes just jerking us la fans around with his nonsensical postings. hes a regular at the azcentral post
, you should read his postings back then when the suns were still in the playoffs. an example of this "hail black jesus (shaq) you will lead us to the nba title 2008.blah blah" and when dantoni left " hail to thee great dantoni
now that youre in new york , the knicks will win the title "
see, hes a real life homer simpson,,,, dont give too much to his mongolloid postings.... hes got apparently half a cows intelligence.... go lakers
Posted by: greg k | May 27, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I cant believe how so many people are freaking out because we had our first really bad game of the playoffs. I mean it happens. The Spurs have lost by 19, 18, 22, 30 and 19 in the playoffs. The celts have lost by 24 and 19 and the Piston by 25. Plus the Celts lost 3 to Atlanta and the piston lost twice to the sixers. This has been an incredible run with only one stinker. The guys now understand the intensity level required on the road this deep in the playoff and they will adjust. Just like the Spurs missed a lot of easy shots in the 1st two games, we missed a lot of shots we normally in game 3. It will be fine, the Spurs will wear down.
Aloha
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 27, 2008 at 12:36 AM
to butler, must suck to be a suns fan right now ,huh?
your defenseless coach just left your rotten team for more money and less meddling owner
your stuck with a useless , aging center, a liability in crucial times
your forward amare is all offense and no defense, im sure the new coach wont be able to get to that thick head of STARD to play defense ,hell never be an mvp
caliber player, hes content in scoring in bunches just to pad up his stats
your aging guard nash is going downhill , making lotsa turnovers in the spur series, and cant even contain parker, oh by the way nash doesnt do defense,hes saving his energy on making flashy passes on offense just to justify his status.
youre stuck with dantonis adopted duds doris diaw and barbosa, which no team would accept coz of their big contracts and unreliability
no high profile coach seems interested in coaching your team , with the cheapskate owner and soon to be mediocre rooster.
have fun with your suns for the next 3 seasons butler
your suns will be next miami heat version 2008
Posted by: greg k | May 27, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Kobe is shooting 56% on bowen in the series
Posted by: shneurson | May 27, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Justa,
Take off the "I hate PJ" glasses; they are ruining your perception. PJ has adjusted the substitution pattern and the tactics in the playoffs, a number of times, based on what is working and what isn't. More three-guard, differing amounts of Vlad and Walton, which starters play with the backups, the defenses that are being used. The sweep of Denver, 4-2 win in Utah, including the game 6 on the road. One of his strongpoints as a coach is that he DOESN'T make changes just to make changes. But you have missed out on all that because of your irrational hatred.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 27, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Good morning Laker family around the Globe,
Not only is it GAME DAY! It's payback time against the Spurs. The Lakers will be ready tonight. This is our team. This is our year. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 27, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Love we got crushed sunday!
Why?
Because now the Lakers will come back hungry, energized and with a sense of mission to be acomplished, the same way the Spurs did after being smacked by 30 points.
Also, there's another important reason:
I DO THINK WE FANS ARE THE ONES TO BLAME FOR THIS LOSS.
We got sloopy after the first two victories and got away from our lucky moves (Jon K seat, anyone?)
So now it is time to regroup.
No matter what you usually do to bring luck to the team.
Whether if it is a lucky seat, not TIVO the game, not comment in the blog during the game, turning off the soung of the TV, don't watching and just listenning on the radio...IT DOESN'T MATTER.
Now it's the time to do it to PERFECTION.
I'll do my part tonight, be sure of it.
Posted by: Allan - Brazil | May 27, 2008 at 06:54 AM
greg k,
Thanks for the heads up.
Wound the Troll.
Starve the Troll.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 27, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Here's to a Lakers victory tonight! As a long-time Lakers fan, I am a bit worried should the series go to 2-2. The best scenario would be for the Lakers to get this thing over with quickly. Don't let the defending champs hang around!
Gasol, Odom, and Fisher need to all rebound from a sub-par Game 3 and make a statement. This mean on both ends of the floor. We gave up way too many layups last game.
Kobe will get his. No problems there. Bowen is a minor irritant and nothing more. His best days are long behind him.
The Bench Mob needs to step in a hold the fort while the starters get some rest. The second game on the road is usually better.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: coolsked | May 27, 2008 at 06:58 AM
LAKERS!
LAKERS!
LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 27, 2008 at 07:18 AM
EVOLUTION OF CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE TEAM IN PROGRESS:
This Laker team is young and must go through an evolutionary process of growing into a championship team, loosing is part of the process. Today's game is critical and we will find out as to a) how this young team bounces back from a lopsided loss, b) beat the reigning champs on their home court, and, c) games like these will only make them mentally tough, bring the team even closer, learn to play like a team under hostile conditions and be in TUNE for the ultimate goal.
We have youth, talent, Kobe and 6th man PJ on our side. I have utmost confidence in PJ’s coaching wisdom and his staff, that, this Laker team will be prepared and ready to battle the Spurs. This team has already won on the road against the best home record team Utah in the previous series. Against the Spurs, Lakers were in the game if not for Lamar’s poor shooting which happens sometimes.
So dear fans chillax, enjoy and don’t forget to breathe. Just remember you can’t take breadths in advance, its only one breadth at a time. I will do the same
Posted by: SEVEN FACES OF DR. LAU | May 27, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I'm still cool.
We missed at least 10 (four each from both Pau and LO) layups in game three. So, if the Spurs are playing such great defense, why are will still getting all the way to the cup? It is like what both Pop and Duncan have said, they didn't play us any different in game three, really. The Lakers just missed shots.
When you lose by 19 after giving up 20 easy points what does that say?
Game three was only the second game of the whole post season that the Spurs shot over 50% from the field. The Lakers are averaging 48% shooting.
That means that if the Lakers get back to themselves tonight, then we should be OK. The game will probably be close, but we should be able to finish it out. Then, close the series at home and wait on Boston and Detroit to decimate each other before Boston emerges as our primary foil.
I have faith.
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | May 27, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Good Morning, Morning Crew: JohnnyP. Bozz, Toad, Pig Miller, Fearless
JustAnotherMambaFan, Edward Gueco, EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl
SemiLakerGirl
GAME DAYYYYYYYY!!!! A WIN IS GURARANTEED!!!
ROLLCALL AT 10:00!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Up and at 'em Laker Nation Morning Maniacs!
IT'S GAAAAAAME DAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 27, 2008 at 07:56 AM
WHERE'S THE MORNING CRUE????
Good morning Mamba24, good morning Charles, let's go Laker Nation - UP AND AT 'EM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T minus 10 hours to GAME TIME BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mamba24 - present & ready for roll call, SIR!!!!!!
JonK - make sure you're in your place tonight. We don't care if you need the take the day off to get there on time. I'm sure your boss will understand!
Pig/Toad - break out the Troll-B-Gone, guys & man the screen door. I have a feeling it's going to get ugly up in here today.
LET'S GO PEOPLE!!!!!! CHEER FOR YOUR TEAM!!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!
6 to O'Brien.............
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 27, 2008 at 08:04 AM
2 things to remember:
1. Identify the troll, wound the troll, starve the troll.
2. SPUCK THE FURS!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 27, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Laker Nation!
Damn, lots of doubting the last day or so, I wish people would just take the time to stop and realize that we've only lost three games so far these playoffs, least among the teams remaining. Look at the mighty Celtics and how they're dropping games left and right, and now look at the team that no one believed in at the start of the year, the LA FREAKING LAKERS! As Allan in Brazil said, we all need to do our part to aid our beloved tem, all odd nuances and lucky charms included- that means you Jon K.!
Prediction for tonight: LA steals one, Lakers 97 Spurs 95.
Go Lakers!
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 27, 2008 at 08:14 AM
SEVEN FACES OF DR. LAU:"EVOLUTION OF CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE TEAM IN PROGRESS:"
I like your reasoning sir! Excellent post.
Fearless:"I'm still cool."
Yes you are and if we all follow your advice, hopefully we
will be too! Excellent Post.
THIS IS OUR TEAM THIS IS OUR YEAR! GO LAKERS!
Right back at you Rick Friedman!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 27, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Good Morning My Family,
This is going to be a tough series. We are playing the defending champs. But I feel we will conquer! Let's all get hype and move on from game 3! Today is a new day and game day is upon us.
Strength in numbers!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Charles | May 27, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Good Morning Lakers Nation!
Its game day! Oh yeah!
And another great day to be a Lakers Fan!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 27, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Good Moooooooooooorning LAKER NATION!
Game Day.
Should be a good game tonight. We need to block out, finish at the rim, limit Manu, make free throws and act like the Lakers,...and we will be fine. Hopefully Trevor gets a run, a little bit earlier tonight. Hopefully Vlad and Sasha can combine for 22 points on somewhere around 50% shooting.
I'm psyched...
Kobesbaaaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 27, 2008 at 08:28 AM
THIS year is a freebie. The team is young, there will be "next years".
Last night, Antonio McDyse talked about this "chance" at a ring, the desperation and intensity was palpable. He feels the end of the NBA joy ride.
Most of the San Antonio roster feels that. They will be focused, energized and all those other words that go along with "ready to win".
After tonight's Laker victory, we will have taken their best shot.
Posted by: Vman | May 27, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Prayer time around 10-10:30 AM today. Depends on how fast I catch up with work...
And, to (slightly) address Antonio's comments, I do not hold the monopoly on prayer at this blog. Win or lose, the example that I'm trying to set is that each of you, in your own way, can utilize the power of Prayer - both for the Lakers and in your own lives. It's not about saying specific words or structuring the words in your prayer in a certain way because you think that'll get His attention. Prayer is ALL ABOUT THE HEART. If your heart is connected to God when you pray, He will hear...and answer.
See y'all later this morning!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 27, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Everybody is talking madness like Ariza is the savor to play D on Manu. He's been out for months and now you want him to chase Manu around come on. Sasha got burned in the game that was too much utlization by Phil he should have left Vlad on him longer, he actually didnt do that bad of a job on him. Where as Manu shot over Sasha, he thought twice about shooting over Vlad. Even though he's not a shot blocker his length is bothering Manu and Vlad has been moving his feet well in this series. He's not going to stop everything but he can definetly use his size and strength to make it harder for him. And for the people talking crap about Vlad being useless in the last game that is bull he was the only one who had energy and had some determination in that game. Your gonna see the game of the year from Vlad tonight he's gonna bring his game carry over from Sunday and start from the beginning driving and taking more shots, crashing the boards and playing D.
Posted by: Ken | May 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Allan,
Good Post. Love the superstition thing you got goin' on o'er there I watch the game by myself. I chant "I say Lakers, you say GO", every offensive possession and "DEFENSE", every defensive possession until we are up or down by 18 or so with 2 minutes or less to play. Every 3 pointer made, I usually yell "boom", and every time that the other team goes on a run and Phil doesn't call a timeout, I am usually yelling "TIMEOUT PHIL, TIMEOUT PHIL". I will do all of this to the best of my ability. The last thing I do is avoid the Blog during the game, so as not to get too high or too low,...you know.
Just me babbling.
Sure is nice to be back where we belong, looking forward to playing in June.
GO LAKERS.
Kobesbaaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 27, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I don't understand why some people hate Phil Jackson.
He's hilarious and he's got nine rings as a coach.
'Nuff said.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 27, 2008 at 08:48 AM