Why games are played at night on TV, not on the radio at 1:58 pm PST
I was on with Steve Mason today, who asked for my prediction about Tuesday night's Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. Having guessed Lakers in seven before the series started, I figured this would be a hard fought, knock down, knuckle dragger, very tight at the end, but eventually won by the Spurs. Two of three ain't bad, and fortunately for the Lakers, the one I got wrong was the most important- the final score. 93-91 Los Angeles, who now own a commanding 3-1 lead in the series heading back to Staples for Game 5 Thursday night.
There are no bad wins at this point of the season, especially when they come on the home floor of the defending champs... but that doesn't mean the thing was a work of art. The Lakers raced out an early lead, as big as 22-8 with 4:33 left to play in the first, and from there struggled through foul trouble, turnovers, and a determined (if ragged) effort from San Antonio.
The Spurs have made a point of not sending the Lakers, and particularly Kobe, to the line, and tonight was no exception. Kobe was in the paint, but wasn't given many free opportunities from the Spurs. No free throws for 24, a rarity for sure, but still, he played a strong game. 28 points, 10 boards, on 14-29 from the floor. Lamar Odom, disappointed in his performance during Game 3 was burdened with personals all night but was large down the stretch, scoring eight of his 16 over the final 4:31, and posting nine boards as well. Pau Gasol, challenged by Phil Jackson to step up after a weenie-laden Sunday effort, went for 10/10/6, and while he wasn't outstanding, put up a better effort against Tim Duncan (10-26 from the floor).
Like most fans, I'm sure Gasol is happy the two free throws he missed down the stretch didn't come back to haunt the Lakers.
As for the ending, which I'm sure will be controversial, here's how I see it (and I write this under the assumption you've seen a replay or twelve...): Yes, it was a foul, no, it didn't cost San Antonio the game. Had Barry shot as soon as Fish hit him with the contact, it would be a different story, but by putting the ball on the floor, Barry eliminated the opportunity to be put on the line. Had the refs called that a shooting foul, it would have been a far more egregious whistle than the non-call on Fish.
And, as many have pointed out, the same refs missed a call on the other end that would have reset the shot clock in favor of the Lakers. There were missed calls on both ends of the floor throughout (there always are). In the end, San Antonio was sent to the line more often than LA (as you'd expect for a game in their building) and had opportunities throughout to take the lead, but didn't take advantage. As both teams pointed out after it was over, one play never decides a game.
Either team could have taken control of the game. The Lakers- barely- kept it, responding with a big shot or a big stop when they needed it. Pretty it wasn't, but LA got the job done, and will now get three cracks at closing out the Spurs.
Huge victory.
BK
I tried to represent on ESPN but they wouldnt put my comment on air. At least it made the chat:
Korey (OR): Harping on the last play does two things: Ignores that the Lakers outplayed the Spurs all nite and that there was an obvious call missed the play before that.
Posted by: Korey | May 28, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Good win, but I wasn't jubilant at all. My lack of jubilation actually shocked me, and I had to take stock into why that happened.
First, Fish *could* have been called for that foul. That in itself was a mental mistake. But, it came after Fish corrected guessed the entire play and made it all the way from the weak side to bother the shot. That is a push.
Second, at game speed, I knew Fish's shot grazed the rim and I was surprised that the announcers all missed it. Good job of Phil pointing it right out and putting the whole no-call into perspective.
Third, Kobe hasn't been getting that particular call anyway this whole series. If they aren't going to give that call to Kobe, why would they give it to Barry?
Barry is from a basketball family. An *American*, legendary, all-star caliber basketball family. He should have buried us by jumping right into Fish's chest and forcing the refs to give him three free throws. What was he thinking? Is he taking cues from Old Softie Dirk Nowitski? That's Dirk's dumb move to dribble away from a defender caught out of position and in the air.
Dang! Dude hasn't missed a free throw since Hector was a pup! (Remembering you, Chick).
I thought it was goal tending at game speed, too. But, in the end, LO made a great block. But, that call is impossible to bring up because it looked like a good call.
Zero free throws for Kobe? But, he scored 14 points in the paint? The refs were definitely on SA's side last night. He was obviously attacking the rim. He wasn't getting any calls. If the MVP can't get a call, why should Barry?
Once again, I say, "push".
What it came down to is that Barry was going to have to figure out a way to get a clean look and bury it. Period.
He did neither, so the Spurs lost.
Someone (a Troll, pro'lly), said that Kobe never admits his mistakes. Well, on National TV, he told the Yellow Suit guy that he should have pulled the ball out and ran the clock down. That is EXTREMELY mature of what many call a Prima Donna.
The Lakers obviously played better because they were able to withstand mental mistakes by each of their big three in the waning seconds of the game:
1. Pau's missed free throws.
2. Kobe's lack of clock management.
3. Fish allowing Barry (or the refs) the opportunity to dictate the conclusion of the game.
Fortunately for us, Barry had the last mental mistake made in the game.
Let's close this thing out on Thursday, and revisit those late game histrionics before we get to the Finals. We need to clean some stuff up, still.
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | May 28, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Hello Laker Fans, The bottom line is the LAKERS WON THE GAME. ENOUGH SAID.
Posted by: Big Boss | May 28, 2008 at 07:34 AM
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 28, 2008 at 07:37 AM
BTW, I've got to give the ultimate props to Pop, Barry, and Duncan. They were all very professional about the whole no-call thing. Unbelievably so.
And Pop called it right, he said if he was the official, he wouldn't have called it either.
Neither would I. But, my thinking would have been that Barry obviously didn't want the foul, that's why he dribbled away from it. Why would I give him a foul that he didn't want?
Even PJ was honest by saying that Fish did "bump" him (though he fell short of saying that it was a foul). Kobe said no foul (though didn't quite admit to the bump -- but I don't see Kobe ever saying anything that would steal Fish's thunder).
The Spurs have all the class that Utah lacks, and then some.
I've got new respect for them.
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | May 28, 2008 at 07:38 AM
One thing that this series proves, is that the Lakers need Bynum really bad. Duncan has throughly dominated this series in the paint. If Manu had just played a very average series, all the ESPN guys would be talking about how great Duncan is.
As far as the ref's go, isn't it amazing how much holding and banging the ref's are allowing in the East Coast finals and then all of the ticky tack they are calling on the West Coast. Take the foul they called on Fisher in the 1st Qtr. as Duncan was setting a moving screen on Fish. Most of those fouls called in the 1st qtr. would have been non-calls in the East finals.
What also amazes me is the announcers. I believe the color analyst should be able to speak his mind and give the fans an insight to what is happening during the game. It amazes me when the refs clearly blow a call, Collins almost never says anything. Oh - except on the Duncan traveling no-call. After showing the replay 3 times, Collins finally had to admit that Duncan traveled. I'm not looking for the analyst to harp on the bad calls, but they should confirm our suspicions. Maybe they should take some analyst lessons from Stu Lantz. Whether for the Lakers or against, he makes very intellectual basketball comments and tells the truth on bad calls without harping or totally bashing the refs.
Go Lakers!!
The AW
Posted by: AW | May 28, 2008 at 07:43 AM
One more thing, the Finals are going to be REAL rough. Even if we split the first two, the series will have to go at least six games for us to win it. If I'm not mistaken, no team has ever won all three of the middle games at home. I know the Lakers won all three on the road when they play Philadelphia in the Finals again AI.
AK/BK can you guys look that up?
Thanks!
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | May 28, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I have some observations on the game last night.
On Coaches: Sometimes it is hard to understand what Coaching decisions are. They play match-ups and have a game plan so they left out abled bodies and better players on the bench. On the Spurs side, why is Kurt Thomas playing less than Rob Horry? On the Laker side, why Ariza playing sparingly when Walton was committing numerous T/O's? Perhaps, the Coaches have a plan of their own and afraid of deviation without enough practice, so they would rather stick with the game plan until it will work. They are afraid that Kurt or Ariza was not given enough time to practice with the group, so their presence might create more chaos on the court.
Spurs lost their steam in the 4th Q. which showed their age because Popo has to rely on his key players to keep the rally going, however they could get over the hump until they got tired of chasing the Lakers in the end. They maintained poise being the experienced group, the reigning Champs and more precise with their decisions which failed to materialize hitting the sides of the rim, maybe attributed to good defense of the Lakers. Perhaps, we can summarize the efforts of the Spurs, that the mind and spirit are willing unfortunately, the legs and stamina were receding. These are the reasons why their FG's % were down, their rebounds were down, the passing were slow and short and in defense they lost their guards simply, they're poofed and dead tired.
On the Lakers side, they are younger, taller and longer. Being young, they are adventurous, risk takers and have the added energy to take extra steps. However, being inexperienced to playoffs athmosphere, they have the tendency to speed the game when it is not needed. They attacked on crowded lanes and fishing for fouls without thinking of further repercussions that attacking without clear alternatives may also cause T/O's or forcing throughs. They are just anxious to help the team to score more, confident enough that they have the necessary skills to beat the defending Champ's defense. These situations happened to every Laker which can advantageous to a positive mindset but not that smooth with several rough edges whether it is Pau, Lo, sometimes Kobe, Luke, Sasha, Fisher and Farmar. (If they were playing against the Celtics in the 80's or the Pistons in the late 90's they would suffer severe consequences from that sketchy aggression.) That's why, LakerTom mentioned in his posts that we need Bynum to refine those moves and have an insurance to make a follow thru.
I think we would have learned more if Chick Hearns were alive to give us a crystal clear description of the game last night. At the end, the score is 93-91 we won and leading 3-1 in pre NBA Finals and pre Championship game. Therefore, we should all be grateful for Coach PJ and his staff for preparing the team, the players for bringing back the energy in an enemy territory and their perseverance to hold on to the lead against insurmountable odds.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 28, 2008 at 07:51 AM
VMan,
I agree. I hate the Spurs, but I respect them (something I cannot say for the Suns, the Jazz, nor the Kings).
They took this loss with dignity because they know that we beat them, not that they lost.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 28, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Fearless:"One more thing, the Finals are going to be REAL rough. "
Come on Fearless be serious. KG is not half the player
Duncan is. Duncan has the heart of a warrior. KG almost reminds me of LO
before he became the warrior he is now. Ray Allen is nothing but a spot up and
shoot player and he can barely do that. Rondo each time I see him he reminds me
(I'm Sorry) of Smush Parker. Pierce is the only thing they have going for them. I predict right now
the Finals will go 5 games no more The Celtics are nothing but paper tigers who have been
thoroughly exposed. The 3 series the Lakers had have prepared them for all styles
Half court, fast break etc. This next game against the Spurs will be tougher than anything
the Celtics could possibly do against us. And after every game the lakers almost seem
to be like the Borg in which they adapt to their opponents style and then neutralize them.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 28, 2008 at 08:09 AM
DCLakerFan:Clearly it was Tim Duncan taking approximately FIVE complete steps to get from outside
15 feet to the basket, to the lane, then to the hoop, for a Duncan. The man didn't even dribble while
also adding a shuffle at the beginning of the drive that included so many steps that you can't even count."
LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 28, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Now that The Finals are inevitable for us (NO WAY we lose 3 in a row...it's DONE!), are we gonna take over a section of Staples for Games 1 & 2? I don't want to watch these games without you guys. I mean that. I love y'all. It's only right that we watch Games 1 & 2 TOGETHER!
Let's make it happen, folks!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | May 28, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Good Morningg Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning ALL of Laker Nation!!!!!!!!!!!
Another win, on the road, and the Spurns never had the lead all night! That's the way to head back home to close out the series. Let's get it done Friday!
5 TO 15!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: toad | May 28, 2008 at 08:15 AM
To Fearless: Detroit won all 3 home games in Finals 2004 and the Miami Heat in Finals 2006.
Posted by: sead94 | May 28, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Charles, JonK, Fearless, Edwin etc etc etc MORNING CRUE!!!!!!!!! AND good morning to the rest of the fabulous Laker Nation!!!!!!!!
I'm having my heart replaced today - it stopped WAAYYYY too many times during the game last night - yikes! WHAT A GAME!!!
I think most posters here understand that the last play did not make/break the outcome of the game. Too many other variables involved and - bottom line - Lakers hustled their way to that win and earned it hands down.
I think we need to be careful in Game 5 - NO LET UPS! Spores (aka Cockroaches) will not go down without another fight, so we need to stay mentally focused from the beginning and turn their fight into a last gasp and a death-rattle.
I'm hoping for more even-handed ref'ing from the zebras as well. If we see anything like what we saw last night, Kobe will have to wear a bigger uni - Bowen will be in there with him again. Ugghhh - terrible, terrible non-calls there, but what can you do?
So - LAKER NATION - do your thing - focus - eye of the tiger - get excited - cheer for your team - Thursday is going to be one HECK of a game - Staples will be rocking and most of us (I'm assuming) will be screaming at the TV and watching the psuedo-dynasty that was the Spurs go down in a gasp & whisper & thump!!!!!
We are - can you believe it - only 5 to O'Brien.......
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 28, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Classy Pop = swooning refs?
One thing the Lakers should not count on and be prepared for in Game 5 -- accommodating refs.
Popovich took care of that by defusing what could've become a series-distracting controversy when he backed the "non-call" on Fish v. Barry.
The non-call was legit. But Popovich took a load off the backs of referees by preempting any controversey (generated by local/national news media) with his pronouncement.
Quid pro quo? Refs *respect* such gestures -- and are likely to return such respect in the next game.
All I'm saying is, as PJax will undoubtedly advise -- be (mentally) prepared.
Posted by: latopia | May 28, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I agree guys...I expected a all-out battle this morning with calls to the league office and all the hoopla over the last Fisher/Barry play. I also give props to the Spurs and their coach for accepting the fact that they didn't lose the game because of that one play. They saw Fisher's shot hit the rim. The next play would have been a Laker posession with a new 24 and Kobe or Fish at the foul line for the last two shots. They knew they got a break on that posession and the no-call was a good no-call.
The Lakers outplayed the Spurs all game and NEVER let them lead even with key players in foul trouble and plenty of chances to take over the game. They just didn't do it. Manu was horrible, Parker hasn't really been a factor in this series and the rest of the bench, aside from Barry, was asleep all night.
Great win for the Lakers! Let's close out at home!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 28, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Playoffs is playoffs, and there aren't many times a referee will make a call in the final seconds with the game on the line.
This play to end the game was almost identical to LA vs. UT about 10 years ago. Van Excel got the ball near the top of the arc for a 3-pointer to win, Malone absolutely mauled him, no call, no basket. And I remember thinking at the time, "Well, that's basketball." Nine out of 10 times, the refs will swallow their whistle in those circumstances.
How many times have we seen the replay of M. Jordan's pushoff of the Jazz player to create space and make the now-wide-open shot to win the game? I bet Jazz fans still mull over that one.
Posted by: Marty | May 28, 2008 at 08:28 AM
@edwin
i have a feeling pop wanted horry to get more minutes for several reasons:
1. gives the spurs an outside threat (even though he wasn't hitting the side of a barn in this series)
2. is a much more proven clutch shooter/player in clutch situations
3. can handle lamar's length a lot better than thomas.
Posted by: d | May 28, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Oh, and yes, it was a foul, before Barry was in the act of shooting.
Posted by: Marty | May 28, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Bayless goes on and on on First Take, "Joey Crawford" should have never reffed the game, this, that and a third. I don't know why it is sooooooo hard for some people to simply bow down and state the obvious, "the Lakers are obviously better, faster, and quicker than the Spurs and that the 3-1 lead we have is not an abberration! But no..But no sense in wasting time buggin off Skip, we all know how one-sided and warped his thinking is!
Moving on. I am proud thus far how are team is evolving and winning the ugly games. The grimy, hard fought games, a team many perceive as "soft". We have been ANYTHING but that thus far. When we close out the Spurs, perhaps people will go ahead and give us our rightful PROPERS! Our "D" has been better than average in more instances than NOT. Vlade, in particular, has impressed me in that regard. And Pau has gotten better overall as well.
Go LAKERS!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 28, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Laker Nation!
Wow, I'm still shaking from last night. I have no problem with the no call, we got shafted numerous tims through the course of the game, the refs owed us one. The only thing that irked me a little was Kobe not pulling back, but I can kind of see why he went for it.
Props to Luke for stepping up after that disasterous stretch and to Pau for making TD work his arse off.
PsychedLakerGirl,
"I loved that every time the Spurs tied us, we got another bucket right away and never let them get over the hump. That was totally key to this win. The crowd could never go crazy."
I 100 percent agree. I think we have a knack for letting opponents get back into games but we damn well aren't going to let them take our lead. It takes a certain kind of team to not allow that to happen, a special team.
Jon K.: thanks for the good luck charm, keep it up buddy.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | May 28, 2008 at 08:35 AM
I'LL TAKE IT! An ugly win is better than a pretty loss any time and everytime!
One more win and Pau Gasol record will stand even in series 3-3 ...
One more win and Kobe Bryant will be totally vindicated ...
One more win and we will have completed our conference journey ....
I wish more fans, players and coaches were like the Spurs and Pop in attitude ... there will always be bad calls, and bad no-calls, and there will always be good calls, and good no-calls ... that's why the ball is round and it bounces ... respect!
We will beat Boston. My greatest moment of the season will be a KB24 special, a game-winner in the new Boston Garden in Game 1 of the finals, ala Magic's junior sky hook.
The Spurs will fight the good fight Thursday night but we'll close them out in the third ... that's what the Magic showtime teams used to do ... close out opponents with that run in the third that Big Game James used to call "The Whip!"
I agree with Laker Tom, it's mind boggling but entirely possible that not only with the team improve with the return of Socks, but it that frontline could be so good that they could be the pillars of a dynasty. I remember Parrish, McHale and Bird ... Bynum, Gasol and Odom ... with KB24 ... damn, I can hardly wait ...
Posted by: Glenn | May 28, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Needless to say, Good Morning Brothers and Sisters!
10milliondollarzen thanks for the link.
Jon K and Vman great posts.
Mamba24, One Love!
Posted by: Charles | May 28, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Fearless,
Incorrect.
The Pistons are the only team to ever win the three home games in the finals.
They did it in 2004.
As you pointed out, several teams have won the three games as the ROAD team, but those 04 Pistons are the only ones to do it at home.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 28, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Overall, Gasol did a decent job defending Duncan.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 28, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Only one comment on the non-call - the Spurs took it with class.
What I am tired of is folks saying the Lakers really emerged this season with the Gasol acquisition. So many folks picked the Lakers to NOT even make the playoffs at the start of the year and so they want a fluke trade to be the basis of the Lakers success. It covers their ass.
Here is the real story:
After a whining summer 24 manned up and played the best ball of his life and provided ture leadership.
Fish took the point back from Shush.
Lamar played like he is capable of.
Sasha bloomed.
Farmar bloomer.
Turiaf bloomed.
Radmonvic began to develop into more thatn a 3 point bomber.
And Bynum became a monster.
Before Bynum was hurt, the Lakers were ready to make a playoff run. Bynum's game is in fact more playoff-friendly than Gasol's. He is unique in the league - size, length, athleticism, ability to jump and to reload and jump again quickly, footwork and the best pair of hands I have ever seen. Bynum will be the hub of a dominating Laker run over the next few years.
Gasol allowed the Lakers to bounce back from the loss of Bynum and make this run.
But make no mistake, Kupchack, Jackson and Bryant had set this team up for sucess before that deal for Gasol.
Now the Lakers have to work hard and kick ass in game 5 and get ready for a tough, physical finals where they will miss Drew even more. Gasol has tried gamely, but he is not a playoff center.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | May 28, 2008 at 08:54 AM
refs let the players decide the game, not their whistles.
refs had a horrible night, but did the right thing when it mattered most.
the push off call on farmar in transition had me livid...bowen is a jackass.
the ticky tack fouls that put fisher and odom in early and often foul trouble...
much credit to popovich & the spurs players for not whining about a must win game in which they never led despite some very friendly refs...
my wife had to tell me to quit yelling at the tv, which i do plenty of during all laker games - and i usually yell at our players. last night most of my rude comments were directed at the refs.
anyhow, the lake show won the biggest game of the season.
now they just have to win the next one.
hopefully kobe & his crew sense the spurs blood in the water and finish them off thursday night.
it won't be easy, the spurs are too proud & too good to bow out without a fight.
c'mon lake show!!!
Posted by: tha show | May 28, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Off Topic.....
I saw the Autumn Sun shinning bright in our television screen, it is just so striking that could really hurt the eyes. I'm referring to the bright, ultra bright coat and tie of Craig Sager of TNT.
http://broadband.nba.com/cc/playa.php?
content=video&url=http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia
/nba/nbacom/tnt/courtside/nba_courtside_052708.
asx&rss=true&siteid=rss
Indeed, he is a fashion character that needs to be refined by Oscars' fashion critics.
Perhaps a good idea, why not match Craig with our own Vic the Brick when he wears his own Laker ponchos or weird hats rockin' and entertaining laker fans?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9DjQ4O3k8c
With their fashion taste, we bring back the memories of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 28, 2008 at 08:56 AM
If a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, it does not by definition make a sound.
If a troll makes a post and no one responds, the troll does not exist.
If a referee does not blow his whistle and call a foul, no violation has occurred.
We should not spend so much time on what does not exist.
On another note, congrats to AK/BK for handling 700+ posts on the game thread. Wow. Is that a record? You guys do a great job, nonsense not withstanding.
Lakers in five. I would not have thought this possible.
Mark
Posted by: MarkytheArky | May 28, 2008 at 08:58 AM
and one more note:
for the life of me: luke, sasha and vlad - quit trying to help on dribble penetration and stick to brent barry. you guys are below average defenders...quit trying to pretend that you can defend the dribble and STICK TO THE GUY WHO SIMPLY CATCHES AND SHOOTS!!!
the spurs have great spacing.
but phil jackson needs to make sure the lakers stick to barry like super glue.
HE IS THEIR ONLY OUTSIDE THREAT RIGHT NOW.
take him out of the equation and we win by 15 or 20 points on thursday night.
Posted by: tha show | May 28, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Edwin,
Nice post, but it is Chick Hearn
Kobesbaaaad (and he is)
Posted by: Kobesbad | May 28, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Good Morning Lakers Nation!
Just another great day to be a Lakers Fan.
^^^^^^^^Attention Pig and AzLakeran^^^^^^^
Can you imagine if we were playing the Suns and that non-call happened?
Rioting in the streets of Phoenix! National guard called out to restore order as fans would set the town ablaze. Looting, cars rolled over, mobs roaming the streets looking for Lakers fans to hang.
Just saying.....
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 28, 2008 at 09:11 AM
we are real spoiled getting to isten to Stu during the season. Listening to Hubbie/Tirico and Collins/Albert is so unsatisfying I have to put the TV on mute just to watch.
two most annoying habits:
They endlessly gush about their faves: Duncan, Ginobli, Bowen, Boozer, Walton et al...
They make absolutely no real time comments as to the validity of ANY ref call.
I can honestly say, listening to theircommentary I learn almost nothing about whats really going on...
They just say annoying things that end up with me screaming at the television.
Posted by: downtown atty | May 28, 2008 at 09:12 AM
QOUTE OF THE DAY:They took this loss with dignity because they know that we beat them, not that they lost. JON K.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 28, 2008 at 09:22 AM
If you're a Lakers fan, please refrain yourself from bashing our own players and players, this is a primordial rule. I don't care if they're having a bad game or what. If you bash our team and coaches, you're no Lakers fan, period!
Don't be a hater, we can state our views without classless comments about out rivals, let's keep a high standard and protocol by always using proper language.
If someone acts and writes as a troll, ignore it and do not respond to it, simple as that, who cares what a troll writes? They do it to get a response, so don't give them the satisfaction, go even further, do not even read their posts.
Enjoy our Lakers great run to the NBA championship as true Lakers fans with class and dignity, thank you!
Posted by: Lakers Thunder | May 28, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Tim-4-Show,
Thanks for the heads-up. I knew it was nearly impossible. That is just a reality that we have to face as a young team, even if the Celtics are paper tigers. The format favors the home team (as it should). However, some think it overly favors the home team specifically because of that stat.
But, then again, Boston has been dropping home games as of late.
We'll see.
--Fearless
F the Celtics
Posted by: Fearless | May 28, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I agree about TNT commentators, most notably Doug "BEYOTCH" Collins..he is always GLOATING and mancrushing over some player. He is a STR8T up BEYOTCH when it comes to that.. I def MUTE The games. Having been doing it the last couple months! I tend to listen more if Van Gundy and or Mark Jackson are calling the games..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 28, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Greetings Laker Nation good win last night. I belived we were going to win nba tv confirmed it when I got Home last night. It's a lot of post on the none call on D-Fish the Spurs got some none calls that was not call against them in game 3 and,Kobe hasn't been to the freetrow line thats the way the ball bounces some time in the post season. after all is said the lakers still won the game that is not going change I'm excited about Thursday game it will be a dog fight with the our lakers closing it out,SA is'nt going to roll over,and give us the victory. They are a classy org,and they are not going away easily enjoy the game.
Posted by: LakerFan | May 28, 2008 at 10:16 AM
mamba,
How can I not be on the Derek Fisher for life bandwagon? I would like to be added. But we also need a Lakers for Life bandwagon for Lamar Odom, Sasha Vujacic, and Ronny Turiaf. And Kobe and Drew. Hell, how about a Lakers for Life Bandwagon for this entire team? That might solve the problem. Love the 4:52 a.m post. Way to go, Larry.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 28, 2008 at 10:33 AM
ASTERISK SEASON FOR LAKERS
The league now says it was a foul and should have been called. Oh, who was the closest ref to the play? You got it! Crawford. You mean the guy who lost his job over a call he made against the spurs. You mean the one ref who shouldn’t have been anywhere near that game due to his conflict of interest. You mean the ref who just weeks ago got in Pop’s face and stuck his finger in Pop’s chest and called a T when Pop was actually right we find out later. What a frecking joke! Enjoy your ASTERISK win and possible ASTERISK Championship.
Posted by: fjk | May 29, 2008 at 07:59 AM