The Closer?
Utah is not a friendly place for visiting teams, and as recent (Games 3 and 4) history and a longer view bears out, that would include the Lakers. But the good news is that there's only one team in the building for tonight's Game 6 of the Western Conference semis that has to win to keep the series alive, and it ain't L.A. If the purple and gold do not do, they will not die. The same can't be said for the Jazz, which is up against the wall and still stinging from what they see as a missed opportunity to steal Game 5 at Staples. The Lakers, of course, would just as soon polish them off. To do that, they understand it'll take a better effort than the one put forth in Wednesday's victory, a task all the more difficult given Kobe's lingering back problems. Of course, the back has been about the only thing Utah has come up with to slow him down (and really, that wasn't what they drew up on the white board) and if they don't figure out how- and fast- the Jazz might not have another game until next season. Kobe has hurt Utah in all sorts of ways through the first five games, showing enough game to make friends of potential enemies.
If the Jazz want to contain Bryant, a better defensive effort from Ronnie Brewer is likely required. He is doing good work on the other end, though.
Trevor Ariza is getting closer to PT. He says he's ready to go, but given the short amount of true, full contact practice time he's had, Phil Jackson isn't quite committed to the idea of throwing him back in the mix. Should the Lakers reach the conference finals, though, it's a different story.
The respect Kobe and Deron Williams have for each other runs deep. Given how he exploded since Pau arrived, the respect others have for Lamar Odom has certainly grown, too. His performance in Game 5 certainly opened a lot of eyes.
It's time, writes Gordon Monson of the Salt Lake Tribune, for Jazz fans to stop crying conspiracy.
Gasol has been a hit with the Spanish speaking media since his arrival in LA.
Sometimes you just gotta take care of summer plans.
The champs are still alive, and there will be a Game 7 Monday night in New Orleans. And not without a little controversy, after Robert Horry took a shot at David West's back.
Rick Carlisle has a lot of things on his plate in Dallas, including questions of Josh Howard.
Rumors about Phoenix's coaching search are flying. Even rumors about the rumors. Where Kurt Rambis fits in is an interesting question. Could he be the heir to PJ's job in L.A.? The Suns look like they'll take their time and wait until more teams (and coaches) have been eliminated from the playoffs. Like all situations such as these, take everything with a grain of salt until real action begins.
*
Friday May 16, 2008 The FORCE declares: “SERIES OVER”
Good Morning CHARLES
GoodMorning: CornerJ, RDLee, ELLE, SBPimp, The OutLaw, Fearless
Good Morning Morning Crew: Toad, Bozz, Fatty, JustAnotherMambafan, Charles
“Pig” Miller, Edwin Gueco, The D, PsychedLakerGirl, Dice8Up, Ajax, JesterGuru
Welcome: JHLannery, BOCALakerGirl
Good Morning Laker Nation
*
IT’S A WRAP!
It’s a beautiful day in Fatties neighborhood
Game day for Laker Nation will be all good
They say it’s not over till the Fat Lady Sings.
But Barkley is to busy with casino bets & things
Therefore I’m going to say it & if wrong I’ll take the Blame
If tonight, the Freakin Lakers are a little off their game.
But that’s not going to happen and I’ll tell you why.
This is a team of destiny who never says die
This round is over this series is thru
But yet and still Utah Jazz, we salute you.
You gave us a struggle and helped us to grow
So that we will be ready when to the WCF we go.
Boozer you are truly a star in the making
DWill You’re a superstar, who has CP3’s knees shaking
I’m sorry to say that there can be only one
Utah Jazz you’re a class act but it’s over your’e done
As for your Classless Utah Fans may they burn in hell
To mock a sick baby is a sign of someone not well
Salute your team Laker Nation, they are warriors all of them
Yes Farmar and even Luke and don’t forget Minhm.
And don’t forget the Beast who helped to get us here
This one’s for you Socks and you’ll get another next year.
Another hurdle the WCF, is the next test for us
Be it Spurs, Be it Hornets they will still bite the dust
Then it’s off to the Finals to face Detroit a 2nd time
F*ing Pistons we plan on going, MediEval on your behind
Time for Revenge, Fatty says to “Just Do It”
The 2004 Pistons were garbage, the 2008 are plain old sh+T
This is it Laker Nation, A new dynasty’s about to begin
A 15TH Title, a 4th Dynasty, it all starts with a Game 6 win.
NOW GO OUT THERE AND DESTROY THOSE B@STARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JUST DO IT!!!!
WHAT TIME IS IT!!!!! SHOW TIME!!! YOU D@MN RIGHT! LIGHTS OUT!!!!
LETS GET READY TO ROLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLL: JHLannery, BOCALakerGirl
(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, Laker_Kev, 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
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, JoninJAPAN(INCANADA)
*
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 16, 2008 at 09:53 AM
THE X-FACTOR:
Lamar Odom
SIXTH MAN:
PJ
WATER BOY:
pslakerfan
TOWEL BOY:
Jon K., Fatty
BALL GIRL:
Faith
SHOT IN THE ARM:
Trevor Ariza
Posted by: The Mob Boss | May 16, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Regarding Horry's foul on West last night.
Eagleboy,
When you look at some history with Horry, I still kind of believe the foul on West was intentional to test his back. Does Horry set screens from behind like that very often? It just looked bad. It looked like an intentional forearm to the back to me.
Posted by: zen | May 16, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning ALL of Laker Nation!
It is over tonight! We win the first five minutes by 5, the first quarter by 8, put our foot on their throats and never let them up!
Ja$$ fans........RESISTANCE IS FUTILE AGAINST THE UNSTOPPABLE FOURTH LAKER DYNASTY.......WE SHALL PREVAIL!!!!!!!!!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 10:12 AM
There is no tomorrow...this is it.
Just do it!
Posted by: Faith | May 16, 2008 at 10:12 AM
From Jazz blog:
"The crowd needs to be over the top tonight. I want all of the lunatics in the seats tonight and I want them to bring their crazy uncle too. I want Kobe, Lamar, Pau and Fisher booed for the entire game with out stopping, even when they are on the bench. I want to hear Phil complain to the league again about how the noise hurts his ears. We as fans need to be involved in this one like the hooligans are for soccer. Basically I would like to see 20,000 of these guys invade the ESA tonight."
Insert picture of Soccer Hooligan here:
Gotta love those Jazz fans. Amazing what you will try when you know your team is inferior......
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 16, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Love it Mamba24 lol! Now I'm pumped for the game!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Mamba24, thank you for the rousing ROLL CALL! Great work again from the Poet Laureate of the blog!
toad present and accounted for and ready for A BIG WIN TONIGHT, THEN ON TO THE NEXT ROUND!!!!!!!!!!!
9 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I saw Phil, Kobe, Pau and Sasha driving down the street after game 5, and I videotaped it. Here you go:
http://i28.tinypic.com/1zxmj53.gif
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 16, 2008 at 10:17 AM
BAME ON! Before I pray...
Much has been discussed this week about my Game Day prayers. Some of y'all hate 'em. Some of y'all love 'em. I do not mean to offend anyone - but at the same time, I do intend to support my Purple & Gold by taking them to the Good Lord in prayer. Actually, I was challenged to do this a few months ago when AB got injured. I ignored it, then Ariza broke his foot. I still ignored it. Then Pau twisted his ankle. I ignored the challenge yet again and, finally after we got the news that AB wouldn't be back for the PlayoffsI decided it was time that I accepted this challenge.
I have seen God answer specific prayers - most notably my prayers for sportsmanship between the Lakers and their opponents. I believe in the power of Prayer and will continue to offer Game Day prayers until the K Bros ask me to stop. If you are offended by them, the scroll bar is on the far right side of your computer screen. Utilize it to the fullest!
Now...LET US PRAY!
DEAR GOD, as we stand on the brink of reaching the Western Conference Finals, let tonight be the night when our Lakers close out the Jazz. You have continued to heal Kobe's back. You have continued to stress the importance of the next few games to LO. You have invigorated and revived Vlad & Jordan's game. Our simple prayer is that You continue your work. Continue to heal Kobe. Continue to allow LO to embrace his greatness. Continue to use Vlad, Jordan to make wise B-ball decisions and to hit timely, necessary shots. Let us as a whole be the defintion of TEAMWORK. No individuality tonight, Lord. Let the Lakers play beautifully and skillfully as a TEAM!
Lord, we pray for Pau Gasol. He has endured a lot in his time in the league. His greatness has been heralded in Memphis and now in LA. He has accepted his role and embraced it. May tonight be the night in which the full benefits of THE TRADE be shown. May he post career high numbers tonight. Put a fire in his belly and a newfound sense of determination in his spirit. Let him play like he's never played before. Give Pau Gasol a taste of Your glory as he suits up and plays tonight.
Lord, we ask You to avenge Derek Fisher tonight as well. He chose his daughter over the game of basketball and he has been taunted and ridiculed in Salt Lake City for it. Avenge him tonight. May his 3 point shots fall like a torrential rain tonight. May You silence the Jazz crowd and lead them to repentence for their insults towards him and his family. Redeem D-Fish tonight! May his game silence the crowd.
Bless the Jazz organization and their fans. Allow the players to play with sportsmanship and may their fans, in spite of opposing us, respect us as we're on the court. They have played us with honor during this series and we respect them for it.
Continue to heal Ariza's foot and AB's knee. Continue to give our coaches and trainers the wisdom and knowledge required to lead us into victory. Continue to bless and unify Lakers Blog. Let us stand in one voice united in hearts, minds and spirits as we cheer our Los Angeles Lakers on to their 15th NBA Championship. May tonight's game bring home a win for us. Most of all, let Your will be done.
We thank You in advance for answered prayer - AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 16, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Ahhhhhhhhh the illiterate mob boss returns, nice......
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM
That's a GREAT roll call, Mamba24!
The Lakers are going to come out FIRING tonight. Triangle perfection. Offensive execution. Crisp interior passing. Solid defense right from tip-off.
Kobe: triple-double.
Odom: triple-double.
Lakers: win in 6.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 16, 2008 at 10:23 AM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER :
Thank you for your request and next time do include Utaz too, only fair. GOD is fair!!
MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN on their merits and not my pickinh Lakers over the utah..
Posted by: GOD | May 16, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Utzworld, AMEN!
GAME DAY BABY!
7 Down 9 To Go!
Mamba24, put me on the "Close it out tonight" bandwagon, please.
Posted by: Bzar | May 16, 2008 at 10:26 AM
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER:"We thank You in advance for answered prayer - AMEN!"
AMEN
LAKERTRUTH:"I saw Phil, Kobe, Pau and Sasha driving down the street after game 5, and I videotaped it. Here you go:"
ROFLMAO!! LOL!
Faith:"Love it Mamba24 lol! Now I'm pumped for the game!"
Thank you mam, tonight we make history!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 10:27 AM
AK and BK, when you run into the coaches, can you find out the following mysteries...?
1. What happened to the Kobe-Gasol slip screen, which worked so well up until this series, and was never seen again?
2. Why Laker players are running so hard at mediocre shooters like Brewer, Harpring and AK47, that they are allowing them to drive?
Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | May 16, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Way to go Banner Holder
One Big Lakers Amen from me.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Great post UTZWORLD...
Posted by: Anomalous | May 16, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Let's go to Utah and ride these fools at their own barbecue!
Posted by: never | May 16, 2008 at 10:37 AM
All is right in Laker Nation, the force is properly aligned. We have our game day convocation, and we have the ROLL CALL to bring us to the focus we need for the task at hand.
Win the first 5 minutes, shut the classless Ja$$ fans up, bring home the win tonight!
Focus, Intensity, DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE TO THE FOURTH LAKER DYNASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Keys to Victory:
Kobe puts on a MVP performance
Have to have some kind of production from Radman and Sasha.
Fish stays out of foul trouble early.
If we get those 3 keys I see a rare road victory in these playoffs for the Lakers.
If not I sure am looking forward to Monday and Game 7
Go Lakers and end the Jazz season tonight!
BD
Posted by: BD | May 16, 2008 at 10:37 AM
This will be our fellas after tonite's win...
http://i28.tinypic.com/1zxmj53.gif
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Chris H. | May 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM
ahh LAKER TRUTH.. u beat me to it.. lol.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Chris H. | May 16, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Even Okur feels the refs will call it his way in Utah.
Twenty minutes after the game, Okur still was fuming over officials who missed calling a push-off foul on Gasol......
Had Okur gotten the call and sunk both free throws, the Jazz would have been down a point........
"He (Gasol) pushed me. They (the referees) didn't blow the whistle," said Okur, who finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds. "Can't wait to get back home. We can be more aggressive there."
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 10:47 AM
(my homage to "DA BEARS" skit on SNL):
Mamba24: So who do you think will win tonight, guys?
Faith: Well I think the Jazz are really tough at home, so I'm going to say Lakers win a close one, Lakers 142, Jazz 63.
Pslakersfan: I don't think it will be that close, Faith. Kobe will be fired up. The Lakers will be ready to end this series. Lakers 155, Jazz 30. Deron Williams will have a good game.
Mamba24: I agree. What do you think, Amazing?
Amazing Happens: Lakers 156, Jazz 3. The three will happen when Vlad Rad accidently shoots at the wrong basket and scores.
All 4 simultaneously: DA LAKERS!
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
*_______________________________*
Lakers End IT Tonight BANDWAGON
*_______________________________*
(01) TOAD - Owner
(02) LakerTom - Driver
(03) MAMBA24 - Faithful sideKick
(03) DREW - Will use same broom used in last round
(04) # 4 - Director of Round 2 win 4
(05) Chick4Ever - His voice alone can defeat the Jazz.
(06) SemiLakerGirl - Director Round 2 Win number 3
(07) FEARLESS- Toad's personal assistant in charge of all things Homer.
(08) lakersrydeordie – Stopped the Mailman from delivering period!
(09) JustAnotherMambaFan – Director of team dinners – makes sure Kobe
Picks up the check
(10) Janaya – Director of Positive Vibes
(11) WhiteMamba24 – Made Stockton retire.
(12) FairWeatherFatty - Grease monkey that keeps these wheels a turning!'
(13) Tully Moxness – Director of Class
(14) PIG”MILLER – Director of making the finals Trophy shine like the Sun.
(15) Laker Bandit - BandWagon Advance Man
(16) KobesBad - Kobe's personal Security
(17) JesterGuru - Director of Sweep Enforcement
(18)Laker Legacy – Will wear throwback Jersey to victory parade
(19) TWoody – Loaned Kobe the money to buy dinner for the team
(20) Jamie Sweet – Director of No Look Passes
(21) , JoninJAPAN(INCANADA) – Director of TACOS
(22) Hugo Spain – Beat Paul Gasol in Horse
(23) Jeff – In charge of Feeding Sasha insults to say to Kolvar
(24) MagicMan – Director of End Certification
(25) Bzar – Director of ushering the losers away
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Devils Brigade BANDWAGON:
pslakerfan - just another joe
Mamba24 - space cadet
Jon K. - psuedo laker fan
Tom - psuedo intellectual
Fatty - hooligan
Faith - saloon dancer
toad - ugly fan
Laker Truth - brown noser
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER - son of Pope
Posted by: Devil | May 16, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I think it's absolutely GREAT that Gasol was traded to Los Angeles. Not only because of the type of basketball player he is and how great of a personality he has, but because of how the Media and fans have taken to him as well. Being that there are so, so many Mexicans in Los Angels and so many Latinos in California period, it was a huge move in so many ways. From the Laker's team-chemistry now, to how the Media craze has followed him there, to FINALLY having a big-name Latin STAR that the fans can identify with.
I'll be honest, when I heard Gasol was coming to LA, I was as excited as anyone else, but even I never imagined the marriage would be so perfect in so many different ways.
I know Ainge got Executive of the year, but in my heart (and in my mind) we all know that Kupchak wins that award by far. Just ask Mr. Bryant!
GO LA!
We got this in the bag!
Posted by: Blaze1bx | May 16, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Mamba: you are on a roll. Two poems in one day - prolific! Thanks for the roll call - its awesome.
I am PSYCHED!!!
The build-up for yet another milestone game has been great. I love NBA drama - tonight I want to have all of us saying LAL wins, UT goes home. Send 'em fishing Lakers, send 'em fishing....
Strong Laker D in the SLC!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 16, 2008 at 10:55 AM
LAKER TRUTH,
muahahahahahaha
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 16, 2008 at 10:56 AM
LAKER TRUTH...that's pretty funny, man. I love the slushie cup and how excited everyone is in the bump car.
KEYS TO A WIN
Matt Harpring needs more fouls than rebounds.
Keep running Okur off the 3 point line
Make D-Will a scorer, not a facilitator
Keep Boozer in the brown bag
Lamar just needs to keep playing like an All-Star
Pau needs to be as aggressive as he is in LA
Keep Fisher out of foul trouble
Sasha should hit a few more shots, but I love his aggression.
Luke...come back to us, we need BOTH 3 spots to produce on the road for a win.
Trevor Ariza as an X-Factor, anyone?
Move those feet, don't settle for 3's in the face of the inevitable zone, and keep Kobe from any more injury and we could see some serious rest time for #24.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | May 16, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Mamba24 - I made the roll call!! Thanks dude! In ALL CAPS, no less. No I'm even more pumped for the game. I plan on frightening all my neighbors yet again with my vocalizing.
Much love to all the Laker fans out there and especially the ones in the 805!
Posted by: thehammer | May 16, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Okur (and al;l the rest of the Ja$$ players and fans) just needs to quit crying like a baby and realize......
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!!!!! WE END IT TONIGHT!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Good morning, Fam!
utzworld - AMEN!
Mamba24 - present and accounted for. Now let's get this show on the road (literally)!
All is right in Lakerville. What a good day for win #8.
I predict the Lakeshow to be up double digits in the first quarter and win by 10 or more... Vegas odds be damned.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I love Pau's ability to make big plays down the stretch irregardless of the game he's had to that point.
And how about Lamar, playing to a draw with Utah's biggest stud. There is no way we trade this guy now. Who else are we gonna get who do the things he does, and, I cant believe I'm saying this, as consistently as he does them?
I'd like to say I think we're gonna win game 6, but...
Wes
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I for one, am tired of all these home victories. It's time for the Lakers to be the team that ends this trend.
Posted by: Xodus | May 16, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Fatty,
"He (Gasol) pushed me. They (the referees) didn't blow the whistle," said Okur, who finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds. "Can't wait to get back home. We can be more aggressive there."
Okur contradicts himself. First he states the refs didn't blow the whistle in LA. Than he claims the refs will allow the players to be more aggresive in Salt Lake.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | May 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Laker Cheer Leaders BAND WAGON:
Faith - the lead dancer
Shekobe - salsa queen
Simigurl - helter skelter
pslakerfan - in very leotard trying to look cute
GO LAKERS
Posted by: The Mob Boss | May 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
The Lakers need to push back against Utah tonight. Boozer is the king of the two-handed shove underneath the hoop. Tonight's the night where the Lakers show the NBA world just how tough they are. Mbenga might have to come in to enforce...
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 16, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Any word out there yet on which Three Blind Mice are gonna do tonights game?
Posted by: magicman | May 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/
story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Awards_080516
Hollinger's disappointed in Vlade...Don't know why...
Luke, Jordan, and The Stiffs win an award, too.
Speaking of Walton, what ever happened to Bill? Haven't seen or heard from him in a while.
Posted by: mel | May 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Hey guys, think I can be added to the playoff roster? Why is Ira Newble taking up valuable bench space? I'm an expert at that.
Kwame
Posted by: Kwame Brown from Kwame Town | May 16, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Repost from other thread.
Quick shout out of thanks to Mamba24 for keeping track of all things Bandwagon related. I, for one, appreciate your joy, love, and energy. May The Machine hit a huge 3 in your honor tonight sir.
Posted by: magicman | May 16, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Like Dr Frankenstein..we shall be the VICTOR!!
Posted by: lakeraholic | May 16, 2008 at 11:18 AM
John Hollinger calls Luke Walton the league's top reserve:http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/
columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=Awards_080516
Posted by: Xodus | May 16, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I think Utah is going to come out playing TOO physical because they think they can get away with it. I'm calling for the refs to call a more "even" game which will definitely help the road Lakers. Boozer will get in early foul trouble which will hurt the Jazz and ultimately lead to their demise tonight.
As it seems to be the norm these days, Lamar will have a huge game because...
LO= Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | May 16, 2008 at 11:23 AM
XODUS:"I for one, am tired of all these home victories. It's time for the
Lakers to be the team that ends this trend."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
DEVIL:Devils Brigade BANDWAGON:
pslakerfan - just another joe
Mamba24 - space cadet
Jon K. - psuedo laker fan
Tom - psuedo intellectual
Fatty - hooligan
Faith - saloon dancer
toad - ugly fan
Laker Truth - brown noser
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER - son of Pope
LOL! DEVIL! You fiendish imp you! Can I be a space cadet and
a brown Noser? Please? And will you introduce me
to the saloon dancer? Gee Mr. Devil you don't seem so
bad? NOW GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!!! LMAOF
Posted by: MAMBA24 | May 16, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Quote from Lamar Odom
"I want to take it to the basket every game I play now. I'm thinking I need like three, four dunks every night," he said. "Because it seems like when you dunk the ball, you get those foul calls, too."
I predict Lamar Odom will reach superstar status,this is the mind set that will propel him to heights no one yet knows where that limit is.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | May 16, 2008 at 11:25 AM
The Jazz are dead just like the music!
LOL, @
http://i28.tinypic.com/1zxmj53.gif
Posted by: ajax | May 16, 2008 at 11:29 AM
MAGICMAN:"May The Machine hit a huge 3 in your honor tonight sir."
That's the nicest thing anyone ever told me. Thank you man. LOL!
Seriously Thanks!
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM