Let the games begin!
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join us for Purple, Gold, and Blue at 11 am. We'll be talking Game 1 of the WCF with our guest, Michael Erler of the Spurs blog Pounding the Rock. Then it's some Blue with Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts. Click on the show widget at the side of the page, or go straight to our show window by clicking here.
After a weekend of kicking it and around 48-ish hours to debate their San Antonio Spurs opponents, tonight's Game 1 (6:00 pm PST, TNT) will finally grace roundball enthusiasts with its presence. Their WCF foes are a familiar bunch, a crew that's essentially turned itself into the NBA's version of old (but not too old) faithful. The proverbial "mix" typically has them in it, with a championship never out of the question (and lest we forget, these cats are in fact defending a title). In fact, this decade will likely be regarded as having belonged to one of these squads. In many ways, it's only fitting (if not necessarily ideal) that the purple and gold's championship dreams will require a besting of a team that can arguably be labeled the best.
So what's the upstart Lakers' game plan in order to help reclaim the last 10 years? For starters, match wit with extreme wit, as these Spurs rarely, if ever, take a misstep while on the court. Better be ready for some scrappy, contact-heavy play, because these Spurs ain't above trying to get under your skin. Try to take them out of their measured and methodical zone. And, of course, much will come down to who's shadowing which dude. From the big to the little, both squads offer more than their share of intriguing and generally tight matchups. Pau Gasol will find himself going mano y' mano with Tim Duncan on more than one occasion, but while it's easy to focus on the cache players, don't sleep on the Lakers' supporting cast when looking for a potential difference maker.
And remember, kids. It's not the typical 7:30 pm PST tip off we associate with Laker games. Set your watches, even if they're not as cool as the ones Kobe doled out. Probably not as sweet as the timepiece on Kwame Brown's wrist, even if it's different than his ex-mates'.
Yet one more reason Mike D'Antoni should have sought employment with the Bulls instead of the Knicks.
If you missed LO's feature in the NY Times, here you go. Also, there's a good interview with him on his website (pretty sure it was filmed yesterday).
thank god for the early start time. i'd seriously be falling over myself at work tomorrow if i had to stay up past 1am again...
Posted by: d | May 21, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Way to go Banner Holder!
A big Lakers Amen to that!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 21, 2008 at 11:19 AM
It's Game Day and our Laker Squad is ready and waiting. Gm 1 should be ours. LETS GO LAKERS
Posted by: lakergirl1980 | May 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Mamba 24....
Great job with the GAME DAY roll call and poem!!!!
Please put me on the" SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS OPERATION" BW....I really dig Baby B!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
WE HAVE A WEAVEMAN SIGHTING!!! YES MY GOODNESS YES!! THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER!!
*_______________________________*
SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS
OPERATION - BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – Prayer sayer
(02) BD – Owner
(03) BOTSOY – Driver
(04) Mamba24 – Riding shotgun
(05) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of Good News
(06) MagicMan - Will add a little magic to the Op.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I'll take you one further bronxlakerfan.
Spuck the Furs and the bankrupt airliner they flew in on!
Posted by: magicman | May 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I know the feeling d..where you from?
Mamba, my bud, I'm praying for the Big AB right now.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM
What's up Lakerville!
Mamba24, present and accounted for.
What a great day for win #9. My sharpie's ready.
There will be no 0.4 this time because the Lakeshow will have ran rings around the oldies and be up by double digits.
Can't wait for the player intros. Welcome back, TA!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM
@EastCoastJessie
moved to brooklyn a year ago. you?
Posted by: d | May 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Magicman
Me- Later sucka. We tried to warn you. We tried and you just didn't wanna hear it. Make yourself useful and bring me another beer.....
You have to be a fan of the Simpson's to write like that.
Or... a devotee of Mad Magazine when you were a kid.
Or....you have quite an imagination.
Or....all of the above!
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 21, 2008 at 11:28 AM
*_______________________________*
SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS
OPERATION - BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – Prayer sayer
(02) BD – Owner
(03) BOTSOY – Driver
(04) Mamba24 – Riding shotgun
(05) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of Good News
(06) MagicMan - Will add a little magic to the Op.
(07) EastCoastJessie - Praying at this moment
(08) BronxLakerFan - Will personally visit Andrew in NY
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Just a note for anyone going to the game.
What a nightmare. I just looked up what is going on at Nokia today at 5pm that's going to screw up traffic and parking - the f-ing American Idol finale! It's going to be a zoo downtown and I'm probably going to have to pay $100 to park 5 blocks away. Luckily my boss is a Laker fan as well so leaving work early won't be an issue.
Posted by: lakers_sth | May 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM
i have a feeling this series is going to be over in 5 or 6 games, depending on if we split in SA or not. i really don't think it's going to go 7 games.
i'm 2-0 thus far, let's hope i'm 3-0!
Posted by: d | May 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM
tried to call in no go
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM
SamLL you will be able to use that sharpie earlier than you think. I agree, I think this game
\will be a blowout I just have this feeling. Lakers 104 Spurs 87
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Who in the world are they interviewing?
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
To paraphrase Lloyd Benson's famous line to Dan Quayle: I worked with Evan Stone. You, Francisco Oberto, are no Evan Stone.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Credit where credit is due to those bloggers who kept the faith.
But these Spurs remind me of the Lakers of the late 80's and early 00's and Bulls of the 90's. The rotation might not go that deep, and the supporting players may not be as athletic, but you'll need to knock them out. You can't just outplay them. The Hornets series taught us that a fast start means nothing to these guys, just like it meant little in hindsight to the 2004 Lakers. It may take nothing short of a 3-0 lead to beat them.
The Lakers CAN do it. It will not be easy and there will be setbacks. Perhaps as early as tonight. Get your mind right for a slugfest, Laker fans.
Peace.
Posted by: Peace | May 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM
It's starts Tonight. We finally put to rest who the dominant team of the decade is once an for all.
The Team of Beauty vs. The Down-and-Dirty.
To dethrone the champs, you need to step on their necks, make them squirm (and flop and flail), until there's no fight left in them.
My Predictions:
Tim Duncan will constantly have that dumbfounded look of "I was fouled but I never fouled anyone in my career." Overrated, plain and simple.
Manu wil flop, flail, travel, and his bald spot will be an inch wider by the end of the series.
Tony Parker's free pass o the basket will be abruptly ended by his fellow frenchie, Rony, with an actual flagrant foul. Eva will rush the court and Tony will tell her to sit her ass down. In French.
Pop will be pissed he's got no one to foul in a weak-ass, chicken-s attempt to win at all costs.
Bowen will not get away with all his dirty tactics and the MVP will light him up at will.
The Spurs windows officially closes and they remain a competitive team that watches the Lakers run off 5 in a row.
Lakers in 5.
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: htj | May 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM
magicman....
"...and the bankrupt airliner they flew in on..."
I love it, magicman!!!! Hopefully, in the interest of public safety, the Lakers will sweep the FURS and then SA won't have to come back to LA on that rickety excuse for an airplane!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 21, 2008 at 11:42 AM
By the way, that guest that the K's have on P G & Blue is an idiot!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 21, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Magicman,
Nice dream convo. Enjoyed it and think the sentiments are right on.
Mamba,
YEAH, BABY! Ready to roill with the roll call! Thanks for the props up tops. ;-)
T-minus too many freaking hours 'til gametime....
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 21, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Lakers today! Lakers tomorrow! Lakers forever!
Key of the game? Pace. If we control the pace...and manage to play some D of our own, we can control this series.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 21, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Yo, Larry,
Get me on the Jordan Rules (that's what I'm calling it) and Bynum Surgery and Dedication bandies, por favor.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 21, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Bozz,
Thanks for the reply!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Mychael Thompson trying to jinx us. He's the first guest, if you can get through the intro:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/listenlive.player
.html?file=http://ht.cdn.turner.com/si/danpatrick/audio/
2008/05/21/DP_Hr1_05-21-2008_stream.mp3
Thorpe's take:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/
story?page=ScoutingSpursLakers
Posted by: mel | May 21, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Eastcoast: we have missed you!!
Mamba: pls add me to AB prayer list
Quick start tonight by Lakers will get them going and put the Spurs on their heels.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Not heels, bootstraps.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
AK/BK: PTR guy was lame. You guys are WAY ahead of that dude.
PSLakerfan: you missed that spurs blog guy on AK/BK's webcast today - he writes much better than he thinks on the fly.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 11:54 AM
*_______________________________*
SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS
OPERATION - BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – Prayer sayer
(02) BD – Owner
(03) BOTSOY – Driver
(04) Mamba24 – Riding shotgun
(05) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of Good News
(06) MagicMan - Will add a little magic to the Op.
(07) EastCoastJessie - Praying at this moment
(08) BronxLakerFan - Will personally visit Andrew in NY
(09) JesterGuru – Director of Directors
(10) PsychedLakerGirl - Will send him chicken soup
*_______________________________*
Jordan Farmar Is a Bad Mofo and He's
Gonna Show You So BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) MAGICMAN - Owner and Driver
(02) Mamba24 - Riding Shotgun
(03) KEIFO – Taught JF the crossover
(04) Caliphilosopher – Taught Jordan to calm down
(05) JustAnotherMambafan – Told JF the secret is make Mamba happy
(06) Fearless – had him watch 8 hours of t5he Wire
(07) JesterGuru - Director of Directors
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM
*___________________________________*
Andrew the Beast Bynum We dedicate this
Championship Run to you - Bandwagon
*___________________________________*
(01) Edwin Gueco – Driver & Owner
(02) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet, Bynums personal Soothsayer
(03) Mamba24 – The Beasts Advance man.
(04) #4 – Director of WCF win number 4.
(05) Jon K. – Made Bynum get a second opinion.
(06) JustALakerFan – Was called in to consult on Dr. Choices
(07) Never – Told Bynum to have surgery immediately
(08) BronxLakerFan – suggested NY doctor for Bynum
(09) Bozz – Director of WCF win # 1.
(10) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of WCF win #2.
(11) Caliphilosopher – Will participate in Socks Rehab
(12) Jay Jay – Purchased a Shaq punching bag for him
(13) PsychedLakerGirl – Director of WCF win # 3.
(14) Stockton Showtime _ believes Socks deserves more credit
(15) #4 - Director of WCF win #4
(16) Pig Miller – Will chauffeur “Beast” to the Victory Parade
(17) Rick Friedman – Personally found a Dr. for Socks
(18) SamLL – Director of Victory Parade
(19) KobesBad – made Kobe apologize to the Beast
(20) Hmrhed – Director of the confetti concession.
(21) Fearless – Will personally give Socks his championship ring
Posted by: | May 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM
LET'S GET IT ON!
FISH versus PARKER - Fish was able to offset Deron Williams' strength, but offsetting last year’s Finals MVP’s lightning quick speed will be a tall order for the savvy, yet slow, vet. Fish needs to be physical and force Parker to play some D.
Advantage – PARKER
KOBE versus BOWEN - Kobe has gone through many battles against the NBA’s most notorious cheap-shot artist. By now, Kobe knows all of Bowen’s subtle, yet dirty tricks. Kobe will make Duncan pay for helping out on D and leaving Gasol. Without Shaq clogging up the lane, and with consistent outside shooters surrounding Kobe, Kobe is more dangerous than he has ever been, while Bowen has lost a step. This matchup is more lopsided than Kobe/Kerelinko.
Advantage – KOBE
VLAD versus MANU (assuming he starts)
Oh $&#@!$%%!!. Vlad is in trouble. Manu is skilled, he is clutch, and he is dirty. Manu and Bowen form the dirtiest backcourt in the league. Our loveable Space Cadet cannot get frustrated with Manu’s tactics and must force him right. I suspect Phil will put Sasha and Kobe (and Ariza?) on Manu for big stretches.
Advantage – MANU
LAMAR versus OBERTO – There is no way Oberto can keep up with Lamar’s speed. After watching Utah’s defense continually allowing Lamar to penetrate to the left, Pop’s strategy will be to give Lamar the outside shot and make it much more difficult for Lamar to drive to the basket. Lamar will have to adjust, and pick his spots in the half court sets. If Lamar ever gets a consistent J, it is game over for the rest of the league.
Advantage – LAMAR
GASOL versus DUNCAN – When Pau was with the Grizz, he consistently held his own against arguably the greatest PF of all time. Neither player was able to stop the other, one on one. Duncan’s experience and physicality gives him the edge.
Advantage - DUNCAN
BENCH – This matchup is a tossup. It’s the classic youth and athleticism versus experience and savvy matchup. Horry and Finley are two of the most clutch bench players in the league. I am pretty confident Sasha will continue his fine play. The biggest question marks are Farmar, who has been playing like a scared rabbit, and Luke, who seems to play well against poor defenses (i.e. Seattle and Denver), but usually struggles against good defenses. Another unknown is how effective Ariza will be after the long layoff.
Advantage - ??
COACHING – The two greatest coaches of our generation square off.
Advantage – EVEN
PREDICTION – Although the Spurs win more matchups, the advantage the Lakers have with Kobe and Lamar will be too much for the Spurs to handle.
LAKERS in SIX.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 21, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Mamba,
please put me on the: SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS OPERATION. Bandwagon.
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | May 21, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Mamba... put me on -
"SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS
OPERATION BANDWAGON"
IN GOD WE TRUST!!
Posted by: keifo | May 21, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Sign me up for the prayer for andrew on his surgery today. utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, keep up the good work with the prayers man.
Posted by: bonez | May 21, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Control the boards and hit the free throws...
Lakers win by 12
GO LAKESHOW!!
LIGHTS OUT!!!
Posted by: keifo | May 21, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Edwin,
Its been an incredible season, one to remember.
You got me thinking of some less than meaningful quotes from this past year.
So, in case anyone forgot, here are some Non-Memorable blogging quotes from this most memorable season.
“When AK signed me up to this blog. He promised me a title contending blog. He mislead me. That’s why I want out.”
- Fatty's secret telephone conversation with Ric Bucher that he wanted nobody to know about.
"Fatty, you created this mess!"
- An anonymous leak blaming Fatty for the Spamming Troll invasion on the blog.
“Ship his fat azz out of the blog”
- Fatty on his cell phone, threatening AK to remove KL from the site, overheard by fans at a Taco Bell.
“I’ll blog on Pluto before I go back to the LA Times site”
- Fatty breathing fire over the leak to the blog as overheard by fans at Derwienerschnitzel
“Hi, I’m Fatty. And I want to win a championship.”
- Fatty at the start of blogging Lakers training camp.
“When the game thread starts. I will give my 100%. I always do.”
- Fatty responds to Edwin Gueco's doubts about his full effort
“He went from an F to an A+ and now a C-”
- Fatty’s grade evaluation of BK
“I want to remain a Lakers blogger for life or until I die, whichever comes first”
- Fatty proudly proclaims after the Fatty Awards
"You know, I always take care of my blogging guys"
- Fatty, in response to Tim-4-Show's question, "So what do we get?"
"All Lakers bloggers that come to tonights game will get a free taco if the Spurs score less than 100"
- Fatty keeping his promise to Lakers Bloggers
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 21, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I hate to say it but this series may be decided by the refs. If Gasol and Fish are in foul
trouble and Bowen and Timmy aren't...we're in trouble.
If they let Bowen get away with his typical holding and dirty play I say we bring in Mbenga
to knock someone down.
I want to see Turief get a few more minutes this series.
Go Ariza! (our secret weapon)
Posted by: rdlee | May 21, 2008 at 12:07 PM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,
Amen.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 12:09 PM
FATTY YOU DIABOLICAL GENIUS YOU HAVE TOPPED YOUR OWN
SELF. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? LOL!
KEIFO BY 12 YOU SAY OK. I'LL TELL CHARLES BARKLEY ALSO!! LOL!
LAKERTRUTH - Excelent Brother! EXCELLENT!!
*_______________________________*
SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS
OPERATION - BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – Prayer sayer
(02) BD – Owner
(03) BOTSOY – Driver
(04) Mamba24 – Riding shotgun
(05) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of Good News
(06) MagicMan - Will add a little magic to the Op.
(07) EastCoastJessie - Praying at this moment
(08) BronxLakerFan - Will personally visit Andrew in NY
(09) JesterGuru – Director of Directors
(10) PsychedLakerGirl - Will send him chicken soup
(11) Bonez- Will watch the surgeon like a Hawk
(12) Keifo - Had the Team promise tonights game to Andrew.
(13) Mamba24fan4Life - Promises to Andrew fan also
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Thank you MAMBA24!
BD
Posted by: BD | May 21, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Fatty- I'm going with D. Final answer. All the above. LOL!!!
p.s. I said it earlier this morning and I'll say it again. Fatty my man, you are on FIRE!
You're killing me! ROFLMAO!!!!
Posted by: magicman | May 21, 2008 at 12:16 PM
*_______________________________*
T-minus too many freaking hours
'til gametime. BANDWAGON
*______________________________*
(01) JesterGuru - Driver and Owner
(02) JustAnotherMambaFan - Getting the popcorn
(03) Mamba24 - He's thinking Tacos
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 21, 2008 at 12:19 PM
PsychedLakerGirl - Will send him chicken soup
Classic Mamba24
Posted by: BD | May 21, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Just a heads up:
When you click "read on" from the front page, the link takes you to the bottom of ALL the comments made and you actually have to scroll up all the way to the top to read the rest of the article. Probably easy to fix, wasn't sure if you guys were aware of it.
Posted by: Justin N | May 21, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Thanks PsychedLakerGirl...missed u guys too. Been traveling on business so I had no time to come and hang out with you all.
d, I'm in Boston (I know...tell me you feel sorry for me). Good to know I have some backup out here on the EC. I can't wait for the dreaded green monsters get knocked out of the playoffs.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 21, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I'm not so sure about this "Fisher is too slow to guard Tony Parker" storyline. DFish did a pretty good job on DWill in the Utah series and really, how much faster than Deron can Parker be? An important thing about this current Laker team is that they play the pick and roll much better than the 3peat teams. Shaq never showed out and altered the ballhandler's path. Pau and Lamar do. Guarding TP will have to be a team effort based on good decisions and trust on the defensive end. Fish may not be able to slow down the French Flash by himself, but I think the Lakers can!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I agree, don't people want to see the best games/series? with our team emerging victorious, of course. THIS is probably THE series as it has become clear Boston has some serious issues, one of which is when it comes down to crunch time, the "big 3" like to hide under their mommy's skirts and hand the ball to roll players. Detroit is Detroit, just enough but not enough, annoying and not exactly fun to watch.
LA/Celtics is a ratings dream for Stern. San Antonio/Detroit is the ultimate nightmare for the league. I expect the refs to act accordingly...
The most important thing to me for this series is that they play that Carl's Jr jalapeno commercial with the hot chick OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. That's... that's my type, right there...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2rHuhl6ou7s
Posted by: TaosHum | May 21, 2008 at 12:38 PM
rdlee,
I agree completely about the refs. I posted a few days back about the refs allowing an unprecedented amount of "Hacking" to go on this year. They better not allow Bowen to hack Kobe to death, without allowing Fisher to treat Parker the same way.
5 hours till gametime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Eric M. | May 21, 2008 at 12:42 PM
LAKER TRUTH,
Nice evaluation.
What's missing though are the intangibles.
Spurs intangible advantages: Mental toughness (slight advantage), playoff experience
Lakers intangible advantages: Home court, sense of hunger/desire, youthfulness/energy/rest, playing style which is difficult for tired team (Spurs), sense of destiny, confidence, team unity.
In short, the Lakers have more intangibles on their side and that's what's going to make the difference.
Unlike most of our rivals, I respect the Spurs. As a team, they have self-respect and are remarkably well-coached. They play like men, not like spoiled children (as most teams play in this league).
Still, their time is over. They won't lie down and die, but they will be beaten.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 12:43 PM