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.
Mamba, I was about to also let Devil know that HE MADE ME DO IT!
I have been included in some great compnay! I am honored!
Let's win big tonight and get the Devil out of here and on to the next round! GET THEE BEHIND ME!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I think we win tonight and to celebrate we introduce the next Laker girl, and Shakira girl to lead the dance!
http://stupidvideos.com/video/just_plain_stupid/Babys_
Hips_Dont_Lie/
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | May 16, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Amazing_Happens
That's simply Da mazing!
Duh Jazz lose to Da Lakers by 12
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 11:35 AM
LAKER HOOLIGANS BANDWAGON:
Fairweather Fatty - Lead hooligan
PsychedLakerGirl - Wench
pslakerfan - huh!! What day is it?
Jon K. - just another follower
Faith - I want to kiss the Toad
Toad - someone kiss me
Posted by: Hooligan Bandwagon | May 16, 2008 at 11:37 AM
________________________
Bring Back Kwame Bandagon
________________________
-Kwame
-Kwame's mom
Posted by: Kwame Brown from Kwame Town | May 16, 2008 at 11:41 AM
"Oppose the Devil and he will flee from you."
Hooligan? You can do better than that!
Cmon now Lord of the Flies and Jazz Fans.
Quit Beelzebubbing around and come up with something better.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM
AND NOW THE NUMBER ONE QUOTE OF ALL TIME:
IM MIKE T. MFer! WHO ARE YOU? DO PEOPLE COME ON THIS BLOG TO READ ANDREW WHO?
MIKE T. HAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE HEARD. AND THATS SOMETHING YOU CANT SAY ABOUT YOURSELF
Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 20, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Uh, didn't shaq already get Kurt Rambis fired from a head coaching gig before because he had no respect for him whatsoever????
Posted by: J.D. Hastings | May 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM
________________________
Bring Back Kwame Bandagon
________________________
-Kwame
-Kwame's mom
Hostess Twinkies
Strawberry shortcake
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM
J.D.
Great observation, and you know that Shaqtus will not put up with a coach he has no respect for...........wait...........he has already clearly shown he has no respect for ANY coaches, teammates, organization, anything but his self serving needs. Burn those briges, Shaqtus, burn 'em!
PHX is screwed!
Posted by: toad | May 16, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Hooligan BandWagon:
LAKER HOOLIGANS BANDWAGON:
Fairweather Fatty - Lead hooligan
PsychedLakerGirl - Wench
pslakerfan - huh!! What day is it?
Jon K. - just another follower
Faith - I want to kiss the Toad
Toad - someone kiss me
Mamba24 - Brown Nosed - Space Cadet - i HAVE TO FIND TINKERBELL
ROFLMAO!! HAHAHAHAHA THIS IS SOME FUNNY SHIT!
Hooligan reveal thyself you deserve a reward for this.
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Very Funny word BANDWAGON AWARD:
Hooligan Fairweather Fatty for Beelzebubbing
hahahaha
Posted by: Very Funny | May 16, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I guess Adande's never hear of Phil's, uh, "tactics"...
J.A. Adande: (2:59 PM ET ) What's up, peeps? I'm in Utah, where I fully expect the Jazz to extend this series to Game 7 in L.A. Monday. Phil Jackson had low confidence in his team's ability to win on the road after Game 5. I didn't see much reason to believe otherwise
Posted by: mel | May 16, 2008 at 12:10 PM
And he's still harping on the Gasol/Memo foul/non-foul/flop/who gives a crap? thingy:
J.A. Adande: (3:09 PM ET ) Actually, I'm more biased on this than any other issue because Horry is my favorite guy in the league. Although the play was similar to Gasol's push of Okur (that wasn't called) I think Horry knew what he was doing. He's old school enough to have the mindset of going after someone's weak spot. But I don't think the league could do anything about it because it wasn't a flagrant foul. Didn't like to see Horry doing that at all. Between that and the Chuckster's gambling debt issues, it wasn't a good day for 2 of my favorite guys.
Posted by: mel | May 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM
mamba,
Great Roll Call! Great rap!
utzworld,
The Blog has its own Chaplain.
Jazz go down tonight.
Go, Lakers.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I am gonna miss most if not all of the game tonite, going to the Erykah Badu and the Roots concert tonite -- tickets I bought like 2months ago.. ....Just the same, my heart will be with my beloved Lakers!
All the prognasticators and HaterHeads and doubters think we lose..I believe we WIN and end this series tonite!
Final score 107-102! Western Conf Finals here we come!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 16, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Lakerholic"Like Dr Frankenstein..we shall be the VICTOR!!"
Huh?
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 12:25 PM
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
Man have you got it wrong.... First of all it's John not Joe, but close I must admit...... Also I am an ugly fan, not toad......and my father the Pope would be upset as well...... as for Faith, she does dance, but not at a saloon......I am not sure what psuedo means, but as for PSEUDO Laker fans, I am sure Jon K has proven he is way beyond that. Now PSYCHO fan, that is Jon K. (sorry Jon, lol)
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 16, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Okur flopped pure and simple on that play. How come no one's screaming foul on the play before when Gasol shot the mini floater, Okur's arms were clearly wrapped around Gasol's waist. That's a foul the refs missed.
Posted by: PeanutButterSpread | May 16, 2008 at 12:30 PM
________________________
Bring Back Kwame Bandagon
________________________
-Kwame
-Kwame's mom
Hostess Twinkies
Strawberry shortcake
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Duh, Mike Teniente!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry all no time to post today!!!! But I figured you would need a little somethin' somethin' sooooo...
Inhale now as I blow smoke at the screen...
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...
LakerMan 420
Posted by: LakerMan 420 | May 16, 2008 at 12:34 PM
As long as Fisher stays out of foul trouble, we'll be fine.
Posted by: Blazed | May 16, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Let's just hope that Boozer and Harpring haven't been studying Horry's technique and strategy for reaching a game 7.
Posted by: Tsphere | May 16, 2008 at 12:44 PM
wes,
“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? “
Right on, wes. I feel exactly the same. Lamar Odom has been a beast of his own. Not only do I love how he has adopted going-to-the-hoop as his personal mantra but also how he has stepped up his defense. His play against Boozer in this series and Carmello in the last series have been eye-openers. Lamar has become such a valuable player to the Lakers that I wouldn’t even trade him straight up for Carlos Boozer. Lamar brings much more to the table than a one-dimensional player like Boozer. Whatever you need, Lamar delivers. Points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals. He is the complete Package.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
the lakers should win easily in utah if gasol plays stronger, while holding on to the ball. he may also want to hold his position in the post and box out better so he doesn't feel the need to fall on the floor when rebounds are taken away from him. he wasn't called soft in memphis for no reason, but that aside, he needs to impose his will on the jazz' shorter, stocky players like boozer and use his grip on the ball, positioning as well as his height to erase the disparity on the offensive boards
Posted by: jeff | May 16, 2008 at 12:46 PM
sniff sniff sniff Thanks lakerman420
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
IT'S TIME TO WATCH THE LAKERS AND DRINK SOME BEER,
TOKE A BOWL AND SCREAM AND CHEER!!!!!!!! LAKERS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!!!
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP...
I SMELL VICTORY!!!! LIGHTS OUT
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 12:47 PM
LakerTom,
I was thinking the same thing. Utzworld is the Chaplain of Laker Nation!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Mamba24 May Your Roll Propel Us in Our Role Towards Victory!!!
Please throw me on the Lakers End it TONIGHT bandwagon.
LAKER TRUTH That was awesome!!!!!!!! SO GREAT!!!
thehammer, congrats on Roll Call, we're all together now!
1, 2, 3,
GGGOOOOoooOOOOOO LAAAAaaAAAAAKEEERS!!
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Mamba24 May Your Roll Propel Us in Our Role Towards Victory!!!
Please throw me on the Lakers End it TONIGHT bandwagon.
LAKER TRUTH That was awesome!!!!!!!! SO GREAT!!!
thehammer, congrats on Roll Call, we're all together now!
1, 2, 3,
GGGOOOOoooOOOOOO LAAAAaaAAAAAKEEERS!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 16, 2008 at 12:49 PM
lakersrydeordie: "Final score 107-102! Western Conf Finals here we come!"
AND IT COUNTS!!!! YESSSSS!!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 16, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I was thinking about this new breed of invaders to Laker Nation. Bloggers like Devil/God/KARL MALONE/Kwame Brown from Kwame Town.
They're kind of like Trolls... but they're not.
They're kind of like Haters... but they're not.
They're just (relatively) harmless troublemakes... Goblins or Gremlins, mayhaps.
I'm not quite sure what to do with them.
Pig Miller, any thoughts?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Let's get a damn win tonight. I hear the Pistons are the only team who can win in the playoffs on the road. If I remember correctly, we won 2 in the 1st round. After tonight's victory, I believe we will have the best road record, though I haven't verified that. I know that being undefeated at home, nobody has a better home winning percentage.
Let's get this thing over with and take a 5 day break for Kobe's back.
Kobesbad
..and Lamar is too
Mamba-puhleeease add me to the Anti Jazz and the sasha bandwagon
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 16, 2008 at 12:51 PM
If we're gonna introduce religion to this group I hope everyone can handle alternative perspectives...like this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSG4NFV_YmE
Wes
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Good Afternoon 420
Kobesbad
Thanks for stopping by and saying high
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 16, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Good morning all!
Lets go Lakers!
- Like Blazed wrote, D-Fish stay out of Foul trouble.
- Hit our Free Throws
- LO should come up big
Lets end this tonight!!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | May 16, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Tonight is the night guys. We need to CLOSE them (Utah Azz's, o'ops did i forget the J, my bad) OUT. Sure, Energy Solutions Arena will be loud actually very loud but we have an opurtunity to knock 'em out with a KO punch (Pau). NO FEAR !!!!!!!!!!! Lakers, grab ahold of this moment and seize it. Do not give them a chance to breath. Play this game like it were a game 7.
********* To all Lakers fans please repost this **********
Yea, though we walk through the valley of the the Jazz,
We will fear no threat: For we are the Los Angels Lakers and shall be victorious.
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 01:01 PM
People kill me yapping about fouls called and this & that, they are the ones who initiate contact on every shot, every rebound and every play..Utah is far more of a THUG team and Denver but because they are not sprayed to their schins with tats nobody is saying they are, but I am and they are THUGGISH! Now, if they want to cry ref preferential treatment as far as the Lakers and Kobe, then go right ahead, but that is the advantage of having an MVP who has won 3rings, a coach with 9rings and a org who's won also -- on top of having Homecourt advantage..Utah gets the calls on their floor, that is how this ISH works..Play ball and stop crying foul, its played out already!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 16, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I'm not finding much time to post today either - BUT - and that's a big Barkley-sized BUTT - LAKERS WILL WIN TONIGHT!!!!!!!
I can SEE it - I can FEEL it - I can SMELL it - CAN'T YOU?!
However, we will need all the positive energy we can muster and a CASE of troll-B-gone!
OMG - I LOVE THIS GAME (and this BLOG)!!!!1
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 16, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Zen Master's words or meditation have not helped much, but he totally analyzed the problem correctly, totally.
To win tonight the lakers cannot be frantic. They need to play their. Unless there is a fast break opportunity, they should walk the ball up the court. They need to reduce the number of turnovers.
BTW not all turnovers are alike. In the first quarter of game two and the last game, we made Utah turn the ball over repeatedly. Our turnovers were due to hastiness.
The fact that we tried hard to hand them that game and they couldn't take it gives me great faith.
GGOOOOOOoooOOOOO LLLLllLLALLAALLALALLLLLALLLLAAAAAAKEEEEeeeeeeEEERRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 16, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I'm so tired of ESPN hacks like Adumbde and Ric Pucher. They are fast becoming less like the network they once were and more like MTV. I hate Tom Brady, but I totally agree with him on that. ESPN has officially crossed the line over into mindless programming with terribly overrated and over-the-top personalities. At least SI is still a genuine source of sports news and commentary.
The four letter network is almost dead to me outside of actual game broadcasts.
ESPN: The Fox News of the sporting world.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 16, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Morning all....Move the ball...Unleash Ariza...GO LAKERS
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 16, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Lemme tell ya'll sumthin'. That was a turrrrible, turrible no call on that thar Gasol/Okur play.
I bet you Fiddy Thousand that he don't get away wif that in Utar. No make it a Hunnerd Fiddy.
Posted by: charles barkley | May 16, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Hey does anybody know what hotel the team stays at in New Orleans. I am planning a road trip for the western conference finals.
Posted by: LKRS1FN | May 16, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Mike T. is definitely the driver of that wagon!
Posted by: frank1rizzo | May 16, 2008 at 01:14 PM
A little off topic, but I would love to know how some of you feel about the addition of AB back to this lineup in November. How do you guys think it will affect Pau, and Lamar specifically. Not that I want AB coming off the bench, I just can not envision how this will work out......love to hear some opinions.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 16, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Thanks, jesterguru and Mamba24 for the props/inclusion. I'm moved. But actually, it's just phred, all lower case. Definitely not a big deal, though. Once again, thanks for the props.
SENDING OUT 50,000 KILOWATTS OF LAKER LOVE
BAM! 94.7 THE FUTURE OF LAKER LOVE
Posted by: phred | May 16, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Yea, though we, the Los Angeles Lakers walk through the valley of the Jazz, We will fear no threat: For we shall be victorious.
Posted by: | May 16, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I was thinking about this new breed of invaders to Laker Nation. Bloggers like Devil/God/KARL MALONE/Kwame Brown from Kwame Town.
They're kind of like Trolls... but they're not.
They're kind of like Haters... but they're not.
They're just (relatively) harmless troublemakes... Goblins or Gremlins, mayhaps.
I'm not quite sure what to do with them.
Pig Miller, any thoughts?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I you didn't ask me, but...
umm... I would probably just call them idiots.
Posted by: phred | May 16, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Jon K's. Bio-Chrono Keys to Success for Today's Game:
Physically: Creativity, trying new plays, playing with passion.
Emotionally: Appreciating the potential of the team and how good the Lakers can be.
Mentally: Respecting your personal potential and the importance of your role on the team.
Creatively: Playing the game one possession at a time, being in the moment, and making choices for the pure motivation of acheiving results.
Key Players of the Game: Pau Gasol, Sasha Vuljcic, Vladimir Radmonovich, and DJ "The Banger" Mbenga.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 16, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Mamba,
As suggested in an earlier post, we here at the blog dedicate the FIRST 3 BY THE MACHINE in your honor!!
Let do this!!!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | May 16, 2008 at 01:38 PM