Game 5: W2W4
A pivotal contest approaches between two squads knotted at 2 wins apiece. Keeping with that theme, here are five items worth keeping eyeballs on, in my humble estimation.
- Kobe's back: This would be the highest profile of X Factors, and on a couple levels. For starters, how much pain will Kobe be attempting to play through? Bryant said he felt better yesterday, but still couldn't ride in a car or sleep without experiencing discomfort and is just now able to do some shootaround stuff. Hopefully, the additional 24 hours between Tuesday and tonight see a continued uptick in healing, one allowing him to play at reasonably close to 100%. If not, the focus could end up revisiting the much discussed differences between Kobe during the fourth quarter (facilitating) and OT (shooting) of Game 4. Whether you think Kobe tried to do too much down the stretch, his teammates didn't assert themselves enough or somewhere in between (and I'm really interesting in rehashing a 72-hour-old debate), two facts can't be disputed. Kobe missed a lot of late-game shots and admitted his back prevented lift and explosion. Unless his mend has progressed nicely (fingers crossed), a multi-faceted "something" will likely have to give.
- Carlos Boozer: After exploding for a 27/20 Game 3, Booz came down to Earth and struggles similar to his L.A. games. 5-15 for just 14 points, three turnovers and four blocked shots (his own attempts, not one belonging to a Laker). Both efforts still came during Laker losses, but the weaker effort helped create a scenario where Utah needed OT to beat a team featuring an ejected Ronny Turiaf, a foul-plagued Derek Fisher and a hobbled Kobe Bryant. Deron Williams can't do it all by himself and aside from Mehmet Okur, no Jazzman seems capable of consistently taking his scoring to a higher level in the postseason. The Jazz needs Boozer to go off. Keep him frustrated and his squad's fortunes will likely follow.
- Jordan Farmar: The series keeps going from bad to worse, with shooting issues experienced in Denver developing into problems on both sides of the ball. This became even more magnified upon Derek Fisher's early foul trouble during both Utah contests, which have led to Farmar playing increased minutes against Deron Williams and, frankly, getting schooled. In some ways, it's feeling uncomfortably similar to the '06 playoffs where Smush Parker got matched in consecutive games against an elite PG and the talent discrepancy resulted in William Henry losing all shreds of confidence. I'm not sure Farmar has reached that level, but his body language hasn't particularly reeked of "chest puffy." In the meantime, his lack of production likely has something to do with the Bench Mob not being as strong as usual. Phil Jackson said yesterday that Farmar's slump began against Denver when he felt teams were attacking him defensively (which I don't doubt). If/how Farmar can pull himself out of this funk, I couldn't tell you. But we've already seen PJ use Sasha Vujacic at the point during Game 4, an approach he's understandably been averse toward over the last couple seasons. Not a good sign.
- Jump all over Utah early: These guys haven't been great on the road all year. Making this as immediate of an uphill battle as possible can't possibly present a downside for the Lakers.
- Strike first, strike hard, no mercy, sir!: It's not simply the philosophy of evil sensai Kreese from "The Karate Kid." It's PJ's advice on how the Lakers should handle the Jazz's overly physical nature. Instead of waiting around for the inevitable shove, beat him to the punch (figurative, not literal). Can't say I disagree.
Prediction: This is admittedly kinda tough, since Kobe's back remains a wild card low on exact details. But these playoffs have featured home teams protecting their advantage and Utah, frankly, hasn't really controlled the Lakers on any court. It's become pretty obvious who the better team is, all things being equal. Granted, The Mamba's back could become the great equalizer. But assuming Kobe's able to run at a reasonably proficient level (both physically and how he handles whatever limitations), I see more of the same success the Lakers have experienced in the 213. Lakers win.
A few more bits of analysis:
Hoopsworld's Eric Pincus
SportsHubLA.com
Scouts Inc./ESPN's David Thorpe
ForumBlueandGold.com
myutahjazz.blogspot.com
Hoopsaddict.com
And finally, if you're interested in Laker junkies Snoop and Kurupt's take on the playoffs...
AK
Sweep the leg!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 14, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Cant wait till game time
Posted by: Charles | May 14, 2008 at 02:54 PM
This information was noted from the 4-Letter Network radio program earlier this afternoon:
* Some Utah Jazz "fans" were heard screaming CANCER when Derek Fisher had the ball or was attempting free-throws.
* A particular Utah Jazz "fan" was observed covering his/her right eye and SCREAMING when Derek Fisher was at the free-throw line.
Stephen Jackson (from the Golden State Warriors) claimed that some Utah Jazz "fans" shouted racial slurs at him during last year's playoffs.
Does this help connect the dots? Does this help to explain why Tracy McGrady says he HATES the Utah Jazz crowd?
Sure, these low-life LOSERS may be a vocal minority, and similar idiots may be found in other arenas. But, it sure seems like Salt Lake City has more than its share of these kind of vile and disgusting "fans."
P&GR
Posted by: Purple & Gold Reign | May 14, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Put em in a body bag!!
Posted by: #4 | May 14, 2008 at 03:04 PM
TOKE TOKE TOKE...AAHHHHH...TOKE TOKE TOKE...WHOOOOOSH!
ENJOY ALL!!!
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | May 14, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Defense!
GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 14, 2008 at 03:12 PM
{Repost}
Pau Gasol's Bio-Chrono Reading
To reiterate, Bio-Chronology looks at how a person's biological and metabolic patterns affect a person's worldview and, thus, personality traits. It is based upon how someone's internal biological clock is referenced and how that point of reference affects the emphases of that's person's way of perceiving themselves and the world they live in.
There are four main processes through which a person perceives and processes life: The Physical, The Emotional, The Mental/Social, and The Creative/Spiritual.
Each of these four processes can be perceived relative to (or as a reflection of) any of the other four processes. So a person can process their physical life physically, or emtionally, or mentally or creatively.
Though everyone uses all the major processes to experience life, people tend to emphasize one process over the others based upon how their biological clock is referenced.
And this is the case, of course, also with Pau Gasol.
PHYSICAL: Pau Gasol experiences the physical world primarily through spiritual/creative processes. This makes him a competitve person. This particular process is known as "attraction". It is important for Pau Gasol to excel physically for him to feel attractive to others and to be attracted to (and able to engage in) new experiences.
Notice how Pau Gasol has kind of wild hair? That's because he's drawing attention to himself physically. A lot of attraction based people do dandyish things with their appearance as a means of initiating a sense of attraction from others towards them. Luke Walton is another attraction based teammate.
What's the best way for Pau Gasol to excel physically? Promote new and different exercises and experiences for him. Diversity is key. The newness of environments and approaches is very stimulating in a benefical way to him and brings out the best in him. He also needs an initator in these activities because he is less inclined to them alone. That companionship also brings out his competitve instinct in a positive way pushing him to greater levels of improvement.
EMOTIONALLY: Pau Gasol experiences his emotional world primarily through mental processes. These processes are referred to as "trust". Trust, open and honest communication, and directness are very important to Pau Gasol's emotional health.
Gasol would rather be around an honest negative person than a fake positive person. Clarity and keeping one's word is very important to him, and he needs that to be able to relax with other people.
The emphasis on the process of trust makes Gasol a good, loyal, and reliable friend. However, if another person breaks his trust too many times (by Gasol's person standard) he will not be able to trust that person, nor forgive that person easily. He will tend to paint that person as a fundamentally "bad person" and will be very wary and bitter towards that person. Under these circumstances, Gasol will also have a terrible temper that will seem to flare up out of nowhere to outsiders, but to Gasol it is merely the reflection of the accumlation of a multitude of wrongs and lies which he has accounted for for a length of time until he could finally take no more.
In short, to bring out the emotional best in Pau Gasol, be honest with him, consistent, and direct, and also (VERY IMPORTANT) trust him upon his word.
MENTALLY: Pau Gasol primarily processes his mental world physically. This process is known as "knowledge and learning."
It is very important for Pau Gasol's mental (and social) health that he be informed as to what is going on with a group at any given time. These types of people crave knowledge and new information. Both of which are very positively stimulating for them.
They also appreciate rare and unusual knowledge. It makes them feel socially confident and useful.
I earlier suggested that Kareem Abdul-Jabaar teach Pau Gasol his sky hook. Why? Not because of his build, but because the newness of the experience is physically beneficial to him (attraction) and the rare knowledge of being able to do the sky hook correctly and learning of something new is a very positive mental stimulant to him and brings out his best when working in a group.
Knowledge orientated people have a succeptiblity towards feelings of intellectual insecurity, especially if you are talking to them about something that they don't know anything about. So, when bringing new information to them, it is important to present it as something you are sharing with them and that the two of you are learning about together, instead of it as being something the other person should already know.
Pau Gasol will also be particularly stimulated by information about social structures, philosophy, intellectual pursuits... things of that nature.
In short, to promote Pau Gasol's mental health, keep hiim informed of new changes in a group dynamic, promote knowledge, learning, and personal growth with him.
SPIRITUAL/CREATIVE: Pau Gasol primarily processes his creative world emotionally. He is like Kobe in that regard. This process is known as "enlightenment."
For Pau Gasol, the most important thing in life is to be at peace with himself. To be free of the emotional baggage that restricts him and to be able to express himself freely, spontaneously, and passionately.
Like Kobe, this equates to "being his best", living without regret and frequently translates into setting lofty goals for oneself as a benchmark of one's ability to achieve things despite the human frailties they possess (and secretly despise.)
Enlightenment orientated people have a succeptibility towards narcissism and it is something they have to constantly struggle with. This is in part because the most important thing in life to them is THEIR inner peace. If something leads them away from THEIR inner peace, they don't have time for it and will easily brand it as useless.
However they also have a tremendous creative potential because when feeling free they spontaneously are able to create creative words that others would view as genius without having to think about it or plan them out. It literally just flows out from their very being as a reflection of their unique inner self.
To promote Pau Gasol's creative/spiritual health, activities such as meditation (for him in particular meditation in nature) is useful in helping them relax and release unnecessary personal cognitive and emotional baggage. Externally, things such as acknowledging and appreciating his unique character and creative abilities is very helpful and avoiding excess criticism of his personal weaknesses that make him human and bring him pain are all very helpful. However, in the end, Pau Gasol's creative and spiritual development is more contingent upon his personal desire and internal choices than anything else.
And that, Laker Nation, is Pau Gasol in a nutshell.
Now let's kick the crap out of the Jazz!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Purple & Gold Reign
http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?topic=788673
http://tinyurl.com/6nuy66
Posted by: Charles | May 14, 2008 at 03:14 PM
{Repost}
Derek Fisher's Bio-Chrono Reading:
PHYSICALLY: Derek Fisher primarily processes his physical world mentally. This process is known as "confidence".
Confidence orientated people are also highly competitive people. They are "mind over matter" types. When they are confidence and focused, they are able to will their bodies to perform feats that other types are not capable of, and in competition they have a bit of meanness about them. They gain joy more from beating their opponents than winning, if that makes sense.
The downside of being mentally orientated physically is that if they are not in a good place, particularly socially, they can literally will themselves into sickness and injury. During these times they also can be surprisingly insecure, even paranoid. Feeling this way is EXTREMELY painful for them and they feel rather helpless.
When confident, it's the opposite. They feel they can take on the world, and usually can.
To promote Derek Fisher's physical health, challenge him. Promote his competitive nature, set high goals for him, express confidence in him, and provide solid social support.
EMOTIONALLY: Derek Fisher primiarily processes his emotions physically. This process is known as "enthusiasm" and it is also heavily influenced by the state of his physical health.
Enthusiasm orientated people like to personally express themselves without over-processing their experience. They enjoy being spontaneous and the ebullient positive emotions of others. Expressiveness is very important to them, as well as being in the moment.
They find that when others heavily analyze their communication before expressing it to be distasteful. They rather like people who are just "real" with their feelings, even if those feelings are only "real" in the moment and may change drastically at another time.
When enthusiasm orientated people are in a negative state, they emotionally shut down. To them it feels like they are dead inside and that grave-like inner world is EXTREMELY painful for them. They are all about feeling and being numb disconnects them from their inner self and it is very difficult for them to function.
To promote Derek Fisher's emotional health let him express himself, don't overly question his intent, be enthusiastic, appreciate his enthusiasm for whatever it is (even if you disagree with whatever it is that he's enthusiastic about), be spontaneous around him, and be "real" in your personal relationships with him.
MENTALLY: Derek Fisher primarily experiences his mental world mentally. This process is known as "respect".
{Kobe is the same way.}
For respect orientated people, they need to be important and respected as such. When in a healthy social environment and treated with respect, respect orientated people are very respectful towards other people, highly intelligent in their decision-making, and objective in their analyses.
They also tend to have advanced social skills.
Respect orientated people are tricky. Despite their intelligence and yearning for objectivity, they are highly sensitive to disrespect and when feeling as if they have been disrespected (or their importance unacknowledged) they have a tendency to be HIGHLY judgemental and disrespectful towards others.
They also HATE to be judged by others. It drives them nuts.
On the court, if Derek doesn't feel he has been sufficiently respected, he will try to embarass his opponent and will play mind games with them.
To best support Derek Fisher's mental health he needs to be important in his social group and have the support of his social group. He needs to feel and be respected. Information should be a presented in an "objective" manner to him so that Derek can make his own judgements about the situation. It should also be communicated that he is highly valued and that his opinion is important to others.
SPIRITUALLY/CREATIVELY: Derek Fisher processes his creative world emotionally. So, like Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant he is "enlightenment" based.
The reason why Kobe and Derek get along as well as they do is because they have the same mental and creative processes. Therefore they "get" each other.
For further information on "enlightenment" processes, please read my earlier post on Pau Gasol's spiritual process.
{However, I think in Pau Gasol's post, I may have over-emphasized the selfish element of enlightenment-orientated people. While this is true, when enlightenment-orientated people are in a positive, free, and internally peaceful state, they are also highly compassionate towards other people. I just wanted to make that part clear.}
To best support Derek Fisher's creative/spiritual health the same advice is accurate for Pau Gasol as it is for Derek Fisher; however, Derek Fisher will gain benefit out of group meditation and mental focus drills than Pau Gasol would.
That's Derek Fisher.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Trevor Ariza's Bio-Chrono Reading:
PHYSICALLY: Trevor Ariza experiences his physical life spiritually/creatively. Thus, he is "attraction" based like Pau Gasol.
I forgot to mention that attraction orientated people have strong, precise senses of smell. So things like aromatherapy have a more beneficial impact upon them than they do for others, and this would also be the case for Trevor.
EMOTIONALLY: Trevor experiences his emotional life emotionally. This process is known as "appreciation".
Trevor Ariza's individuality is very important to him and needs to be acknowledged for his emotional health. He is emotionally stimulated in a positive way by unique, "special" things and the individuality of others expression.
When feeling good about himself, Trevor is very polite and likes to point out the little things that others do that make them special. He is also very appreciative of others' postiive treatment of him and when they acknowledge little things about him that are "special" or different (in a positive way).
Now, when Trevor feels he is not being sufficiently acknowledged or appreciated, or that people don't "get" him, or have put him in some broad category, or ignore hiim... he gets easily resentful. This means he has a temper that can be hairtrigger. Here's the thing about appreciation orientated people, though they get easily angry, they don't dwell on it (like trust orientated people do). They express their anger, often with an intense vitriol, and then they're done with it. However, for others this can sometimes be difficult to deal with and in personal relationships, they may feel like their some walking on eggshells.
Despite appreciation-orientated people's temper, they don't like angry people, because it reminds them too much of what it feels like when they are in a state of emotional discord.
To support Trevor Ariza's emotional health, acknowledge and appreciate (even celebrate) his individuality. When he does something well, or differently in an effective way, point it out. Be positive! Express your personal individuality around him. Share those little differences that make an experience, location, event, or group special with him. If he needs to vent, let him vent. Be appeciative and gracious when around him. He will also be positively stimulated in a special way by the experience of new, innovative art, music, and creative works.
MENTALLY: Trevor Ariza primarily processes his mental world physically. This process is known as "knowledge and learning" and is like that of Pau Gasol's.
SPIRITUAL/CREATIVE: Trevor Ariza primiarily processes his spiritual/creative world emotionally. This process is known as "enlightenment" and is like that of Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant's.
That is Trevor Ariza.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 03:16 PM
THE JAZZ KNOW 2008 IS THEIR ONLY CHANCE…
Because once the Lakers get Andrew Bynum back in the lineup the current state of parity in the NBA will no longer exist and the Lakers will dominate the next 5 championships. This is what Jerry Sloan’s message will be for the Jazz tonight. A warning that they may not get another chance like this to steal a game and a championship opportunity tonight. That is why the Jazz will be uniquely dangerous tonight. That is what happens when you don’t put your foot on the throat of a team and let it gain confidence.
TIME TO PUT THE JAZZ BACK IN THEIR PLACE…
Which is as a perennial runner-up and champion wanna-be. Time to give Williams and Boozer the same harsh lessons that the Lakers game Stockton and Malone. Good game. Good effort. Tough competitors. But not championship caliber by a long shot, as proven by the futility and frustration of their long history as losers not fit for prime time play. Tonight, the Lakers need to pound the Jazz into the pulp and crush their will to compete. The Lakers will deliver their A-Game tonight and win by 30 to go up 3-2.
TRUST THE MVP TO MAKE THE RIGHT PLAYS…
Enough of the criticism of Kobe’s shot selection or his teammates passiveness in the overtime period. The Lakers lost that game because of terrible free-throw shooting and would never have comeback without KB24. The problem with that game is that coming back took too much out of an injured Kobe and battered team. That’s always the problem with staking the other team to be lead. You have to expend so much energy to come back that you often just run out of gas. That’s what happened to Kobe and the Lakers in the overtime period in my opinion. We almost stole a win but in the end ran out of gas.
MITCH GOT ROBBED BY THE EASTERN MEDIA…
No way that Danny Ainge, who had basically been a complete bust as a general manager until he was given a sweetheart deal from a fellow high-ranking member of the Former-Celtics-Who-Suck-As-General-Managers-Clique, should have won Executive of the Year from the NBA over Mitch Kupchak. But what else would you expect from the Shamrock a$$-kissing pro-Celtics anti-West biased East Coast media. It’s a miracle that Kobe won the league MVP with the way these guys voted for the other awards. They can eat their votes when Mitch’s Lakers trump the Eastern darling Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 14, 2008 at 03:17 PM
My best friend played Arena Fotball...played a few games in Salt Lake...said he had never been called the "N" word more...
Posted by: Christopher Blake | May 14, 2008 at 03:17 PM
It's difficult to defend Farmar's performance and production in this series, and I won't try.
However, I think it is worthwhile for all of us to try to remember what we were like at 21 years of age. How much could any of us recover our poise and confidence at that age when we were run over by a Mack truck at every minute on the job?
A year ago, the guy ended up starting in the Playoffs only weeks after he was playing in the D League. Over last summer, the kid worked tirelessly on his game, and ended up being a valuable asset throughout the regular season.
Jordan still has a lot of maturing to do. Scientists have definitively concluded that a person is rarely fully matured until age 24 or 25. Look at how Sasha has suddenly blossomed at this stage. Those who do it sooner are the exceptions.
None of this changes the need for Jordan to return to form immediately, if not sooner. Hopefully, there's been considerable mentoring by Fish and the coaching staff since Sunday. But it is wrong to totally give up on any player who has showed so much promise, skill level, and an undeniable work ethic.
Let's cheer Jordan on tonight, just like we will Kobe, Fish, Lamar, Gasol, VladRad, Turiaf, Walton, and Sasha. These are our Lakers. Every single one of them. We live and die as a team. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 14, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Strike first, strike hard, NO MERCY!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 03:19 PM
LakerTom,
"Former-Celtics-Who-Suck-As-General-Managers-Clique"
Awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Christopher Blake,
I don't want to get too much into religious criticism here because this really isn't the place and I don't believe a person should be insulted for their religious beliefs, even though I believe it is fair to address certain paradoxes within a person's religious beliefs...
That disclaimer aside, The Book of Mormon did originally have texts that basically states that dark skinned people are the descendents of essentially devil-worshippers (people who rejected God).
It kind of lends itself towards creating an atmosphere that fosters racism, so it doesn't surprise me that your friend got that response in Salt Lake City.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Laker Tom
NBA execs voted, not the media. But this is where it is interesting. Only 30 teams yet, they polled 47 total votes. Only 30 GM's. How do they call that a fair sampling? Which teams got more than one vote?
West teams split vote between NOH and Lakers as well.
"Sporting News polled general managers and "OTHER" executives from all 30 teams, and Ainge received 18 of the 47 votes cast. He beat out Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Mitch Kupchak, who had 14 votes, and New Orleans Hornets general manager Jeff Bower who had 12."
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 14, 2008 at 03:36 PM
TomK,
How do you make your profiles? Do you just observe body language and speech? Do you roll i ching?
Do your sober analysis hold back walls of theoretical personality issues? They never seem to take into account spiritual/emotional characteristics.
Have you done Kobe's? Is there room for change within these profiles? I am particularly wondering about interactions between types. Can Kobe get more complimentary with a type he would not get along with?
GOOOOooooOOO LA LAKERS!!
JohnnyP
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 14, 2008 at 03:37 PM
This is like when Daniel's leg was messed up, and Johnny was ready to take him down. Instead, Daniel did his famous crane kick.
Ok Kobe, time to do your crane kick.
Posted by: GO Rakers | May 14, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Rick~
Once again, I am in total agreement.
We are Laker Nation, we are at the (almost) big dance, and these are the guys that got us to this moment.
Jon K.~
Strike first, strike hard, NO MERCY!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Happy Camper | May 14, 2008 at 03:45 PM
I'm pretty hyped up for this game. We haven't had one like this for a long time. Let's do this!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | May 14, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Jon K,
oooohhhh oooohhh, do me next!!! jk
Posted by: darock | May 14, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Dude,
Jon, you are like the blog's own Vic the Brick. I mean that in the nicest possible way. As in, I love my fellow freaks.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 14, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Rick Friedman-
I agree about Farmar. The kid has been great all year long. I know this blog always needs someone to point the blame at but everyone should cut Jordan a little slack. He hit the sophomore slump, it just happens to be at the worst possible time. I can assure everyone on this blog that these struggles will actually be of benefit to the Lakers and Jordan next year. This summer he will be working extremely hard so that these playoffs don't happen again. If I remember correctly I remember a very young Kobe having some second round struggles against a Utah team, he turned out fine. Granted, Farmar is no Kobe but I hate hearing all the trade talk just because of a bad playoff series. Jordan will be a great and serviceable pg for the Lakers for years to come.
We just have to pray that Jordan can turn it around sooner than later, who know, it may be Jordan that delivers a clutch 3 tonight. Well have to wait and see....
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 14, 2008 at 04:02 PM
WHOA,
Jon K Respect level: 0%
I said and i stick by it!
Posted by: darock | May 14, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Fatty,
Thanks for blowing my stupid position up. LOL. I have to admit to a completely homer response to Ainge winning anything. No need to check details. Anyway, thanks for the clarification as well as the mystery.
I was surprised that the Hornet’s GM got so many votes. I believe that was not expected but it was easy to see that two West guys had to split some votes. Anyway, it still pisses me off. Mitch did the best job of all. He not only set his team up with the best lineup now and in the future but also enticed the Suns and the Mavs to make deals for over-the-hill all-stars with huge contracts that will be anchors keeping both franchises down.
Good job, Fatty.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 14, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Jordan Farmar measures his game by how well his shots are falling, consequently when he is not doing well offensively, his game falls apart. Unfortunately, this is to be expected with most newbies in the league.
First and foremost, Jordan needs to focus his attention on defense. Offensively, he should try harder to go into the painted area and breaking down the defenses of Utah.
His contribution to our success does not have to be measured in terms of his 3 point shots. If he could somehow get this into his psyche, his shots will return again. Remember Michael Cooper? He used to throw bricks game after game, but he never let his offensive failures affected his game.
Posted by: Robyn | May 14, 2008 at 04:07 PM
GOD is Fair:
Can't take sides as the BANNER HOLDER likes to pray only for his Laker team.
So I am sending my blessing to both the teams. May both the team stay healthy and play fair and may the best team win.
cough cough cough..
GOD
Posted by: GOD aka Jesus-Muhammed-Buddha and Krishna | May 14, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Less than 4 hours to game time - OMG I can't wait!!! We haven't had this much fun in years! It will definitely be interesting to see just how aggressively Kobe comes out. To tell the truth, I'm kind of afraid for the Jizz - I really don't think they know what they're in for - lol!
Strike first - strike hard - do a crane kick - no mercy - kick the Jizz butt off the court - grab em by the throat - rip their heart out - GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!
And for Faith - play some DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 14, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Repost from other thread....
Mitch should have been first!!!! Or Riles!!!! I can dig that!
But freakin cry baby Danny Ainge? I can still see that face he used to make every time he got called for a foul. Like if he just bit into a lemon or something. I guess he can have a little credit for making Boston relevant again. I mean, after all, we're on our third "rebuild" heading towards a title. And Boston is finally, FINALLY back to being considered a legit contender after what, like 20 years?
Nice tie in to Big Shot Rob though. One of my favorite Horry shots was the one were he threw the towel in Ainges face. Priceless!
Posted by: magicman | May 14, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Jon K Respect level: 0%
I said and i stick by it!
Posted by: darock
__________________________
darock - I suggest you go crawl up under darock...
Troll-B-gone needed up in there.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 14, 2008 at 04:12 PM
"Whacks on, ... "
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 14, 2008 at 04:14 PM
repost from previous thread:
exhelodrvr - sorry about that man....
Xodus - I know - trying to be funny - failing miserably....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 14, 2008 at 04:15 PM
What's up Lakerville!
Time to get win #7. Grind that WWE stuff into dust. No hope, no mercy! This series will be over Friday and we will prevail. I think it's gonna be a tight game tonight but the Lakeshow guts out a win. Remember when KB24 first injured his pinkie against NJ? We lost to the Raptors the next game. But when Kobe adjusted his play to accommodate his injury, he had a great game 36/10/6 and they beat the Magic. We will show these classless Jazz fans what a great team looks like. I look to Fish to have a better game and for Pau and LO to control the paint. We will prevail!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 14, 2008 at 04:17 PM
This just hit me like a ton of bricks (no, not the Vic kind)
Just a little perspective maybe about Farmar..........
Anybody wanna call Smush and see if he can
be our back up? Didn't think so.......
Let's support the youngster!
Yeahhhhhh mannnnnnnn
Posted by: magicman | May 14, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Mr "cough cough cough" - Go back and double check the next to last item on today's prayer.
You are surely an impostor of God. You can't read.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | May 14, 2008 at 04:29 PM
justanothermambafan
i wasnt talking to you. so please stay out of it.
i'm just expressing my personal opinion on what he said. i love the man's posts because they are often intelligent and interesting. he is one of my favorite posters. i just happen to find his last post uneducated on the subject, which made me lose respect for his posts.
Posted by: darock | May 14, 2008 at 04:33 PM
btw,
my shift is over, so if you dont hear from me you know why.
Posted by: darock | May 14, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I am very excited for this game tonight. I hope LakerTom is right in that we should blow this team out. The crazy thing about this series is that no matter how bad things got in both games at Utah, we would have swept this team had we made the majority of our free throws. So good news is, we can only play better tonight and in game 6 than we did in games 3 and 4.
Prediction: Lakers by 14!
LAL - 109
JAZZ - 95
Tacos for all!!!
dpk
Posted by: dpk | May 14, 2008 at 04:37 PM
I'm as nervous as hell.
Posted by: troy | May 14, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Just thought I'd come over and see what the Laker Nation had to say. Interesting stuff. There are pieces of **** in every arena and the Jazz or Lakers are no different but it is a shame that some people feel the need to address it. Especially on the eve of Game 5. Looking forward to it. Should be good.
As far as the Jazz being a second rate team, I DO think they are more of a team than most. They have proven that some players can have bad games or be out do to injury and the Team can still win. I also have the opinion that Sloan is the most underrated coach in history. How good would Jackson be without Kobe or Jordan. I think he is good but you have to admit he has had two of the best players in the last decade or so.
Anyway good luck Laker Nation. Hope for a good game.
GO JAZZ
Posted by: Randy | May 14, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Rick,
Now that’s the Rick Friedman we have all come to know and love. Great job defending Jordan. As one of Farmar’s earliest and most vocal supporters, I have been disappointed mostly in Jordan’s seemingly quitting on defense, which I remarked was reminiscent of Smush’s melt down against Nash and the Suns. But I agree with you that he will rebound because I think he has great confidence deep down within himself and the right attitude.
When you look at when young players take the big leap in their games, the 3rd year is key for many guys. A perfect example is Deron Williams, who was never thought of in the same breath as Chris Paul until this year, his 3rd in the NBA. Or Andrew Bynum, who Kobe slammed after his 2nd year before declaring we are a “championship caliber” team with Drew in the lineup right after Drew injured his knee in this his 3rd year.
I am hoping that Jordan will respond tonight with a big game, taking the ball to the hoop on offense and drawing contact to get to the line, taking a couple of steps and sinking his midrange jumper rather than settling for 3’s, and taking some gambles to jump in front of Williams anticipating his moves to draw a couple of charges. Jordan has to know that he cannot play worse by doing that. I think we will see his measure tonight.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 14, 2008 at 04:50 PM
JohnnyP,
I have to put various information into a computer program and it gives me what process a person's focused upon and then I have to analyze the way those processes interact to get greater specifcs in terms of a person's foci.
Yeah, I have done Kobe a long time ago.
He's a VERY complex person and the way that his processes interact is rather unique. His interactions create incredible potential and at the same time produces a lot challenges in his worldview. It's difficult for him to find balances between his processes because they strongly compete with each other, but by obtaining balance/harmony between these competing foci it allows him to develop his individual processes to a much more powerful level of complexity than the average person would normally be able to achieve.
It's not easy being Kobe.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Let's put these U-Tards out of their misery and let them get back to what they do best:
getting yelled at in the off-season by Jerry Sloan and his many wives.
Posted by: The D | May 14, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Phil Jackson said - "He got out here early before we even had shooting practice and worked on his shot before we started."
I say - WARRIER!!!
Let's do this shyat!!!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | May 14, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Toke, toke......*cough
Thank you Lakerman 420, that was some quality stuff.
NOW LET'S BURN SOME JAZZ!!!!
Posted by: janaya | May 14, 2008 at 05:03 PM
I'm off to the game...
Lets hope and pray for a victory
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 14, 2008 at 05:09 PM
JohnnyP,
And, yeah, there's room to change within these profiles, but the change takes within a certain context.
There are very rare cases of people expressing themselves as inverted reflections of their natural Bio-Chrono reading (they use oppositional processes), but this is always an expression of severe psychological disease usually as a result of major developmental trauma experienced in their early youth.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 05:20 PM
I have to admit. I'm a bit nervous about tonight. It's a big game. Literally biggest game of the year, and Kobe is hurt.
I sure the crowd goes fricken nuts tonight. Utah is not a mentally tough team and they will not be able to handle the hostile energy well.
The most confident team wins this game.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 05:53 PM
justanothermambafan,
Thanks for sticking up for me.
Darock,
What part of my posts have caused you to lose respect for me? Not that I need your respect, but I'm more than willing to back up anything I've posted today. It's game day and I'm ready for war. So if it's a war you want, it's a war you'll get.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 14, 2008 at 05:58 PM