Rematch!
The Lakers pulled off the unlikeliest of wins 48 hours ago, digging themselves out of a 20-point hole to shock the Spurs and maintain their home-court advantage (while they still can utilize one). Tonight's Game 2 (6 p.m. PDT, TNT) now offers the purple and gold a chance to put their visitors in an 0-2 heading back to Texas. But it'll take a fight to do so. Even if you think Wednesday's victory serves as an omen for an advancement in the works, don't let a low-key video session in lieu of practice fool you. The Spurs will work their hardest to alter "fate."
Bruce Bowen will do his usual down and dirty to attempt containing Kobe Bryant (who thinks this whole "two-point first-half" story is anything but headline worthy). They're likely expecting Bowen's stopper energies (and annoyances) to be matched by Sasha Vujacic, along with a concerted effort to keep Tony Parker from going ape-caca all over the court. The San Antonio game plan will include a quickened up tempo, and not just to show they're not quite ready for the retirement home. Whatever Xs Phil Jackson throws out, Greg Popovich will try to double with more O's. Pop will probably instruct his guys to keep an eye on Pau Gasol, despite the fact that he apparently "sucks."
The four teams still alive in the playoff are all pretty durn good. But how do they match up against the durn good teams of their franchise's yore?
Mirror, mirror on the wall. Are KG and Sheed really alike after all?
Turn it up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iikKzQwgBJc
Posted by: Charles | May 23, 2008 at 10:05 AM
*****
Friday May 23, 2008 – The Force is in balance and Laker Nation awaits history.
*****
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning, Morning Maniacs JohnnyP. Bozz, Toad, Pig Miller, Fearless
JustAnotherMambaFan, Edward Gueco, EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl, JohnnyP
Good Morning Laker Nation
****
THE KINGS NOT DEAD
The kings not dead till he’s counted out, Remember this please do
One game won, yes it was fun, But the quest for the ring is not thru
The Spurs are not mortally wounded, It’s just their pride we have hurt
Be careful when near, a wounded bear, or you’ll wind up in the dirt
Just because we have Superman, don’t think there is no reason to fear
Before every fight, check for Kryptonite, or you’ll wind up on your rear
I’m not saying trying to ruin the party, a little celebration is good for you
The Spurs have Horry, so a little worry, would be a prudent thing to do.
It took one game for 9Rings, to show how he earned his HOF seat
From 20 points down, 9Rings found, a way for the spurs to be beat
Game 2 is the key to the series, So Lakers you must play your best
If the Lakers win. Then you can grin, because that’s it, we’ll win the West
For this game Lakers please play like, this game could be your last
Don’t let them think, Before they can blink, knock them dead on their @ss
Although both teams are classy, Being classy don’t pay the bills
Kick em when they’re down, don’t mess around, just go in for the kill
No more of this silly garbage, Of Tim Duncan holding the trophy high
When you do the deed, make sure they bleed, To win the King must die
Faith has an ongoing saying, DEFENSE is what will bring victory
Trust Faith I have found, Knock the Spurs around, makes sense to me
Once you have the title, then your opponents you can praise as they heal
Remember 1 thing, if you want a ring, you need a knockout to cinch the deal
Don’t win this for Laker Nation, or your fans as they heap praise on you
Just do this thing, go win the ring, because that’s what warriors do.
So Hugo Boss enjoy your coffee, What a life a 4 day weekend in the sun
And twice this weekend, The Lakers will win, Now that’s what I call fun.
All right mighty Laker Nation, trust the Force as you watch the TV
Trust in the force, and then of course, trust in Mamba to bring victory
YEAH, THO I WALK THRU THE VALLEY OF THE SPURS
I SHALL FEAR NO DEFEAT, FOR THE BADDEST MOFO IN
THE VALLEY KOBE BRYANT IS WITH ME, HIS MVP
AND 81 POINTS COMFORT ME
ROUND 2 NEXT.
LEEEEETTTTS GET READY TO RUMMMMMMMBBBBBBBLLLLLLLLE!!!!!
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL: JHNLANNERY
(1) Faith, (1A)Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, Fatty, AngryLaker
Tha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, LakerTruth
WesJoeNixon, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, Nemia Faletogo, Elle, HmrHed
ComptonsFinest, FlagrantFowl LakerLegacy, EXHELODRVR, Laker Tom, Rick Friedman ,
RDLEE, PurpleHeart, Allan-Brazil, Andrew Z. HugoBoss, CORNER J., BAYWOOD, HTJ
The Outlaw, Tsphere, Jon Kavulic, WeaveMan, SixOneZero, FEARLESS, CBuck, MAN
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, Never, JANAYA, EastCoastJessie, JMAN
BackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba,
JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, Mamba#5, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, LALFan, KOBE24
Greek Dude, KB8THWONDER, Original Ken, Original J J, LAKERMAN_420, SAMLL
Purple&Gold_REIN, ZEN, Ando, Brylle, MOKO, JOHNNY P., DAVE ROSENZWEIG
LakerGurl, SFLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, LakerGirl1980, LakerLass
HoustonLakerGirl, SheKobe, LakersRydeOrDie, SloGal, TWoody, LakerFaze, Wow
DrewPauKobe, GoKobeGo, KobesBad, KobeRocks, Laker/KobeFan, NIK KANNAN
MrBarneryDangles, JESTERGURU, SmoothD, JCOOL, Jeff, David Whang, ISSANG,
KIWI, Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, LakersMR, LakersSTH, HobbitMage, Korey
HAVA98, WREAKJAVIK, EPICMESS, StrangerInTheNight, MBENGA_FAN, CHE
Allan-BRAZIL, Herb Stempel, DarkAngelSK, TROY, T_Sensei, BerkleyLaker, Dave M.
Stars_R_Aligned, Cscoot, The_Dude_Abides, Johnny Laker, The HEAD-MBENGA
MagicMan, SALTLAKER, Todd, WWKBD, Puddle, Sambosola, GREENPAZ, SEAN P.
L.A. Watcher, LAKERGurl, FUEGO32, EHOMP, KCHW, MICHIGAN_LAKER, XTRO
Complex Brotha, WondahBap, Derek, BENJAMIN, Cyrus(Ventrilquist), S.TAN,
HappyCamper, HappyDaze, HappyGilmore, CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, BZAR,
AMAZING HAPPENS, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real,
CooLHAIR, The_COOL BOBIE, SpokanLakerFan, Duma, Shum, ManSlayer, EEVEE
LAKERFAN BMAC, FRANK FRIZZO, LakerZeigeist, Playa, FatSam, Anthony Johnson
AKR68, GiantSquid, BotSoy, LakerFan, CALIPHILOSOPHER, JLuv, CDub0512,
LAKERFAN, HTJ, IndianLaker, LakerAngolaN, LakerFanCanada, Bogoljub,ValleyLaker
Bruzer, Peanut_Butter_Spread, LAKERKEV, Lakers_Sparks_Fan, Trio, Reality_Check
DANCAT, LakerBandit, TwoForOne7, HAWAIID,Chick4Ever, MIKE DILLS, LAURIA
You Ever Notice? MARKYTHEARKY, Justin Leonard, Linda Pineda, Kidwell, Mel
BronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker, USCLaker
LakerNorth, LakerinBC, ROMY R, Earth_Wind_&_Fire, FKIllah, TEEJ, VIOLATER
AA Los, Wizo, Caeser, Maxximo, Wolf, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen, Man, Jeff Grotke
Lakers4Realz, Gino, Gabe, Floyd, Vincent, ROBYN, Khang, Old Scholol, JANDRO
EDDIE BROCK, Paul Lee, AJAX, Mitchell, David In Spain, J_Doubter, Guy,AFROJOE
Playa, Butler, Franky_J., Daryl, LakerDawg, DK,JC, The Dropper, Afro Joe, KL004
MobWagoneer, PK-in-the-MESA, Andy B, HUBBIT, Jamie SWEET, LAKER_LARRY
THE HAMMER Benny Blanca, MEL, AdamKiley, JUSTIN, CHRIS H, LADIESMAN, TP
Linda Pineda, CaliKing, Thirty2, Aime Williams, Chucky .L.Ohno, Look Lonely, Kyle
LakerHolic, GDChild, Dion Centralk, Staples24, Robyn, Lakers08, Mel, J.D. Hastings
Laker_Fan, True Laker Fan, Passionate Laker Fan, LT Laker_Fan, Grail, DaxMDD
JHLANNERY, BOCALakerGIRL, Cameron, EMMA, Thomas, LAKAFOO, PurpleMagic
Lakerfan24, SeanDouglas, StocktonShowtime, JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), Revmaxxx
40YearFan, KillerEight, LOTEC9, Todd Battles, ASM, MikeAz, LakaLover, Bynumite,
CS, LakerHopeful, Bobie, MARCO64, Drew, DASCILLA, Purple&Gold_4Eva, Tajluck
B4Hoops, HeWhoHoops, Jorema, Xtro, MCGarnagle, GUGY, Laker4Life, MARTY,
Pince Akrasian, EAGLEBOY, JR., BLKTHGHT06, SighBrandon C. Tully Moxness,
LakerBake, Sean74, Sead94, LongLiveChick , Kinglakernidas, RespectMyAuthorith,
Hariyahu, Alexinh017, NESTROS BISTRO, LiveLakers, Blaze1Bx, phred, Swettual,
KIKOS DAD, RicoTico, SocalSpider , BigGameJames, LAKERSNZ , Karynanr*
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF THE REIGNING AND FUTURE MVP – KOBE BRYANT. THE
HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, BOB MCADOO,
"BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER
CHICK HEARN COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Free throws and rebounds = WIN
This is going to be close tonight, but...
Lakers by 8
Fish will be hot as well as LO
GO LAKE SHOW!!
LIGHTS OUT!!!
Posted by: keifo | May 23, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Damnnnnnn that hit the spot! Thank you Mamba24 for my daily dose of pure Laker love and joy! You da man homie!
Posted by: magicman | May 23, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Mamba 24 put me in your roll call ok.thanks mate.Lakers 2008 NBA Champs.KOBE the greatest player of all time,better than pampered and marketed by NBA before MJ bulls shiiiiiiiiiit!!!
Posted by: Adrian Palomar | May 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Tonight the Lakers win by 5-10 points!
Posted by: ajax | May 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM
BROWN NOSER BANDWAGON:
SuperSa ----- willing to pick Lakeraholic's booger
Charles ------ making sure that SuperSa follows thru
Edwin Gueco -- willing and able
Laker Tom --- All time leader
Fairweather Fatty -- Bring it on y'all
Faith --- holding the towel
Go Lakers!
Booger Society Anonymous
Posted by: Booger Society Anonymous | May 23, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Dear AK
By the way, how's your lady holding up?
At least you are in better situation than I am.
My fiance is a big time Celtics fan and has always been
a KG fan.
So, this season has been a Dream-come-true for her 'til playoffs.
Therefore, she's rooting for the Spurs now although
she never liked them before simply because she thinks
the Lakers is the only team in the NBA
that can beat her beloved Celtics.
So, I'm secretly hoping the Pistons win the series,
then she'd be over by the time of Finals and
I'll be able to enjoy our title without worrying if she'd get cranky and stuff..
Posted by: coolhair | May 23, 2008 at 10:35 AM
The Lakers are like an epic trilogy along the lines of Star Wars/Lord of the Rings. While I am not a huge fan of either, I am familiar with both, and will attempt to make a comparison of the Lakers progression with the progression of the movies.
Star Wars/Lord of the Rings - The first chapter. We learn about the heroes in this first installment, their character, their quirks, they struggle mightily against their formidable foe, and against the odds they destroy the Death Star/get the ring. Much in the same way, we watched Kobe and Shaq struggle with Del Harris leading the way, befor the arrival of Phil. Then they pulled out an improbable comeback against the stacked Portland Trailblazers on their way to the ring.
The Empire Strikes Back/The Two Towers - the middle installment has a darker, less hopeful tone than the first. Things don't look so good for the Rebellion/Middle Earth, there is even some bickering amongst Han Solo/Luke, and the Hobbit dudes. The Lakers two, succumb to bickering, and things look bleak for the Lakers Dynasty.
Return of the Jedi/Return of the King - notice common a theme in the titles? The heroes are restored to their rightful place at the top. Luke along with his trusted cohorts CP3 and ArtooDetoo goes to save Princess Leia, who is Jabba's slave. Kobe with Fish and Odom take Gasol away from the losing clutches of the Grizzlies. Prince Aragorn faces his destiny as the rightful King of Gondor. Yes, I had to look up those names on wikipedia.
So there you have it, the only logical conclusion to this saga is that Lakers are restored to their rightful place as the world champions, with Kobe as king, heralding a new dynasty, and a new age of dominance.
I can hear the ending theme of Star Wars as they show the Lakers celebrating the title ...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 23, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Tonight I expect that Duncan won't be as effective from mid-range as he was in Game 1. However, I do expect that either Parker or Ginobli will be much more effective. Parker is the safer pick but I really wonder if Ginobli will dig deep just to prove Sasha is no Manu-stopper. The x-factor here will be their role players. Udoka, Barry and Finley - can they provide enough production to provide support to their superstars?
I expect that Kobe will score more in the first half, but Pau and Vlad to score less. I expect Fisher to be more effective and the bench to put in another solid contribution. I think tonight's x-factor will be LO. He needs to finish stronger and demand more attention. If that happens, then I believe it will also make things easier on Pau. I really really hope Kobe stops playing free-safety on defense and stops daring guys to shoot.
I think the Lakers win game 2 going away. And I don't expect the Spurs to be phased by that at all.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Back at ya Mamba24
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES. THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | May 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
"Josh says, “THEN I’D BE a SPURS FAN!!”
NUFF SAID….
Posted by: Stars_R_Aligned | May 23, 2008 at 09:58 AM "
I posted that many moons (threads) ago... Before game 1 on the Preparing for the Champs thread:
Posted by: Charles | May 20, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Posted by: Charles | May 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM
GAME ON!
My $0.02 on Andrew Z's wacky BYNUM/GASOL AIN'T GOING NOWHERE! Resign LO and you've got a 5 year dynasty that'll make us THE TEAM OF THE NEW CENTURY. Period. Dr. Buss may have a thing for the sauce and them young skirts, but he ain't CRAZY!
Now...LET US PRAY:
DEAR LORD, we thank You for all of Your wonderful blessings that You have shared with the 2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers - every player, every staff member and every fan. We cannot praise You enough for all that You have done for our mighty Purple & Gold.
You made a way out of no way with Wednesday night's victory. We will continue to praise You for that seemingly impossible victory. We celebrate, but we are not shocked because time and time again You have saved us from seemingly impossible situations. Thank You, Lord, once again!
We ask You now that Your hand of blessing be with us tonight in Game 2. Continue to lead us on into victory. Give Kobe the insight and understanding needed to lead us into tonight's win. Work with his conscience and instincts that he would know when to strike and when to yield. Give him the skills to read every defensive scheme. Give him the knowledge to know when to pass and when to shoot. And, above all, don't let him forget what brought him this year's MVP - his ability to trust in his teammates. Let him lean on his soldiers during tonight's game. You have rewarded him for his faith. Reward him yet again. Let him remain calm and focus on his game. May he not be intimidated by Bruce Bowen's defense but determined to fulfill the task that is before him.
We pray for LO & Fish. May that shake off their shooting slumps in Game 1 and return to the court determined and on a mission. May their b-ball skills naturally flow throughout tonight's game. May they not force themselves or prove to anyone that they've got what it takes. They KNOW that they have it. Your greatness lives inside of them. May they yield themselves to that greatness and let it flow tonight like a river.
We pray for Pau Gasol. One of Your scriptures speaks to Your Kingdom suffering violence and that the violent must take it by force. May the spirit of those words ring in Pau's spirit. Tim Duncan, Kurt Thomas, Oberto, NONE of the Spurs are going to give him anything. He must take it by force. Tonight, give him the power to TAKE HIS GAME. We have seen what Pau is capable of. May tonight be the night that he boldly lets the greatness inside of him TAKE OVER this game. May he boldly fight for every shot and scrap for every rebound. Light up a fire in his belly and in his spirit. May he TAKE HIS GAME!
We pray for Vlad Rad that his shots can continue to fall like rain. Let him revisit the greatness of the Seattle days. May the coaches trust him to do his job and may he deliver.
We pray for Jordan, Sasha, Ronny, Luke and the entire BENCH MOB. They have had difficulty in this playoff run maintaning their fire and poise that they expressed during the regular season. We have seen their power. We have seen their skill. We have seen them rise up to their greatness as a whole. Tonight, let them each fully embrace that greatness. They may be young, but they are champions. Once again, may their game prove to the entire league that they DESERVE to be on this stage at this moment. Let them play like the champions they are!
Give Phl & the staff insight and wisdom on how to coach us into tongiht's win. May they encourage those who need encouragement and rebuke those who need a rebuke. May the players submit to their direction and leadership tonight and in every game going forward.
We pray for the Spurs that they would play as true champions executing true sportsmanship, honor and respect for the game while they're on the floor.
Lastly, we pray that it be Your will to insert Trevor Ariza back into the lineup tonight. He is such as asset to us and he holds one of the keys to our future. Continue to heal his foot and prepare his body for a return to the court that he may shine like the star that he is.
May tonight's win be not just a victory, Lord, but a CONVINCING victory that will continue to silence all the naysayers and playa-haters around the league. May tonight's game prove to everyone that THIS IS OUR TIME - OUR SEASON - OUR MOMENT!
We thank You in advance for answered prayer. We thank You again for blessing our Los Angeles Lakers - AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Please tell me Gregg Doyel is kidding with the "Pau Gasol sucks" article....He doesn't follow up his opnions with any logical arguments whatsoever. I mean a fifth grader can do a better job!
Posted by: Trex | May 23, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Ginobili comes out strong, but LO comes out stronger. Sasha shoots well.
Where's TA?
Posted by: Justin N | May 23, 2008 at 10:45 AM
kEIFO, I'M BETTING ON YOU! LETS OUT!
ROLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLL: JHNLANNERY, ADAM PALOMAR, SUPERSA
(1) Faith, (1A)Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, Charles, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, Fatty, ...........
*________________________*
The Dawn of The 4th Dynasty
Begins BandWagon
*________________________*
01 HmrHed – Driver & Owner
02 Mamba24 – There For Dynasties 2 & 3
03 Toad– Director of Dynasty Banner Hanging
04 Keifo – Willed the Lakers to Dynasty 3
05 Benjamin – Willed the Lakers to Dynasty 4.
06 SamLL – Director of Dynasty # 5
07 LongTimeLakerFan – Dynasty Historian
08 Jon K. - Troll Exterminator
09 VMAN - The Isaac Newton of Dynasty Calculators
10 SHEKOBE – As good as the He Kobe
11 DC – Stands for Dynasty Captain
12 TWOODY – Was at all 14 Laker victory celebrations
13 Mamba24Fan4Life – Made Kobe change # from 8 to 24.
14 JustAnotherMambaFan – Discovered Kobe Bryant
15 Jamie Sweet – Fond Forum Memories Historian
16 KobesBad – Put the swerve in Kobes game
17 Dave M. – Helped Lakers steal Kareem from the Bucks
18 Xodus – Traveled 2000 miles to see a game.
19 LakerTom – Willed the 72 Lakers to 33 wins in a row.
20. FLOYD - Rode shotgun with Jerry West, James Worthy,
21 JesterGuru – Devised the strategy for the Sweep of Denver
22 Tsphere – Super Delegate Voted for Kobe for MVP 100 times
23 Edwin Gueco – Blocked Wilts hook shot 3 times
24 JoninJAPAN(INCANADA) – Director of Tacos
25 Keifo - Director of 4th Dynasty Banner Creation
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Hey guys -- long time no post -- Hope all is well
Mamba24 is correct -- the Suprs will not die easily. We must continue to attack and never let up, like NO did in game 7.
Hey what's up with Ariza? I've been behind all the news lately -- any word that I missed?
I did read some of the game post for the last game -- very entertaining -- Hey Spurs4Life you out there? Didn't think so fool.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Good morning all! Game Day!
Great roll call Mamba24!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 23, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Let's kick the crap out of the Spurs tonight, people. It's time for us to show these old codgers what ball movement is. If we can keep Fish from getting picked off of every Duncan moving screen, than we should be in good shape. Best thing about the comeback? Not too many free throws, it was all good offensive decisions by the team.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | May 23, 2008 at 10:50 AM
First off I would just like to say that this whole NBA playoff is getting pathetic. I was never a big believer of the whole conspiracy theory of refs fixing games or the commissioner wanting to restore a Boston vs LA final, but it’s starting to look that way. I’m from Los Angeles and I’m not this laker hater I’m just a basketball fan and love to see great basketball. And my problem is when referees have ultimately the final say in whose going to win the game. Like the other night when Kobe bluntly pushed off Bowen to give him enough separation to make the go-ahead basket, or when Duncan got the rebound and Lamar hits it out of his hands and the replay clearly showed Duncan didn’t touch the ball (and with the ref was right there) and it’s Laker’s ball (what a joke) , not to mention Ginobli being fouled before Sasha got the final two free throws. And now it’s just sad, I came to work the day after the game and I’m the head basketball coach of the school I teach at and you wouldn’t believe all of my colleagues coming up to me expressing their disgust in the officiating at the end of the game, so many people were saying I’m not even going to watch anymore. And don’t forget were in Los Angeles not San Antonio (and these people are saying this), so you can’t say were biased like most of the hosts of all the LA sports talk shows and sport writers. Like last night I heard some guys on another LA sports station saying they knew the Lakers were going to win all along – Yeah Right how can you even say that when they were down by 20 (if last nights game was in San Antonio the Lakers wouldn’t even have had a chance, they would’ve lost by 15 points minimum) and that’s clearly my point – why is that? Just cause they are at home! The lakers - I guarantee would not have got all those calls and made that run in San Antonio. So get over yourself, the Lakers are overrated I wish these guys would analyze the game not their favorite team. San Antonio is clearly the more mature, complete, and deserving team to win this series. And it’s unfortunate that just because a San Antonio vs Boston or San Antonio vs Detroit final doesn’t sound as appealing as LA - is really upsetting for a true basketball fan. Teams like San Antonio and Detroit are REAL TEAMS, they aren’t solely dependant on one or two players to win them a championship they are complete and play fundamental basketball - this is why they have won recent championships. People don’t understand that basketball is a team sport and this is the way it was meant to be played. 5 players on the court playing team defense and all five starters averaging double digits and the bench putting in an uplifting contribution. But it’s not appealing, too bad. When was the last time one star player won a championship, I can’t even remember – Michael Jordan was the closest (but people will argue he had Pippen) Iverson couldn’t do it when he got to the finals, LeBron couldn’t do it, and Kobe definitely couldn’t do it by himself – he couldn’t even get out of the first round. And when the Shaq era of the Lakers ended they got beat by a TEAM in the Detroit Pistons, and last year the Spurs destroyed LeBron because they are a TEAM. So I feel confident that the great team of the San Antonio Spurs will prevail in this series, if a higher power doesn’t overthrow them (like the refs or commissioner), because the Lakers just don’t have what it takes to compete with a real team. They can’t get all the calls forever, or can they! I’m out like Andrew Bynum for the season.
Posted by: Jesse10 | May 23, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Thanks for the roll call, Mamba24! The heart and soul of this beloved blog.
Every game in this series is a "must-win" for the Lakers. The defending champs aren't going to go down easily. We've got to continue protecting home court. I won't feel even the slightest bit of "relief" until we've got a 3-0 lead in this series.
But first things first: take care of business tonight. Play as hard as possible for 48 minutes. Play lock-down defense (as Faith lovingly requests every day). Let's prove to the league that these Lakers belong in the top spot. Let the dynasty begin tonight!
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 23, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Shout out to the Blogfather....Mamba 24!!!
That guy who wrote the article saying that Pau "sucks" sucks! Apparently he is enamored with the Dwight Howards and Amares whose athletic abilities are off the chart. Last time I checked, both of those guys are FISHIN'!!
If one recalls the post players during Chicago's glory years, none were dominant. Longley, Wennington and Cartwright were all serviceable with Cartwright having the additional talent of being a great post defender. My point is that the triangle is not necessarily dependent on having a great big man. Of course, having a great big man makes it that much better....witness the Shaq years.
Pau is a great fit for this team and these players. The seamlessness with which he has incorporated himself into the offense is no accident. He can finish, pass and his team defense is underrated. He did a great job denying Manu and TP the other night in gm. 1. The Lakers would already be in the midst of another tumultuous offseason if Kwame Brown was still the starting center after Bynum went down. The man that changed the landscape of the Western Conference "sucks"? What are some of these writers smoking?!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM
IF LOVIN' MAMBA 24 IS WRONG....I DON'T WANNA BE RIGHT!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 23, 2008 at 11:01 AM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER::"May tonight's win be not just a victory, Lord, but a CONVINCING
victory that will continue to silence all the naysayers and playa-haters around the league.
May tonight's game prove to everyone that THIS IS OUR TIME - OUR SEASON - OUR MOMENT!"
AMEN! NOW SOMEONE FIND THIS MIND A PULPIT THIS IS THE OFFICIAL LAKER CHAPLAIN HENCEFORTH
AMAZING HAPPENS:"So there you have it, the only logical conclusion to this saga is that Lakers
are restored to their rightful place as the world champions, with Kobe as king, heralding a new dynasty, and a new age of dominance."
D@mnit! That was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.
Good Job! And.....THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT
OUTLAW: "Let the Dynasty begin tonight."
LET IT BE WRITTEN! LET IT BE DONE!
JAMIE SWEET:"Let's kick the crap out of the Spurs tonight, people. "
AMEN!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Holy paragraph breaks Batman!
Iron Man was good.
Lakers cruise tonight on the strength of much better games by Lamar and Derek, and stalwart defense throughout.
Maybe we see a little Trevor tonight?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 23, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Nothing but respect for you guys in Game 1. We ran out gas and into a wall the second half of that game. We WILL be ready tonite for you Lakers. We WILL play 48 Mins. and we are going to bring the rain! This lakers blog is alot of fun. i like being the odd guy out since well, I am from San Anotnio and a Spurs fan! Look for parker to be much more aggressive tonite and ginobli will be dropping his 3's.
Spurs in 7
GO SPURS GO!!!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 23, 2008 at 11:09 AM
"It's time for us to show these old codgers what ball movement is."
Codgers.
Jamie, that is sweet!
Posted by: Charles | May 23, 2008 at 11:10 AM
lakers_sth,
I concur. Should the Lakers win tonight, the Spurs won't be fazed. They were just down 0-2 to the Hornets.
Should the Lakers win tonight, they will go for the throat on Sunday. I promise you the Spurs will be fazed if they go down 0-3.
Tonight we go for 6 in a row on the Spurs....
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 23, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Lakers Legacy
Fist pound!
Posted by: Charles | May 23, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Jesse10,
Not a Laker hater? Clearly. Not worth my time...
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 23, 2008 at 11:13 AM
jesse10,
that's wonderful that you're the head coach. good for you. i bet the 5 year olds really respect your knowledge of the game. i'm glad you have a cute little hobby to keep yourself occupied while the Lakers win the motherflippin championship.
Posted by: Delicious | May 23, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Jesse10,
Based on your analysis, you can't have watched much of the Lakers and Spurs this season. The Lakers are a deeper, more balanced team than the Spurs. Their bench has been better than the Spurs bench during the regular season, and that showed in Game 1.
The Lakers are not just one star player. They are one super star, with two borderline all stars and a great set of complementary players. The Spurs are one super star, two all stars, and a not quite as good set of complementary players. Pretty darn close to same makeup.
As far as the officiating goes, the Spurs are home to two of the biggest beneficiaries in the league when it comes to favorable calls. Bruce Bowen is a very good defender, but also gets away with a lot of fouls because of his rep as a good defender. Ginobili is a flopper. And a pusher-offer. And consistently gets the benefit of the calls in both those areas.
Sounds to me like you have an issue with Kobe for some reason, and are letting that cloud your thinking.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 23, 2008 at 11:14 AM
From Washington DC
GO LAKERS We holding up the Fan Base here in Washington DC forget the Wizzards
Posted by: Kelvin | May 23, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Mamba24 - THANK YOU!!! NOW I'm ready for tonight!
Amazing_Happens - did I understand that or are you comparing Pau to Princess Leia??!! I know he's a bit soft, but he doesn't really strike me as being "girly soft" - LOL!
Trex - Gregg Doyel isn't smarter than a 5th grader.
Jesse10 - WOW - quite wordy for a troll. I didn't know trolls had such a large vocabulary. I thought they could only say stuff like "....hate....suck....loser...." - you know, the basics of Troll-eze...Anyhoo - see ya later, Laker hater.
Pig/Toad - can someone please close the screen door or spray some troll-b-gone up in here?!
7 to O'Brien...........
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Jesse10:"Like last night I heard some guys on another LA sports station saying they knew the
Lakers were going to win all along – Yeah Right how can you even say that when they were down by 20"
He can say that because the Spurs have no heart and are a bunch of old men. When the Lakers get that 20 point lead
tonight you'll see how grown men- not drama queens like the Spurs - can keep a lead. IT"S OVERRRRRR!
Your freakin team will not win one game. So take your lame @ss back to your lame @ss Spurs blog.
I thought you Spurs fan had class, but it appears you're just @sses
Posted by: | May 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM
utzworld,
Listen. I'm getting seriously tired of you interrupting me all the time about this stuff. For the last time, I DON'T FOLLOW SPORTS, I have far more pressing things to do with my time.
If you keep bothering me about your sports teams, I'm gonna have to get involved just to make sure your team loses to get you off my back, so please, stop sending prayers about your Lakers, it's just completely, utterly, totally, selfish.
Posted by: GOD | May 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Let's do this.
Great roll call mamba!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Jesse10 --
What alternate universe are you from? I would hit you here with a bunch of facts that destroy you're manic/depressive theories, but why bother -- we'lll just sick Pig in you.
Posted by: HmrHed | May 23, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I won't feel even the slightest bit of "relief" until we've got a 3-0 lead in this series.- The Outlaw
I hear ya Outlaw. But honestly, with these guys, I won't feel better about it until we're dealing with Boston/Detroit trolls invading before the finals start.
I remember US being the champs and how we were not going to go quietly. We have to BEAT the Spurs. They're not gonna go away.
Posted by: magicman | May 23, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Thanks Mamba,
Roll Call is like that extra shot of expresso in the Latte. My brain just won't work until I get that extra shot of the Mamba.
"A day without roll call, is like a day without sunshine"
- An original Fatty quote stolen from some TV commercial
"Without roll call, life itself is not possible"
- From a chemical propaganda commercial
"Yes we can! Because the Roll Call said so!"
- A Fatty quote stolen and made famous by Obama
"Its not what Roll Call can do for you, its what YOU can do for Roll Call"
- ???????
"You are either for roll call, or against it"
E = Mc x Roll Call
- Albert 'Fatty' Einstein
"I have a dream. That everyone, will someday be on Roll Call."
- Mamba24
"Tippicanoe and Roll Call too."
"Colorado loves the Lakers and Roll Call"
- Hugo Boss
"That's just turible. That my name ain't on Roll Call."
- Charles Barkley
Have a good day Mamba24!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 23, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Good Morning Charles--Good Morning everybody...
A win tonight is crucial---I would like to see focus, intensity and execution from start to finish tonight....
the usual mantra: DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE
PICK & ROLL PICK & ROLL PICK & ROLL
All that talk about trading Bynum yesterday was nothing short of abusurd---currently there are only two players that MIGHT be considered for a trade and that's Rad and Mr. Walton and those should only be considered if an obvious upgrade is available...
I have a feeling the Lakers will start attracting another Rick Fox deal type player---a solid to outstanding player who turns down $22 million to play for $1 million (twice !) to play for the Lakers and a championship and an emerging dynasty...
I know Fox had some extra motivation (ie some gal named Vanessa and film work etc) but I really think something similar may happen...
The two names that come to mind are Elton Brand or Shawn Marion---which would be a good move for either of them (and the Lakers)--and eventually (like Fox) Buss will reward them when he can...
I still feel it is crucial for the said emerging dynasty (see above) that Sasha, Ronny, Farmar, and maybe Ariza remain Lakers---not to mention keeping Bynum and Odom---and of course needless to say Kobe and Pau and Fish...
Still want to see what Mihm, Mbenga, and Carl will give us next year as well ...
I really dug it Shaft, that those cretans from Beantown lost last night--hope the trend continues and that, as Rasheed Wallace so elequently put it, the Pistons don't take any more "POO POO shots" (whatever they are)....
I hate the Celtics worse than disentary...
AS EVER, AS ALWAYS, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 23, 2008 at 11:21 AM
"Thanks for the roll call, Mamba24! The heart and soul of this beloved blog."
Damn straight!
Posted by: Charles | May 23, 2008 at 11:24 AM
AMEN -- BANNER HOLDER
Posted by: HmrHed | May 23, 2008 at 11:26 AM
you gotta love this from Brian Shaw:
The Lakers finished the regular season No. 6 in defensive field goal percentage and also steals, two stats that don't always go together. Andrew Bynum's injury robbed them of a defensive backstop, and then came Pau Gasol, an All-Star scorer who appeared to fit the effete European stereotype. That misconception disappeared quickly.
"Pau has been a surprise defensively," Shaw said. "He's got very long arms and he understands how to give space and take it away. He can bother Duncan because of his length and his basketball IQ. When you factor in Lamar Odom, we take up a lot of space defensively with our reach, and it can hinder a team's vision, too."
So how much more claustrophobic will the Lakers be when they get Bynum back, assuming his rehab goes well and he re-signs?
Shaw grinned. "That's what we're all waiting to find out," he said.
Posted by: TaosHum | May 23, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Adrian Palomar:Mamba 24 put me in your roll call ok.thanks mate.Lakers 2008 NBA Champs.
KOBE the greatest player of all time,better than pampered and marketed by NBA before MJ bulls shiiiiiiiiiit!!!"
Be glad to mate. Welcome aboard and I think we are going to enjoy your post.
Ajax:"Tonight the Lakers win by 5-10 points!"
Ajax I'm with you but I say 5+10 points or 15 points.
THIS SERIES IS OVER!!!!!! Tonight lamar will score
30 and Gasol 33. Kobe will score all his points in
the first half and facilitate in the second.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Banner Holder,
Your prayer was awesome!
Amen, and Thanks!
Posted by: Eric M. | May 23, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I don't about any of you, but I like close games better than blow outs. Esp when the Lakers come out on top. Close games keep the team sharp and focused rather than over confident.
Posted by: Fire32 | May 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM
CHARLES:"I posted that many moons (threads) ago... Before game 1 on the Preparing for the Champs thread:"
Yes he did I can vouch for that and he had the entire blog ROFLAO.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Another giant leap on the Dynasty ladder happens this evening.
IT is INEVITABLE.
btw: good to have Andrew Z back... enough said
Posted by: Vman | May 23, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Justin N."Ginobili comes out strong, but LO comes out stronger. Sasha shoots well."
I agree with your second and third comments, but
Ginobli is hurt which is why this series is over.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2008 at 11:37 AM