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).
Good afternoon Laker Nation and the Brothers K. Well, tonight is the beginning of what should be a greatly competitive and thrilling WCF. Being a Laker fan in San Antonio, I can honestly tell you nothing would make my day more than shutting up these obnoxious Spurs fans. Now to be fair, most Spurs fans behave with class and respect to their opponents. Having been to well over 50 or so games during playoffs and regular seasons, I can write that with confidence. However, when the Lakers come to town an entire new level of hatred and obnoxiousness fills the SBC Center. This city of Spurs fans has a massive inferiority complex when it comes to L.A., as much or more than the Jazz. There exists a true hate for the Purple and Gold here and as an L.A. fan I have to admit.. I love every moment of it!! I beleive this series will go seven games b\c the Spurs ARE current world Champions and have proven themselves again and again. I think LA. takes it in seven games with our bench being the key difference maker. I've included a link to Phil Jackson/Lifetime Laker Hater and Disrepector extrordinnaire-San Antonio Express News columnist BUCK HARVEY. He seems to think that L.A. will fold in 6 for no other reason that the Spurs have been doing this for so long and have won on the road in a game 7 among other non-sensical reasons. Read his column and LET him HAVE it Laker fans! It's all part of the fun of L.A vs S.A. ! Go Lakers!!!
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/bharvey
/stories/MYSA052108.1E.COL.BKNharvey.spurs.13008302.html
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
GAME DAY BABY
Getting my new 50'' TV set up for tonight's action.
Made a bet that Lamar Odom would average 14 pts for the series. What do you guys think?
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 21, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Watched the Pistons-Celts last night and have got to say that the Celtics are more annoying and hateable than ever. Detroit was in a funk all night. Billups didn't give them much at all and he provided no leadership at the game's outset when the C's ran out to the lead. I thought of Kobe's return from the back injury in Gm. 5 vs. Utah and how he scored the first 5 points for the Lakers. Those 2 baskets let The Show know that their leader was in the house and ready to ball. Detroit could have used a little of that from Chauncey last night.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 21, 2008 at 12:48 PM
AK/BK,
Remember to get an update on Bynum when you get the chance!
Today's surgery should have been VERY telling as to the condition of his knee and his prognosis for recovery.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Good Morning All.................Move the ball boys .....Move the ball and we win...
Go lakers
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Ahhhhhhh, Theres No Place like HOME, Theres no place like HOME..... Hi AK/BK, Charles, Mamba, Milo, Justa, Laker Tom and LAKERVILLE !!!!!!!!!! Yeahhhhhhhh Boyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!! Sorry if I seem a lil AMP'd.. but... I AM !!!! I'm on the Rick Friedman self imposed, NO LAKERS, NO POLITCS diet between games and it seems to have already paid off.. I have fingernails again!!!!!
I think we'll have a shaky 1st qtr but once the emotional rush subsides, we'll not only take over, but display the most explosive offense left in the playoffs, not to mention, the entire league. Mamba24, please add me to ALL Andrew bandwagons. Despite the obvious ( KB,Fish,LO) I've grown found of young socks just like I did Critt so I root for him without shame.
My wish came to fruition, we got the SPURS !!!! It appears that team in Green is trying to put together some steam in what most will consider, DESTINY.. Lakers/Shamrocks.. I will disappear into the "cave" this evening and not resurface until after game 2. I'll add my 2 cents about heading to Texas, up 2 games at that time. ENJOY THE GAME LAKERVILLE !!!!!! Lakers- 117 Spurs 101
No Tacos tonight gang...
Get Well Sen. Kennedy !!!
Get Well Drew !!!
Welcome Back Trevor !!!!
Phil, please put Mihm in this series, I believe he can help!!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: complex brotha | May 21, 2008 at 12:53 PM
FYI EVERYONE......
Just heard Staples are opening the doors for the Away Games. 15.00 a ticket.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 21, 2008 at 12:53 PM
To the bench mob.....Its time to break out of this slump....Unleash Ariza
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 21, 2008 at 12:54 PM
mrbarneydangles, you're gonna WIN that bet EASY !!!!!!!! I'm thinking more like 22 pt average for the series for L.O
Posted by: complex brotha | May 21, 2008 at 12:58 PM
LAKERS_STH:"Any Lakers fans trolling on Spurs' websites are just as bad as the trolls we get here."
What is your definition of a troll? Seriously, I would like to know because I think there is a difference between the trolls and the serious fans.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 21, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Hi Mamba, Charles. What's up everyone!
I wanna see some Ariza action. I hope he dunks on Bowen's face!
Posted by: Tsiry | May 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
*_______________________________*
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
(14) Jon K. - Know in his heart this is for the best.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
My bad on the typos.. I know better that to try an post while eating a Jethro Bodine Bowl of Fruity Pebbles.. I'm just so damn HAPPY
Posted by: complex brotha | May 21, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Bronx: agreed completely. It was pure fan torture during the 3peat watching the Lakers get killed on the pick/roll. I think we are doing so much better here. And you add in LO and Pau's length - just an extra arm in the eyeline throws things off and makes the opposition think twice.
And since the Spurs seem to think that we still can't handle the pick/roll (because they live completely in the past) - that will be the first lovely surprise. And if their bench tries it - our bench's athleticism will kill them.
BD - I didn't get it but I will let Mamba be the creative one - I am really slow-witted.
LOVE IT! GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Awesome day in Laker Land. Greetings to one and all!
Mamba please add me to the SAY A PRAYER FOR ANDREW ON HIS
OPERATION - BANDWAGON & T-minus too many freaking hours
'til gametime. BANDWAGON Thanks much:)
Posted by: Laker Bandit | May 21, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Laker Nation!
Trevor Ariza needs an official moniker!
Time to create his nickname!
Some suggestions:
1. The Viper ("The Viper strikes again.")
2. The Wall ("Ohh! He just hit the wall!")
3. The Incredible Flying Ariza (Speaks for itself)
4. The Enforcer ("Ariza stole the ball! Manu, consider yourself Enforced!")
What do you guys think?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Nothing would make my day better than a positive medical report on Andrew and his surgery followed by a victory over the Spurs with Ariza finally playing and contributing. Is that to much to ask for?? I didn't think so!
Go Lakers!
2008 World Champions Los Angeles Lakers
BD
Posted by: BD | May 21, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Mamba24 - popcorn? Check! Complexbrotha says no tacos tonight, so we'll have to make due with some Spors - do they BBQ up nicely?
SPUCK THE FURS!!! GENIUS!!! LMAO!!!
T minus 5 hours & counting - YEEEE FRICKEN HAAWWWWW!!!!!!!!
GO LAKERS!
8 to O'Brien.......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 21, 2008 at 01:07 PM
“When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I always thought it would be my destiny to win an N.B.A. championship or at least to play for one,” Odom said. Flashing a smile that could melt wax, he added, “I continue to dream about that.”
You'll get that ring, Lamar.
Lamar Odom. NBA Finals MVP.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM
BD,
FYI EVERYONE......
Just heard Staples are opening the doors for the Away Games. 15.00 a ticket.
BD
Posted by: BD | May 21, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Thanks man! Blog viewing party!!!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Buenos dias Charles
Posted by: LAGUNERO | May 21, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Thirty2: yes, ball movement will be absolutely key. I thought SAS did that very well ag. NOH - we have to match that. Worried about Pau maybe holding on too quickly tho - SAS hands are very active when it comes to D and they will swarm/frustrate him if he isn't on top of his game.
Complex: Agree on shaky 1Q but I expect MVP and D-Fish will be very active early on to calm the rest of the team. As long as D-Fish doesn't get any early fouls in 1Q, I think we will be okay.
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Milo R,
Sarah Shahi... Nice one man.
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Alright everybody, keep the support going. I've gotta get outta here (4:30 my time) but I'll be waching our Lakers whoop the Spurs tonight!!
Buenas tardes y buenas noches a todos!
Hold it down Mamba24 & PsychedLakerGirl...I'll talk to you guys tomorrow during our game 1 celebratory blog day.
VAMOS LAKERS!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 21, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Jon,
How 'bout T-Riser? (As in, he fly high and short for terrorizer)
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 21, 2008 at 01:33 PM
LAGUNERO,
Que tal?
Posted by: Charles | May 21, 2008 at 01:35 PM
PAU WATCH: keep an eye on your turnovers...
Well this is just something that I think that we all need to keep an eye on ...
Manu or whoever on the SF and guard defender gambling and hacking their way (for loose balls) to sink and double Pau on his blindside for a broken play.
As we've seen it in the Jazz series...he needs to be mindful of the spacing of when to attack and be weary of those who cheats and doubles on him. This might frustrate him a little but Pau needs to keep his spacing good (and also his teammates) to get Timmy in foul trouble tonight.
Also it seems it might not be so glaring tonight but on Friday...expect a flopping extravaganza from the spurs.
just something to keep an eye on.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: KiKosDad | May 21, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Amen Bannerholder!
Regarding our bench. I Believe that Mihm and Ariza should get some time as well where necessitated. . Mihm can be used to hack Duncan should Pau and Ronnie get in foul trouble, Ariza's length, quickness and athleticism could be used to get out on Barry's and Finley's 3 point shots which we know can be deadly when they get open looks. I give no disrespect to the Spurs as they have won the title 3 times in the last 5 years so I hope our younger players do so and don't just think of them as "old." Yes, they are the oldest team by age average in the NBA. But that didn't hurt them too much against one of the youngest in the Hornets now did it? Phil needs to keep our guys focused. Kobe needs to play as outstanding as he has all year and during this playoff run. We DO NOT need TRIPLE OCHO reverting to his "save the team" form of driving the ball into the Spurs clogged interior of 3-4 defensive players, leaving his feet and hoping for a call or turning it over. I say this with the utmost respect and love for our MVP's game. Lamar, Gasol, Fish, Saaaaash, etc... HAVE to be trusted by TRIPLE OCHO throughout this entire series and what's more they have to VALIDATE that trust by delivering.. Nuff Said!! Bring on the Spurs!!!!!
Had another nice plagerized song for our Lakers and the Laker Nation. It was to be sung to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck." However, was quickly reminded by my 2 other Laker fans here with me that the Jazz's SLC Arena or whatever it's called play that tune for their players in their home arena so I let this one go. See you all at game time!
IT's L A Lakers Winning TIME!!!! It'S L A LAKERS Winning TIME!!""
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 21, 2008 at 01:39 PM
This series will be an interesting test of the 2 important trades that Mitch did this year. Prospective champions always build their teams to topple the defending champions. Hence, part of what Mitch was doing was to build a Laker team that could specifically disassemble the Spurs bec. everyone knew that Spurs w/d be the big wall to climb.
1st trade: Mo and Cook for Trevor. Main reason - to stop quick and relatively tall scorers like Ginobili and add perimeter speed. Only question remaining is how good will Ariza be coming right back from a long injury layoff. The positive is one can get back to playing good defense much more quickly than playing good offense because you don't have to handle the ball, you only have to react to the man.
2nd trade: Kwame, Critt and draft picks for Gasol. Not really the main reason for the trade, but Gasol matches up as well as anyone in the league versus Duncan on single coverage. (and incidentally on Garnett as well).
Duncan is not the most athletic PF/C in the league but he is the best bec. he is smart, patient and reacts well to pressure and is probably the only player as fundamentally sound as Kobe in the league. Gasol has even higher basketball IQ than Duncan, is fundamentally sound and bec. he is an offensive threat will also force Duncan to spend much energy on defense. Successful single coverage on Duncan means Lakers also do a better job covering Spurs' 3 pt shooters.
Popovich will be switching Duncan/Oberto/Thomas/Horry between Gasol and Odom but just like the Jazz series, the Pau/Lamar duo is quicker than their opponents. With the Lakers ball movement the slow Spurs bigs are going to look old and lethargic versus Gasol/Odom/Turiaf.
The one problem remaining is Mr. Longoria. Fish does not have the foot speed of Parker but he is much stronger physically so he will try to wear out Parker and force him into help defense. Fish is one of the smartest defensive PGs in the league and will use his veteran smarts to offset Parker's speed.
Posted by: LakerinBC | May 21, 2008 at 01:40 PM
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&brand=foxsports&vid=f457c7ea-1e7f-46a4-94e5-
0aa41ead98f7&from=Fox Sports
Funny stuff...
Posted by: mel | May 21, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Trevor Ariza needs an official moniker!
Time to create his nickname!
Some suggestions:
1. The Viper ("The Viper strikes again.")
2. The Wall ("Ohh! He just hit the wall!")
3. The Incredible Flying Ariza (Speaks for itself)
4. The Enforcer ("Ariza stole the ball! Manu, consider yourself Enforced!")
What do you guys think?
how about: Trevor "The Eraser" Ariza
so after he denies a player from scoring you can say: you've just been erased. (in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice)
ps:
Jon K,
not that it matters to you, but i want to apologize for the remarks that i made to you. i take it back and hope that you can forgive me.
darock
Posted by: darock | May 21, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Jon K,
I think I'd rather go with "the poster"
As in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6OIFNme6w
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 21, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Paging Mr. Bank; Mr. Spur M. Bank!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 21, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Now I am changing my mind - a woman's prerogative.
What if PJ started Ariza tonight just to really f with Pop's plans. That would throw a TOTAL wrench in things.
Bowen and Ariza matched up right away. GO ARIZA posterize that dude.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Three things I want to see tonight:
1. The Lakers win
2. Francisco Oberto falls into the third row, where he (randomly?) lands on his long-lost twin, Evan Stone. (Real name, Evan Oberto????)
3. Eva Longoria goes up to Jack Nicholson to pay her respects and say hello to a fellow Hollywood pro. Jack, being the consumate ladies man and the coolest dude in the room (CDR), receives her warmly...then rolls his eyes prodigously as she walks away, to the delight of all watching the interchange on the Big Screen.
Posted by: Jesterguru | May 21, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Afternoon Laker Family
Just wanted to get some of the game day vibe. I'm always reading the blog but, lately haven't posted much. You'd think I was J. West the way I'm acting... Not watching game 6(against the jazz), just couldn't take it. I peeked at the first five minutes and didn't find a set again until 3 mins. left in that game. Spurs will be a great challenge and if its our year there's no better measuring stick.
Charles - I hope all is good with you sir. You are truly one hell of a guy... Laker Love!
Let's do this for my boy BYNUM!
Posted by: lakerfaze | May 21, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Okay, guys. As game time approaches, I admit I'm getting nervous.
If Kobe can play within himself, we win. Easily.
I'm not worried about that, though.
The Spurs could've lost to Phoenix if they didn't fold like a cheap tent. Once that Duncan 3 went in at the end of Game 1, Phoenix stopped fighting because the fates were against them.
The Spurs didn't win game 7 against NO, the Hornets (change that name, it's stupid cuz it's a Carolina thing) choked it away.
I assert that Utah is better top to bottom than the Suns (who play about as much defense as the Nuggets) and the Hornets. CJ Miles as your last rotation guy? Whew.
Now, I'll agree that the Jazz choked away game 6 much like the Hornets did, but in Games 3 & 4 we had chances to win those games on top of the convincing Games 1 & 2 wins.
Am I wrong to think that we could've beaten the Jazz in 4 with a few more free throws in game 3 or few less TO in game 4?
Am I wrong to worry? I would love to see a statement game tonight. Put doubt and fear in the Spurs. Make it happen guys.
Please reassure me, guys.
Posted by: mel | May 21, 2008 at 01:58 PM
YES!! Here we go Lakers Fans! This is the night you guys have been wanting and waiting for. Our Spurs are going to give you guys a run for your money and lots of great match ups. I still don't think The Lakers bench is no where near up to par with the Spurs bench, and for those that think they do, you are sadly mistaken. I hate to say it but your bench is more of a cheerleading squad for the starters than anything else. Your starting line is what makes the Lakers team a damn good team. Can't wait fo tonite!
GO SPURS GO!!!
Posted by: cello_the Spurs fan | May 21, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Wow! Not on the rollcall, OUCH!!! No problem, still got nothing but love for the LAKER NATION and my favorite franchise for the past 29years!
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 21, 2008 at 02:07 PM
@EastCoastJessie
damn, i definitely feel sorry for you. i need to move back to LA!
Posted by: d | May 21, 2008 at 02:11 PM
John K
I Like the Viper
Posted by: shneurson | May 21, 2008 at 02:13 PM
All this regular season talk is so lame:
G1: @ Spurs - Kwame, Evans and Mihm all played (9pts 2 reb total), 29 asst on 91 shots - 41% shooting. Lakers lost
G2: @ LA - Walton starts only 5 pts, Andrew not a good game, Trevor couple weeks into system, 43% Lakers shooting night, 20 asst on 88 shots - Lakers win
G3: @ Spurs - Kwame (6/6), Vlad, Bynum & Trevor all hurt, no Gasol, 22 TO's (9 were MVP's), 17 asst on 75 - Lakers lose
G4: @ LA - Lakers kill. but Spurs didn't have manu and we didn't have AB or Trevor. Lakers were 50% with 26 asst on 82 shots.
Lakers are playing WAY better and far more efficient playoff bball and everything is clicking. I have utmost faith in this team. Ball movement is key and keeping TO's down, plus excellent D.
Trevor to go off - he has been stewing to get back on court and he is going to be a stopper. I feel it!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 21, 2008 at 02:16 PM
One thing is certain. We absolutely have to take advantage of our youth and athleticism in every aspect of the game. If we try to play the "half court slow down game" we'll be in some trouble. Yes I know we played 3 of those type games against the Jazz and ended up winning the big one on the road to clinch the series and that was a MAJOR step up in maturing our younger guys. However, the Spurs LIVE for that type of game and play it better than the Jazz do, much better. We need to keep the pace as fast as possible to take advantage of our youth and athleticism which in my humble opinion would run them ragged and to ultimate defeat. The SPURS have no speed other than Parker and Manu. Their bench players can hit the 3's but can't defend or rebound much. I can't wait for this game. Will really set the tone for the series.. I expect nervousness in quarter one by the Lakers followed by focus in quarter 2 followed by dominance in quarter 3, followed by starters sitting at the 6 minute mark of quarter 4 due to the Lakers big lead. Popovich has a habit of conceding games when the Spurs play badly and get tired. Go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 21, 2008 at 02:37 PM
My bad MAMBA!!! You did put me on rollcall and I missed it (quite a challenge for these 41 year old eyes to read and see them all, lol thank God I'm not reffing the game tonight) Thanks Mamba and to all the Laker Nation!!!! Will be blogging you at game time as always and any Bynum updates would be greatly appreciated!!!
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 21, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Darock,
All is forgiven. I like the name "The Eraser."
Tim-4-Show,
Thanks for the link. That dunk on Grant Hill was one of the highlights of the year.
MAN, AM I GLAD TO HAVE TREVOR ARIZA (aka "The Viper/The Eraser/The Posterizer") BACK!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Go Manchester United! {American owned, and proud of it!}
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Lakers have the experience and leadership of the spurs, plus the young run and gun players of the new generation. It is a perfect balance and they are the superior team.
Posted by: kareem4prez | May 21, 2008 at 02:56 PM
I CAN FRICKEN HARDLY WAIT UNTIL THIS GAME STARTS!
LET'S GET THIS GAME ON!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 21, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Is Trevor playing tonight?
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 21, 2008 at 03:28 PM
TO: Cello the SPurs Fan:
RE:" I still don't think The Lakers bench is no where near up to par with the Spurs bench, and for those that think they do, you are sadly mistaken. I hate to say it but your bench is more of a cheerleading squad for the starters than anything else."
I appreciate the respectful posting but when I came to the section of your post that I re-posted here I had to snicker just a little. Obviously you haven't watched the Laker Bench at all this year except when we played the Spurs I'm sure. If you had, you'd notice the rise of Vucajic's scoring AND defense, Ronnie Turiaf's solid steady rebounding and defense, etc.... Yes we've had Farmar and Walton playing some subpar games as of late but all bench players have bad stretches of play. Regarding Horry, Barry and Iglodokeau or however you spell his name, I haven't seen much to warrant your claim of a way better bench. But, that's why they play the games. I think once this series is over, win or lose by either team, you will have changed your dismissal of the Laker's bench as very inferior.
Now enough time paid to the Spur loving Laker Hater!!!..
IT's L A LAKERS WINNING TIME!!! L A LAKERS WINNING TIME!!!!!
(thx again to Family Guy for giving me the idea to plagarize the PBJ song,lol)
Posted by: jhnlannery | May 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM