I have a distinct feeling the Lakers will be cold tonight
Not necessarily in their play, but literally cold. While at whatever the hell Boston's arena is called (and you thought "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" doesn't roll off the ol' tongue), an observation immediately hit me upon entering the gym. This place is freakin' freezing! Fuh-reezing! I mean, like "Hockey is being played here" cold. "Nanook of the North" cold. Dick Cheney cold. I was expecting David Letterman to come out and crack jokes or Carbone's frozen body to get wheeled out over the coda from "Layla." ("Goodfellas" fans will get the reference). The building is that ridiculously frigid. Luke Walton agreed the place could use an amped thermostat, but as he reminded me, it'll get pretty hot once the action on the court kicks off.
He's played there many times, so I'll take his word for it, but forgive me if I still bring a jacket.
As for the game itself, a lot has been made of Kendrick Perkins' uncertain status, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce being dinged up and the fatigue Boston's facing have played 25 games. Could the Lakers having played five fewer contests, plus their seemingly better health evolve into an L.A. advantage, both tonight and if a seventh game is forced? "We'll see," mused Pau Gasol. "We are holding up a little bit better, probably. We'll see if that plays a factor." Gasol definitely benefited from Perkins' absence on Sunday, but downplayed the notion that #43's presence is make or break for the Spaniard or his team.
"It's not like he's had a huge impact in this series, the Finals, like he probably had in other series. But he plays physical. You're going to feel that down the stretch, because he was able to wear you down a little bit. But that's about it. It's hard to tell how players will affect the game because they're not really playing at the time." Similarly, Walton doesn't see Boston's health as an ace up L.A.'s sleeve, period. For starters, the Lakers have some banged-up guys as well, if perhaps not as badly. Plus, there are only two games possibly left and we're back in Beantown, meaning a crowd that's gonna go berserk and build the green's adrenaline to the point where pain may not register.
Thus, the formula for a Lakers win probably means doing it the old-fashioned way. Outplaying an opponent.
Also, some readers have wondered whether tonight's game could be the one where Kobe plays 48 minutes, since purple and gold backs are against the wall and Ray Allen and Pierce have each done it once. Phil Jackson isn't ruling out the idea, but doesn't appear all that keen on it, either. "Not that he can't do it physically. If his influence is terrific on the floor, that's fine. But every time he's in the game, it cocks their defense. And sometimes it's better to have him off the floor, because the presence changes and now they don't know where their defense is going to be directed."
Assuming I haven't already contracted pneumonia and put a hospital stay on tonight's agenda, I'll see everyone at the game.
AUDIO
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_6.17.08 shootaround.mp3
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_6.17.08 shootaround.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_6.17.08 shootaround.mp3
AK
You think you’ve got the BLACK MAMBA contained? You think you have him in you’re little leprocon jar with your pot-o-gold at the end of the rainbow. THIS REASSURES YOU?
I DON”T THINK SO.
The MAMBA IS STILL OUT THERE.
He’s roaming. Watching. Waiting . . . Piercing AND THEN HE STRIKES. IT ALREADY happened Boston the venum’s in your veins. You’re already dead and you don’t even know it yet.
THEY”RE AIN”T NO ANTI-VENUM.
LAKERS VICTORY OR DIE TRYING.
Posted by: Laker Justice | June 17, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I believe in order for the Lakers to prevail, they must stick to what got them here in the first place. RUN MORE! I know that this is a hard feat to do against a vaunted Celtics defense, but look at what the Hawks did to them in the first round. I think getting mired in pick n' roll and semi-triangle offenses is only playing into the hands of Thobideous (sp?) defensive scheme, but with our running game, we will be able to score some easier buckets. The c's do play good transition D, but we should look more to push the ball upcourt faster. Of course, we also must hold court on our own defensive end. I hope our team understands what it takes and goes out there and lets it all out on the court.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Chris H. | June 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
as he often does, phil has a unique point of view on kobe's floor presence (that his absence is occasionally good).
no matter what happens tonight, i hope that everyone can remember that this team has overachieved in 2007-08.
look for the celtics to play tight under pressure. look for DFish to have the game we've been waiting for.
most of all, look for game 7!
Posted by: East Nyboer | June 17, 2008 at 12:38 PM
GO LAKERS!
You Earned Game 6!
Now Claim it.
KOBE!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 17, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Really strange bedfellow, a Celtic wants to be a Laker next year.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9093
Well, he earns $3.4M, why not? a good exchange of the blog's sacrificial lamb who can't shoot straight
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 17, 2008 at 12:40 PM
People in cold climates live longer.
So the temperature is obviously a good sign for the life of the Lakers season. Also, make sure that the Lakers eat a lot of fish.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 17, 2008 at 12:43 PM
It's sooo hot here in LA, AK!
I think Pau will continue his good gamin' action, which is a big help for the Lakers.
Posted by: ajax | June 17, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Welcome to Boston AK!!! Just last week we had 100+ weather and ridiculous humidity and today, we're all wearing jackets. What can I say...New England weather at its best. Also, that place has had so many names that people just call it the gahhhden...I hate it no matter what you call it.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 17, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Jessie,
Here's the thing, though. The Boston weather is actually warm right now. It's literally the building itself. It feels more like an air conditioning manufacturer's convention than an NBA game waiting to happen.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM
They're screwing with us. Just like Red Auerbach going and turning up the heat in the Lakers locker rooms. Fricken dirty Celtics.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM
What really ticks me off is how when the Lakers play bad Boston gets all the praise but when Boston played bad it was their own fault. Screw that. Screw Bill Simmons and screw every leperchaun in Boston. Lakers have been playing bad on their own, not because the Celts are the best thing since sliced bread. Sure Kg chocked (BIG TIME) by missing those free throws. But why can't the Lakers D get any credit for shutting him down (even though we didn't do a great job on Pierce)? Sorry for the rant but I'm sick of the east coast bias and all the BS. Lakers gonna show the world whats up.
WEST UP!!!!!
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Hey all! Not much opportunity to post today, but have a quick minute so here goes:
Lakers will win today. I have no doubt in my mind. I have the feeling - I can smell it - it's already done.
Mamba24 - a roll call for the ages - thanks!
I'm sick & tired of hearing how the C's have contained Kobe. AS IF! Kobe's shots haven't been consistently falling, but he's getting all the looks he wants. They will fall tonight. The only way to contain Kobe is to mug him every time he touches the ball - wait a second.......they ARE doing that & he's still playing great! Oh well - nevermind....Anyhoo - unleash the BLACK MAMBA!
I love the positive vibe on this blog. It's the only place where intelligent fans discuss the game and are realistic. We have some who are constantly screaming for trades & firings when things don't go our way, but all in all it's a joy to come here & be part of this blogmunity and get my Laker fix every day! Thanks to you all.
Now - TAKE YOUR PANTS OFF and GET THIS DONE!!!!!!!
2 to O'Brien...........
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 17, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I hope this is just a matter of coincidence...
http://www.nbastuffer.com/Eddie_F._Rush_s_Interesting_Stat.html
Posted by: SamBSLC | June 17, 2008 at 12:55 PM
AK,
I'm sure they do that to keep the air fresh once all the stinkin' drunk Irish fans show up. Enjoy the game tonight! Wish I could've scored tix for tonight's game...would've loved to come by and say hi.
Enjoy the rest of the week here, I expect you'll be here 'till Friday morning.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 17, 2008 at 12:58 PM
TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT!!!
Getting a win tonight would be the biggest win for the Lakers in 36 years. I see the positives as: that there are only 2 more games, the Lakers really haven't played a good game yet this series and they're due, and Kobe hasn't "gone off" yet.
Posted by: THE original Ken | June 17, 2008 at 12:59 PM
im from new england also (mass. actually) and i agree the weather suuucks. as do the boston celtics. come the fall ill be living in california, fingers crossed, in the home of the world champs. cannot wait for tonight.
Posted by: Kelly | June 17, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Hey good afternoon everybody. Heres a couple links that will entertain you. It's from Elie Seckbach, and if you're not familiar, you must check these out. Got some good Sasha and Lakers stuff from the finals.
AK/BK, why dont you guys ever link him? He probably gives little in terms of of X and Os but is off the charts in terms of entertainment. Why are you guys such haters? And dont say hes not worth linking, because you guys link TJ Simers who all he does is hate on the Lakers for no reason (i know you saw him badger Odom on the podium) and his article are useless. And you guys link Hollinger who is a waste of time too.
Sasha and being "The Machine"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7B8ek01BJlE
Vic the Brick
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-lAs1EfiZJQ
Best part is when he asks VTB "If the Lakers lose, are you going to kill yourself?"
Paul Pierce getting heckled by some LA fans while sitting in a car, looking mad (great stuff) plus "how much would you pay for a ticket" some Ira Newble and Ariza interview
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NZ04rFf5HQM
Posted by: The Lake Show | June 17, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Hey Laker Nation!
Let's rock 'n' roll our way to a Game 7.
Let's push and shove our way to a win.
Shooters shoot with freedom, it's all or nothing...so go for it all.
Machine get fired up (but not too fired up)
MVP play like one and your dream is reality.
Gasol make your countrymen proud.
Those blunts will hit harder if your a champ Lamar.
Cut to the hole J-Farm.
Win it for the Fishers because they are inseparable, even on the court.
Phil beat Red, please.
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | June 17, 2008 at 01:12 PM
By the way, the ref crew for tonight is Joey Crawford, Bennett Salvatore, and Eddie F Rush...
Posted by: SamBSLC | June 17, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Need to show some heart and hit some open 3's. Yes I am talking to you Sasha!
Posted by: Don W. | June 17, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Will it be 5 on 8
or a legitimate 5 on 5?
I hope the Refs won't help out the Celtics
like they did in Games 1 & 2
Posted by: coolhair | June 17, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I Believe!
Posted by: lakersmr | June 17, 2008 at 01:22 PM
This has been a wonderful year of Laker Basketball.....so let's not let it end tonight!
LET'S GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: #4 | June 17, 2008 at 01:37 PM
So, now Artest is considering to opt out and sign
with either the Lakers or the Spurs...
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9099
Dude, come to LA.
Where you'll be able to play with your buds Kobe and Lo.
Plus, the coach that even Dennis Rodman respected
and had found his inner peace with.
Then, the Lakers either choose to use LO as 6th man (like Kukoc)
or put him at the point (Kobe brings up the ball anyway)
Odom (or Fisher)
Kobe
Artest
Gasol
Bynum
Dang.. I can smell the 73-9 season!
Posted by: coolhair | June 17, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Ahahahahaa! WHAT is the NBA up to? After all the scandals they send out THIS??? crew for tonights game?
The referees for Game 6 will be Eddie F. Rush, Bennett Salvatore, and Joey Crawford.
http://www.nbastuffer.com/referee_stats
Stat:
"Technicals called per game"
Joe Crawford - 14 games - 2.1/game
Bennett Salvatore - 12 games - 2.0/game
Eddie Rush - 10 games - 2.0/game
-----------------
Look at "fouls/game"
Joe Crawford is at 51.4, with 52.2% of those calls AGAINST the road team.
Who's next on the list? Why... Eddie Rush!
-------------------------
hey, uh... I wonder who the TOP TWO refs are for % of calls AGAINST the road team?
Eddie Rush (54.1%)
Bennett Salvatore (53.8%)
========================
the Lakers have their work cut out for them tonight...
Posted by: TaosHum | June 17, 2008 at 01:41 PM
coolhair: I see your frustration, but forget the refs. they ALWAYS resolve the benefit of the doubt in favor of the home team, regardless. The visitor counters this by taking the game to the homeboys.
Laker fans should not blame the refs if they fail tonight. They cost themselves at every point in this series. If everyone hits their pre-Finals averages tonight, the Lakers win. If not, they'll be lucky to survive.
Keep the faith!
Posted by: Peace | June 17, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Everybody is pushing Lamar to a disaster. He will start pushing it , force it , but since Lamar has very little offensive skills he will commit a few silly offensive fouls , just like he always does. I like Lamar Odom as a person , at least from what I hear, he is a great human being , but I really question his skill level. He can't go to the right and although his shooting percentage is not bad at all , he seems to disappear in the most important moments.
We will see tonight. If he does not make an impact everybody expects from him , Lakers have to look around in the summer to find a better use for his giant expiring contract.
Posted by: novolakers | June 17, 2008 at 01:47 PM
So ... Hell did freeze over! Celtics are in trouble!!
Posted by: HmrHed | June 17, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Season Coming to an End
Whether we win today and Thursday or lose a game, the season will be over this week. I always hate that time of year between the end of basketball and the start of football. But it's an exciting time to follow the Lakers, and I'll be watching what they do this offseason. And come October I'm getting League Pass again for sure! I went without it a couple of years but next year it'll be a must have for me here in Houston so I can watch most of the Lakers games.
Even if they stand pat with Bynum back they're going to be something to see. I bet they will make a couple of small tweaks though to try to improve. I don't see any big trades like Artest or Arenas or anyone of that caliber coming. I hope Phil hangs around for a few more years and solidifies the team and finally gets his record for most titles, which is about all he doesn't have.
The pressure is on tonight isn't it? If the Lakers wanted a nice challenge to end the season I don't think they could have asked for more than this. They have to win 2 games in Boston to take the title.
Go for it guys.
Posted by: john_in_houston | June 17, 2008 at 01:54 PM
"What really ticks me off is how when the Lakers play bad Boston gets all the praise but when Boston played bad it was their own fault. Screw that. Screw Bill Simmons and screw every leperchaun in Boston. Lakers have been playing bad on their own, not because the Celts are the best thing since sliced bread. Sure Kg chocked (BIG TIME) by missing those free throws. But why can't the Lakers D get any credit for shutting him down (even though we didn't do a great job on Pierce)? Sorry for the rant but I'm sick of the east coast bias and all the BS. Lakers gonna show the world whats up."
(Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM )
mrbarneydangles,
Don't worry, brother, just 4 more hours before the start of judgement day for the greenies. Redemption is near!!!
Posted by: | June 17, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Artest
Hey there is a chance we could get Artest!? What a tough defender, that would change the whole character of our team. But it looks like San Antonio will snare him. They have a knack of getting the tough veterans who have had a great career but want to win a championship. Now we'll be able to do the same thing, since we're back to winning titles again!
Posted by: john_in_houston | June 17, 2008 at 02:01 PM
What's the deal with the Luke Walton audio? It sounds like there's a clown making balloon animals in the background.
Posted by: Matt H | June 17, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I don't think there will be another 5v8 game in this series. Too much was made of it and it was also very apparent. Just don't see it happening. I think it will be a fair game on the foul side of things unless the players start getting too chippy with each other (i.e. Sasha & RA/LO and JP).
All we want is a fair fight which is what I think we will get. The better team will prevail tonight and it WILL BE THE LAKERS!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 17, 2008 at 02:13 PM
coolhair,
Focus on the NOW, brother! We've got a Game Six tonight and a Championship to think about.
Unity tonight! Unity!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 17, 2008 at 02:27 PM
This is IT!!
Darn, did I miss game days service?? Forgive me Banner Holder for I have sinned!!!
I have had bad thoughts of going to the Celtics board to be a TROLL and rub it in their face when they LOSE TONIGHT!!!
Thank you for listening to my sins. I feel better......NOW LET'S ROCK THE GARDEN SO WE CAN HEAR THE LEAVES RUSTLE ON THE FLOOR!!!!!!!
LETS DEFLATE THIS TEAM!!!
MAMBA, TIME FOR A "Silence of the Garden" wagon!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 17, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Definitely use it on Game 7.
Why?
Because the NBA front office will take care of getting this to Game 7. They, of course, want an impartial game for Game 7, winner take all. So my luck ritual will be the difference. To me this answer is obvious!! Duh!
THIS WAS POSTED BY LONG LIVE CHICK.
WAY TO GO LONG LIVE CHICK. At least some of you Fakers fans are coming to grips with the truth. I'm so proud for LA. Eventually, we get there.
At his juncutre, I deem it necessary to demand some changes in the WWFNBA. How about we bring back the college refs like we did during the strike? The change in officiating was so obvious. It was noticed by fans, commentators, teams, etc..
It's been a little while since my last post and I've missed telling you all how full of crap you are. But don't worry, I'm back and look forward to your comments and posting more of my own. I may have missed some of your blogs, so if I missed someintg and didn't respond when you thought I would, please resend them. Your friend,
Posted by: Engineero | June 17, 2008 at 02:29 PM
BTW -
AK,
When the GARDEN is at it's most quiet, I expect to hear a shout out to the LAKERS BLOG!!!!!
The BEST GODD@MN BLOG IN PRO SPORTS!!!!
oops......just sinned again...
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 17, 2008 at 02:29 PM
janaya,
At least you misspelled Godd. All good sinner and a winner.
Go Lakers
Posted by: Charles | June 17, 2008 at 02:32 PM
The Blog is UNITED and has spoken (and prayed and called out)
The team has one thought - WIN
Our time, our team, our season!
WE BELIEVE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 17, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I dunno you guys... I'm glad some here believe the league wants a game 7 but that officiating crew they just rolled out screams, TOUCH FOUL CITY, with a large % of those calls going against us, certainly early on in the game...
That implies that either Fisher or Lamar or both will be in foul trouble in the first quarter. Radmanovic will be in foul trouble regardless... if the refs take Kobe or Gasol out of the game... we're screwed...
Posted by: TaosHum | June 17, 2008 at 02:37 PM
-Laker fans in Sacto-
http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1018538.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | June 17, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Hm..... Normally a stadium full of people generates alot of heat that you have to compensate for.
Looks like someone dialed the AC up too early...
Posted by: OT | June 17, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Janaya,
MAMBA, TIME FOR A "Silence of the Garden" wagon!!
Genius!!! I love it. Very nice work podna.
I'm afraid that the Mamba may have already started his pregame rituals. It is VERY dangerous to interrupt him once he has started them.
With that said, I am on board your wagon dawg. Very nicely done indeed. Mamba please forgive me if I screw this up buddy...
Silence the Garden Bandwagon
_____________________________________*
(01) Janaya- Owner
(02) MAMBA24 –Driver
(03) Magicman – Hey Boston, you know chata right?
Chata @%&! up!!
Again Mamba, forgive me for treading in your garage. But this one was really really good.
Posted by: magicman | June 17, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Pajaro,
Too much fin on the blog today?
Posted by: Charles | June 17, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I think Chick Hearn is going to able to distract Red Auberbach up there tonight, so that Red won't be able to pull off his shenanigans.
Here's what the Lakers need a healthy does of, that they were doing against Spurs:
In the key weak-side screen for Kobe, throw it in
Kobe. He catches it 12 feet from the basket. Catch
and react. The effect is devastating.
16...15...14...13...12...11...10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | June 17, 2008 at 02:45 PM
RUMORS: ARTEST CONSIDERING OPT-OUT?
by Eric Pincus for HoopsWorld
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=9099
If Ron Artest opts out and is willing to sign with a contender for the full MLE, the Lakers should be the first team in line to sign him, 5 years for $31M. To get Artest for the same price as Luke would be unbelievable.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 17, 2008 at 02:48 PM
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of vitriol that people are willing to spit out from behind a keyboard. You're a nerd in real life, so you use your computer to flex your intellectual muscle at all of the other fans out there. All you really end up doing is sounding like someone with problems.
How bored are you trolls?
"Listen to me! I'm important! The things I say matter! Pay attention to me!! I'm right and you're wrong!! My Opinions are more important than yours!"
My three year old niece does that too. Except for the opinions part, which is actually the most annoying part about you idiot trolls.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | June 17, 2008 at 02:48 PM
2008 is the year of NEVER BEFORE.
From politics to sports, IT IS inevitable.
A 3-1 Laker's championship comeback will be just another link in that chain.
Stay close, stay poised, it will happen. GO LAKERS
Posted by: Vman | June 17, 2008 at 02:51 PM
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Black mambas are shy and will almost always seek to escape when confronted. However, when cornered, these snakes will raise their heads, sometimes with a third of their body off the ground, spread their cobra-like neck-flap, open their black mouths and hiss. If an attacker persists, the mamba will strike not once, but repeatedly, injecting large amounts of potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike.
from the National Geographic web site
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | June 17, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Kobe says...
"we shot like crap[ola] the last time around"
Tonight will be different. Hopefully Vlad in particular had a good shoot around.
Go Lakers! Have faith!
Posted by: Faith | June 17, 2008 at 03:02 PM