If you must lose, I guess it's best to lose in a total team effort
Which is fortunate, since that's exactly what the Lakers did during a 131-92 Finals ending bloodbath at the hands of the Celtics. A complete and utter collapse was witnessed as the Celtics took home the gold for a 17th time. From top to bottom, from Kobe Bryant to Trevor Ariza (who logged the least amount of court time at just over nine minutes), every Laker who stepped on the court played a sizable role in not getting the job done. "We got our ass kicked together," said Lamar Odom in both succinct and accurate fashion. What began as a reasonably competitive (if not always competent) 24-20 first quarter deficit spiraled way out of control in no time flat. Down 23 at the half thanks to a brutally stagnant offense (3-13 in the second quarter) with five turnovers to compliment the first quarter's sextet. Four second frame rebounds, rounding out a 26-14 first half discrepancy not favorable towards the Lakers.
From there, it stayed exactly the same, whether you're talking about
carelessness with the ball (the night ended with 19, which explains
both Boston's eighteen steals and their 32 points purely off
turnovers), continuing to get pounded on the boards (48-29, with a
pitiful pair of the offensive variety), shaky defense (50% allowed from
behind the arc) and the plethora of ill-advised shots. By the time the
game was officially over (it was figuratively over before the starting
lineups were announced), the box score revealed
a night the Lakers would just as soon forget, even if that's basically
impossible. "As a team tonight, we didn't execute or play team defense
like they did," admitted Odom. "Scrap it out like they did.
Therefore, we got beat... up."
Or, as Derek Fisher put it, "Tonight's game speaks for itself."
I'm going to spare us all the traditional "good/bad" breakdown, as the former would include way too little and the latter would include waaaaaaaaayyyy too much. Instead, I just wanted to share what people said and felt afterward. It took a while to wiggle my way through the maze of reporters, and by the time I got to the Laker locker room, a lot of guys were already gone. But those still around were obviously bummed by the outcome. "We lost that game and it's even more painful thinking about it right now," lamented Sasha Vujacic. "It's going to be painful tonight and the day after and the day after." Odom noted how there are no trophies for second place, a finish Kobe reminded us is the first loser. When asked if he felt "hurt, anger, disappointment or disbelief," Fisher couldn't narrow the emotion down to just one adjective and opted for all of the above.
But at the same time, the room wasn't quite as melancholy as I expected. Now don't get me wrong. Folks weren't taking this lightly by any stretch, nor do I expect that bus ride back to the team hotel to resemble anything along the lines of a laugh riot. But a fair amount of optimism was mixed into the sadness, as this team remains fully aware of what they've done (without Andrew Bynum to boot) and are capable of doing. Even taking into account how difficult it is to remain cognizant of 2008's good at this exact moment, Vujacic hasn't lost sight of it. "To be completely honest with you, I think we achieved a lot. We did a lot throughout the season. We knocked out the champions of the NBA." No argument from Pau Gasol, who sees a Finals repeat, only improved upon, as a real possibility. "We know how great of a team e have and how big of a potential we have. We definitely believe that we can get here again and do better." Even arguably the most competitive man on the planet acknowledged the positive nature of the proverbial "journey," even when coming up short. "I'm proud," said Bryant. I'm proud of the way we performed all year. I'm proud of my guys. We did a good job."
The Lakers have every right to feel ashamed of how they played tonight (and perhaps during the series as a whole), but they have nothing to be ashamed about over the season. All sunshine and "happy, happy, joy, joy" sentiments aside, think about how this season began. Kobe demanding his ticket out of Dodge. Uncertainty as to whether he'd show up at camp. Trade rumors. A team on eggshells to begin the season. A 7-6 start to the season. Kwame Brown at center. And now look where we're at.
Andrew Bynum, the same youngster Kobe wished would transform into Jason Kidd, blossoming into one of the best big men in the game (much less of his age group). Pau Gasol picking up where Kwame left off (and I think we can all agree, doing a considerably better job of it). Lamar Odom finally able to do what he does best (a little bit of everything that doesn't include being a designated #2 scorer). A bench featuring guys like Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf (both free agents who said they want to return), Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza, all of whom let their crucial inexperience show during this series but help round out a promising core. A rotation that, save Derek Fisher, includes nobody currently over 30. And Kobe Bryant, playing not only the best ball of his career, but finally becoming a leader by more than just terse example. All of this is hardly a substitute for an O'Brien, but it's nice to know the window to snag one has hardly been shut.
The immediate future (as in "the next several days spent thinking about getting smacked around like a rag doll in Boston") will obviously feel none too good. Nor should it. But when that sting eventually subsides, there's a lot to be pleased about with these Lakers. Try to remember that during this very dark hour (and believe me, I'm as unhappy as the next cat).
AUDIO
- Phil Jackson: Download phil_jackson_game_6_postgame.mp3
- Lamar Odom: Download lamar_odom_postgame_game_6.mp3
- Ronny Turiaf: Download ronny_turiaf_game_6_postgame.mp3
- Pau Gasol: Download pau_gasol_game_6_postgame.mp3
- Sasha Vujacic: Download sasha_vujacic_game_6_postgame.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_game_6_postgame.mp3
- Kobe Bryant: Download kobe_bryant_game_6_postgame.mp3
AK
Interesting take. Thank you for sparing us the negative.
On first glance the title seemed hurtful and sarcastic, but the thread is Lakerville worthy.
Thank you first of all for the great season, you guys were just as much a part of what made it great...also a part of what made it frustrating lol, jk.
Troll aside. Lots of things to be thankful for. We had a fairytale season that just didn't end in happily ever after...rather it ended in "to be continued." I'll take that.
But we mustn't overlook the work we need to do. We need defense. We need guys willing to lay their lives on the line, unwilling to take anything but respect. We need toughness, we need...did I mention Defense?
GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 17, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Doc River totally outcoached Phil Jackson.
Three years ago, Phil Jackson didn't know how to defend a Pick-N-Roll. Three years later, he still does not have any clue.
You please teach him one thing or two about how to defend it. He may want to share some of his 12mil a year's money with you.
Posted by: Terry Smith | June 17, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I am right.
You are wrong.
The Lakers will never win anything if Bryant is the primary option.
Once again, this series shows why.
Bryant can be easily taken out of the game.
If his jumpshot is on as it was against the Spurs, the Lakers have a shot at winning. If it’s not, then he’s relegated to being a glorified version of George Gershwin.
Bryant has cemented his legacy as being a prolific scorer whom chokes on the biggest stage.
This is disheartening for Lakers fans who wanted Bryant to be the “Air” apparent.
Sorry to break to you Kobe zealots. The facts speak for itself.
I’m not fabricating these stats. These are actual stats that’s based on the Kobe’s takes and misses.
Pacers - 15.6 Pts, 36 FG %
76ers - 24.6 Pts, 42 FG %
Nets - 26.8 Pts, 51 FG %
Pistons - 22.6 Pts, 37 FG %
Celtics - 26.4 Pts, 42 FG %
There is a reason why the stats are the way they are.
He has a very very low basketball IQ.
I thought Bryant was unstoppable. Guess not.
I thought Bryant said he can “Turn it on” or “Score” on anyone. Guess not.
Bryant, at this point, is all talk.
Bark’s a lot but won’t bite.
My plea to Dr. Buss? Please do not pay Bryant the max. Trade him.
Look how a simple defensive scheme can turn him into the volume jump shooter that he is?
It’s not even the defensive scheme.
If you paid close attention, Bryant can’t even get by the primary defender, either Allen or Posey.
Bryant is a loser. No if’s or but’s.
The results speaks for itself. Not satisfied, here it is again:
Pacers - 15.6 Pts, 36 FG %
76ers - 24.6 Pts, 42 FG %
Nets - 26.8 Pts, 51 FG %
Pistons - 22.6 Pts, 37 FG %
Celtics - 26.4 Pts, 42 FG %
Bryant’s a choke artist.
Denial is soothing.
But remember one thing, the truth is etched in those stats.
With actual statistical data to support Bryant’s role as a choke artist, your arguments for the contrary would only be mindless dribble.
Pacers - 15.6 Pts, 36 FG %
76ers - 24.6 Pts, 42 FG %
Nets - 26.8 Pts, 51 FG %
Pistons - 22.6 Pts, 37 FG %
Celtics - 26.4 Pts, 42 FG %
-Jeffs Aho
Posted by: Jeffs Aho | June 17, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Guys,
It's been an honor and a privilege blogging with all of you. It was one hellava season that I won't forget and I look forward to the future. This loss was the perfect ending to a Hollywood drama that began so long ago. It was quite a run that we made. So close to the finish line but only to taste the bitterness of defeat.
For the past 6 years, I've been waiting for that dream to come true and I'll continue to wait all the way to the end.
-Never
Posted by: never | June 17, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Who's your Daddy?
Posted by: Boston Matt | June 17, 2008 at 11:32 PM
I TOLD YOU SO!
What is it that people don’t understand about the philosophy that DEFENSE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS! Pau Gasol? LOL! Are you kidding me? I said it on the day the Lakers traded Kwame Brown for Gasol that in the end the Celtics were going to beat the Lakers and it wouldn’t even be close.
Boston played defensive philosophy basketball all year long. The Lakers played offensive basketball all year long. The nerve of Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and the Buss family trying to sell that style of basketball as though it was going to win a championship. That’s just an insult to anyone’s basketball intelligence.
Then you have all these experts predicting that the Lakers were going to win in 5 or 6 games. What a joke! But these experts all have one thing in common. They’re paid to sell the game. All that offense they said the Lakers were so good with…well, all those points were against teams that played little defense or were soft in the middle.
How good was the Celtics defense? They came from 24 points down in Los Angeles and beat the Lakers. They came from 19 points down and almost ended it in Los Angeles. Then in game 6 they played defense for 4 solid quarters and beat the Lakers down by 39 points. Think about it! To spot the Lakers 24 points in one game and then win that game by 6 points? That’s 30 points in 3 quarters. That‘s the same thing as this 39 point loss. That’s how weak the Lakers offense is against a defensive team. Take away the Lakers offense and all they have left is their defense. And you saw all those lay-ups. Weeeeeeeeaaaaaak soft middle.
As for Andrew Bynum making a difference? They Celtics killed the Lakers with Bynum in the middle, too. Plus the fans are counting on Bynum being ready next season? I don’t think so! The Lakers gambled that Bynum would be out 4-8 weeks when he first got injured. Then it was…well, he’ll be ready for the playoffs. Now it’s he’ll be ready at the start of next season. Hate to say it but Bynum’s immediate future is all about micro-facture surgery. I bet Bynum will be out all next year. I bet the Lakers will say that he’s on schedule for the start of training camp. Then it’ll be when the regular season starts. Then all of a sudden the Lakers will announce that Bynum is going to have micro-facture surgery. Mark my words on this one.
As for my boy Kwame Brown. If he signs with Utah, San Antonio or Phoenix the Lakers won’t get out of the Western Conference. With Kwame Brown in the middle the Utah Jazz will beat the Lakers. All he has to do is push Gasol out of the paint. Or all Kwame Brown has to do is push Bynum out of the paint. Put Kwame in San Antonio and now you have a defensive specialist teamed with Tim Duncan? Those two would shut the paint down and Bruce Bowen would keep Kobe on the outside. Put Kwame in Phoenix to spell Amare or Shaq. The Suns would kill the Lakers. The Suns are going defense next season. That’s why they got rid of Mike D’Antoni. Kwame Brown would be a fool to resign with the Lakers.
All any team has to do to beat the Lakers is push Gasol or Bynum around in the middle. That’s what Boston did when they beat the Lakers in the regular season. What is going to change that? The Lakers don’t play defensive philosophy basketball. They’re all about offense. Watch when the Lakers don’t get out of the Western Conference next season…Kobe Bryant is going to walk and I say good riddance.
mike t.
p.s. The Lakers lost because the Celtics literally pushed them around and there was nothing the Lakers could do about it. In the end it's about physicality! Where was Turiaf? The energy guy! Being pushed around because his energy means nothing against physical teams.
As long as the Buss family owns this team they will be soft because they want Hollywood basketball. I just can't believe how foolish they were to trade one of the strongest players in the league for one of the weakest.
Did you people see Gasol get floored by P.J. Brown on a screen and Paul Pierce took it in for a lay-up a couple of games ago. I knew right there it was over. Gee they just manhandled the Lakers.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 17, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Thank you Lakers for a great year!
Phil you have some work to do. He gets 1 more year to win it or time to get some new blood Dr. Buss.
Dr. Buss we need some players who are mentally tough and some muscle.
To many weaknesses on this team..Odom, Luke, Rad have to go. That is 3 small forwards, how about we get 1 good one??? And the PG position must improve or Lakers will fall short again.
What an unbelievable year from Kobe fiasco to Bynum injury to Gasol trade...again THANK YOU!!
I NEVER EXPECTED THIS TURNAROUND FROM THE SMUSH AND KWAME DAYS!!!
BD
Posted by: BD | June 17, 2008 at 11:36 PM
I am embarrassed to be a Laker fan right now. I understand we are putting things in perspective and that this season was more than we could have imagined, BUT...
There is no way to excuse a team that plays in the FINALS and plays with no heart losing by 39. NO EXCUSE.
If you can't lay it out there and fight in the FINALS, then when are you? We have a team with an extraordinary amount of talent and skill, but lack miserably in heart, aggression and toughness. All I wanted was a fight... a win would have been fantastic, but at the very least, a fight.
Lakers failed to do so.
Old Laker players like Rick Fox didn't have all the talent, but he played tough... and man could we have used players like that now...
The one thing the Lakers should learn from this- is that toughness never quits, but talent obviously can.
Posted by: Letsbereal | June 17, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Welcome back Mike T. =)
Posted by: curious | June 17, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Even having P. Gasol gifted for a bag of rocks wasn't enough. Old 44 needs to do more for the Ls next year.
Posted by: James H. | June 17, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Even having P. Gasol gifted for a bag of rocks wasn't enough. Old 44 needs to do more for the Ls next year.
Posted by: James H. | June 17, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Wow that was truly disappointing. As a Laker fan I expected a better effort than the stinker they put out there. Where was the pride? Where was the heart? Did our boys simply forget how to play basketball? That's what it looked like to me.
Simply put, this young Laker team isn't ready to take that final step and the Celtics wanted it much, much more than they did. What bothered me was how classless the Celtics were in displaying their arrogance with the game well in hand. They still had Garnett, Pierce & Allen pouring it on and screaming like bitches who finally got to taste some dick. The Lakers let them push them around that way and that disappoints me to no end that they didn't shove back.
With that being said, I think the boys will be back with a stronger resolve next year and win it all. The Celtics are a good team that was built to win it now and the Lakers are the team to beat in the next couple of years that could win multiple titles. I doubt that the Celtics can repeat. Just too damn emotional. They still get my congratulations.
Go Lakers. Next year.
Posted by: Adamax | June 17, 2008 at 11:42 PM
AK,BK,
I want to personally thank you guys for establishing this blog. Misery loves company and I'm thankful to find solace amidst these rough times.
I wasn't able to watch the whole game but I was listening on the radio. When I got home around the middle of the fourth quarter, I already knew the game was over. Yet, I still watched it until the final buzzer. I wasn't angry, I wasn't shouting, I wasn't crying, I was just gazing. It was the most empty feeling I've ever felt in my life.
Posted by: never | June 17, 2008 at 11:44 PM
We need to get rid of Odom some way or the other. He just is not the sort of person who would win a title. I cannot see the Lakers winning a title with Odom in the team.
Posted by: | June 17, 2008 at 11:48 PM
MIke T,
I usually don't agree with what you say. I believe in defense as much as you do...but without offense defense is null. The Buss' built showtime offensive and defensive basketball. We lost not because of physicality, but because of experience. Because we didn't utilized the defensive personnel we have.And yes, because we were missing Bynum's shot blocking.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 17, 2008 at 11:49 PM
MikeT,
You are one pathectic human being. Get out of jail and now you need attention? Get help and stay away from the blog, idiot. You and your Kwame love affair is sick.
Posted by: lowlifemike | June 17, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Aloha Everyone
While I am extremely dissapointed by this game, I am really excited by our long range potential. A team this young getting this far is truely amazing. And while we got blown out tonight the 1st 5 games all came down to the last couple of minutes which bodes well for the future.
I really dont see us making any major moves over the off season. I think the SF position is the one spot that needs to be examined along with a back up banger. I am not sure that Lamar is the right guy for the 3. His outside shot is inconsistant and with Pau and Andrew inside, we need to spread the floor to give them as well as Kobe room to operate. But we also have to decide on back ups at that spot as well. Because besides Lamar, we have Trevor, Luke, Vlade and Kobe also plays minutes there. That really gives us an unbalanced roster. I would suspect that at least one of those guys gets traded.
I really cant see us trading Lamar however. He will be owed 14 million next year, which means that we have to take quite a bit in salary back. With Andrew able to sign an extention this summer that leaves us with 3 big contracts after Lamars is up. I am not sure Dr. Buss would want a 4th. I have read several bloggers calling for Ron Artest. Not sure he would fit in. Great defensive player but he also gets benched for shooting his team out of games. Kobe just maybe our best option at the 3. If Sasha improves a little more he could possibly slide into the 2 spot. Reguardless, we are pretty close now, it wont take much more then a little more experience to push us over the top.
MH
Posted by: michael h | June 17, 2008 at 11:56 PM
LIke I said...we aren't finished There is work to be done.
"Q. A little bit more about the future of the team. If Bynum does come back, does that give you hope this team can get back here next year and win The Finals, or does this team need a shake‑up during the off‑season?
KOBE BRYANT: No, we’re fine. I think what we have to do is continue to work, and that’s really the key is understanding that this isn’t guaranteed to anybody. There’s people who have gotten here before and never gotten back, so it’s important for us to understand that, to work hard and come back next year ready to go."
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 17, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Mike T:
I agree with you about the finals. I had same prediction. But your Nostradamus comments about Bynum's injury is way over the top, as if you are more qualified to judge than the knee specialist who performed the surgery on Bynum's knee. That's where you loose your creditbility.
BTW, I think that Lakers should not count on Bynum's return to solve their "soft" problem. With their current roster plus Bynum, I am not sure they will beat Blazers next year, if they meet in playoffs. Urgently, they need a tough small forward who can both replace Pau Gasol as the NO. 2 scoring role of the team and defend the likes of Paul Pirece and Lebron James. (Kobe is not a great defender on these two players.) Perfect suggestion, Ron Artest.
Posted by: nicksi | June 17, 2008 at 11:58 PM
"Simply put, this young Laker team isn't ready to take that final step and the Celtics wanted it much, much more than they did."
This isn't about being young. This is about being weak! No amount of experience would have stopped the Celtics from pushing Gasol out of the paint. Even Big Baby Glen Davis made Gasol work for his shot. Gasol socred over him because Davis was so short. When they put in Perkins Gasol had to work for position but couldn't score because Perkins was tall enough to bother his shot after making Gasol work for position.
The Lakers won a lot of games this season because only a few teams actually play defense. All those games you saw the Lakers win were based on poor defensive play by weak team. Watch...Uath, San Antonio and Phoenix are going to reload and they will beat the Lakers with or without Bynum. All Kwame Brown has to do is screen Bynum out and Boozer has the lane to himself if Kwame were to sign with Uath.
If Kwame were to sign with Phoenix all he has to do is screen Bynum out and Amare will have the lane to do what he does best...control the offensive lane.
And If Kwame signs with the Spurs all he has to do is push Bynum out of the paint and Tim Duncan will add years to his career.
The Lakers are toast for the next several years.
Kobe's only chance to be compared with MJ has come and gone. What a fool!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 17, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Wow Mike T is back? who knew but dude, chill out. If you are bashing the Lakers, why did you come back? Tell you what, given a chance that Lakers and Celtics come back next year to play in the finals, it's Lakers all the way if all players are healthy. I told my friends weeks ago that if both teams go to the finals, Lakers will lose without Bynum but i was hoping they can pull through. Obviously they did not. You are such a hater, if you are a Laker fan, support the team like i did when Kwame was here. Heck i am willig to take him back for a cheaper price! LOL Hey Faith, i've been a Laker fan since i was a little girl! Now i am a grown woman and a professional nurse. I bleed purple and gold all the way! Don't cry! they will be back next year! Peace out True Laker Fans out there!
Posted by: hyns | June 17, 2008 at 11:59 PM
I must say - I am shocked ! Stunned. What happened Kobe? I mean really? What is going on? I expect a major move again this offseason for the Lakers. Danny Ainge is really good GM.
Anyhow I hope they did not get tired on the Airflight, that is a LONG trip and you need all the rest in the NBA FINALS.
I am a Big NBA Fan, but I wanted a closer match-up. Poor Lakers. I guess the Refs could not cheat to force a Seventh Game because of the David Stern-Tim Donaghy Scandal? Any ESPN Insights on that one?
I also think perhaps, so it seems, that the Lakers wore "Sede Vacante" Caps or maybe I should "Mente vacante" Baseball hats? I mean really:
http://www.zazzle.com/vatican_baseball_cap_hat-148990466825652270
All I know the "Big Three" (Pierce, Garnett, Allen) went to the Vatican in Rome, Italy before the season with Doc Rivers to find a Common Basketball Philosophy, I am not sure what happened there? Anyone know about the Vatican-Roma Camp the Celtics had? I know Kobe's dad owns a team, I think in Milano? Maybe there is some special Latin Tridentine Mass Papal Ritual they attended to bless their Record Season?
Where were all the Hollywood Stars cheering on LA? I mean everyone loves to "jump on" the Hollywood Bandwagon, right? Like for example, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris Timothy Henneberry, George Michael, Anthony Hopkins, Robert De Niro, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Don Johnson, Clarence Kelly, Michael Bishop, Magic Irving Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, Vince Young, Michael Vick, T.O., Kenyan West, Britney Spears, Monsignor Georg Gänswein, Sean O'Malley, Bernard Law, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama, John McCain, Tony Blair, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Guy Richie, Mon. Bernard Fellay SSPX, Tom Delay, Howard Stern, Tony Armani, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, etc.
I mean really, this was suppose to be the BIG TIME Lakers vs Celtics Rivalry FINALS, and I did not see many Hollywood Stars and other Celebrities at the Boston Garden there,why? DId David Stern and Senator Specter deny them invitations? Is Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens banned from NBA Games? Or is it traditional for them to need to receive an "Universal Indult", you know, to get into the Front Row Seats?
The crowd booed David Stern, is that Anti-Semitic? I felt weird.
Anyhow, Congrats to Paul Pierce (a LA Boy) -- we all can cheer for him, he is a secret-Lakers fan, I heard from a certain unknown Rafa Erofadaps,
Shhh!
NBA is Fantastic.
I can't wait for the Olympic Games in China, I hope Kobe plays.
- Jason McMichaels
Posted by: Sede Vacante | June 17, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Wow Mike T is back? who knew but dude, chill out. If you are bashing the Lakers, why did you come back? Tell you what, given a chance that Lakers and Celtics come back next year to play in the finals, it's Lakers all the way if all players are healthy. I told my friends weeks ago that if both teams go to the finals, Lakers will lose without Bynum but i was hoping they can pull through. Obviously they did not. You are such a hater, if you are a Laker fan, support the team like i did when Kwame was here. Heck i am willig to take him back for a cheaper price! LOL Hey Faith, i've been a Laker fan since i was a little girl! Now i am a grown woman and a professional nurse. I bleed purple and gold all the way! Don't cry! they will be back next year! Peace out True Laker Fans out there!
Posted by: hyns | June 17, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Mike T. Go fly a kite...
Next year you don't get a pass to get on the bandwagon.
blah blah quit taking up blog space with your wannabe column. you ain't that incisive.
Posted by: jq | June 18, 2008 at 12:00 AM
I must say - I am shocked ! Stunned. What happened Kobe? I mean really? What is going on? I expect a major move again this offseason for the Lakers. Danny Ainge is really good GM.
Anyhow I hope they did not get tired on the Airflight, that is a LONG trip and you need all the rest in the NBA FINALS.
I am a Big NBA Fan, but I wanted a closer match-up. Poor Lakers. I guess the Refs could not cheat to force a Seventh Game because of the David Stern-Tim Donaghy Scandal? Any ESPN Insights on that one?
I also think perhaps, so it seems, that the Lakers wore "Sede Vacante" Caps or maybe I should "Mente vacante" Baseball hats? I mean really:
http://www.zazzle.com/vatican_baseball_cap_hat-148990466825652270
All I know the "Big Three" (Pierce, Garnett, Allen) went to the Vatican in Rome, Italy before the season with Doc Rivers to find a Common Basketball Philosophy, I am not sure what happened there? Anyone know about the Vatican-Roma Camp the Celtics had? I know Kobe's dad owns a team, I think in Milano? Maybe there is some special Latin Tridentine Mass Papal Ritual they attended to bless their Record Season?
Where were all the Hollywood Stars cheering on LA? I mean everyone loves to "jump on" the Hollywood Bandwagon, right? Like for example, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Mike Huckabee, Chuck Norris Timothy Henneberry, George Michael, Anthony Hopkins, Robert De Niro, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Don Johnson, Clarence Kelly, Michael Bishop, Magic Irving Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, Vince Young, Michael Vick, T.O., Kenyan West, Britney Spears, Monsignor Georg Gänswein, Sean O'Malley, Bernard Law, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Barack Obama, John McCain, Tony Blair, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Guy Richie, Mon. Bernard Fellay SSPX, Tom Delay, Howard Stern, Tony Armani, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, etc.
I mean really, this was suppose to be the BIG TIME Lakers vs Celtics Rivalry FINALS, and I did not see many Hollywood Stars and other Celebrities at the Boston Garden there,why? DId David Stern and Senator Specter deny them invitations? Is Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens banned from NBA Games? Or is it traditional for them to need to receive an "Universal Indult", you know, to get into the Front Row Seats?
The crowd booed David Stern, is that Anti-Semitic? I felt weird.
Anyhow, Congrats to Paul Pierce (a LA Boy) -- we all can cheer for him, he is a secret-Lakers fan, I heard from a certain unknown Rafa Erofadaps,
Shhh!
NBA is Fantastic.
I can't wait for the Olympic Games in China, I hope Kobe plays.
- Jason McMichaels
Posted by: Sede Vacante | June 18, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Faith,
The Lakers were averaging 103 with Kwame Brown. Defense creates offense. Look at what the Celtics did tonight. What did they get from their middle? Damn near nothing except pushing the Lakers big men out of the paint. That allows the guards to swipe at the ball because the lane is so clogged and that turns into turnovers and that turns into points. Like a 39 point win.
Perkins 2 points. PJ Brown 6 points. Glenn Davis 3 points. But they made the Lakers big men work. There were no easy lay-ups against these guys. You don't need points in the middle if you have a strong center who can handle not being pushed around. And these guys aren't even strong. They were just strong enough to deal with a weak Gasol and Bynum has no stregnth, either.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 18, 2008 at 12:04 AM
What did Kobe do wrong? He showed up, but No Defensive Skills. His shot is nothing like Michael Jordan or Larry Bird.
Posted by: Sede Vacante | June 18, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Keep the Faith Laker fans. Don't be like these Bandwagon fans, i bleed purple and gold all the way!! This coming from a professional woman who adores Laker basketball since i started learining how to change TV channel way back in the mid 80's LOL! Get well Andrew, don't let Mike T bring you down! I would love to get Kwame back for a cheaper price. Artest? sure only if we take out Walton and Vlad.
Posted by: hyns | June 18, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Great season guys.
I enjoyed reading the posts of all the hardcore fans, edwin gueco, faith, mamba24, charles, jon k., cbuck, phred, troy, ps lakerfan, and a few others I forgot. You guys are great fans and know the game.
AK and BK really good stuff from you guys.
I do not post much unless I am really angry and need to vent, but next year I will make more of an effort.
DEFENSE should be the main focus this off season. NEXT YEAR
Posted by: Tej | June 18, 2008 at 12:08 AM
I wonder-
Now that Kobe has officially lost his dream of becoming the "best ever"... how does that affect him?
Even he knows that there is no way he will surpass or even match Jordan's legacy. He would have to win championships outright until he retires to come close.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a laker fan, but simply put... Jordan never allowed his team to lose in the finals. That is the biggest argument that Kobe will not be as revered as much as Jordan. Period. And as much as we want to fool ourselves, we all know that this has been Kobe's personal goal from day one: to be the best player ever.
So, with that said... now that that argument is essentially over- What becomes Kobe's main driving force to win?
Posted by: Letsbereal | June 18, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Mike T the coward returns,
Where were you during the playoff run dude? Hidng because everything you had said was not coming true. Now we lose and suddenly your back? Ya we got blown out, once. The othe 5 all went down to the wire. KG played 1 1/2 good games and was shut down the other 4 by the skinny Spanaird . He also held his own against Duncan and totally dominated Boozer, so try and get your facts straight before coming back and trying to pull an I told you so. As far as Bynum, he will be just fine. And Kwame, lets see, he couldnt even get off the bench in Memphis, worst team in the west. Enough said.
MH
Posted by: michael h | June 18, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Man, this was a great lakers wrapup article by sam amico of pro basketball news. practically brought a tear to my eye and had to share:
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_061808.html
Posted by: DFishing | June 18, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Since we're already moving onto the future, allow me to make my suggestions.
Farmar needs to step it up. The Lakers need to get another young pg to light a fire underneath his butt. He's becoming another Smush Parker. I was really digging Crittenton and part of me was wishing it was Farmar who was shipped to Memphis.
Lamar Odom needs to be traded or at least come off the bench. He's consistently been inconsistent and he sucks in lateral defense. I always expect him to be called for a charge. We should have kept Caron Butler and not him...
Luke Walton is just as effective as his father's ailing back. He is unathletic, gets burned defensively, and can't finish plays. Please trade him or you know what you can get rid of him. Does he have a buy out in his contract?
Vladimir plays as dumb as he looks. Trade him or get rid of him. He is only a spot-up shooter and a small forward version of Brian Cook.
Chris Mihm...is he still on the payroll?
Posted by: never | June 18, 2008 at 12:13 AM
MIke T, I do think that Kwame is tougher than Gasol and maybe even a better 1-1 defender against some big men, but he's just a horrible team defender(not that Gasol was that great of a help defender). The Lakers could use some of their MLE to get him again, but they need a big guy who can score, so I think it would be a waste to get him at this point.
AK/BK, I know that the season just ended, but can you at some point give your take on what the Lakers need to do during the off season so that we don't get a repeat of what happened in the finals. I think the Spurs also exploited some of the Lakers weakness and if the Spurs had be healthy all season, they may have had home court and if Manu had been healthy for the series, the Lakers may not have beaten them. So I don't think that it's a guarantee that the Lakers will win it all even with Bynum. It also seemed like from Phil's comments after the game that he's not satisfied with the current team and that some changes need to be made.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 18, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I think the staff who prepared the Celtics report should take some responsibility for the loss. The Lakers seemed not ready especially the first two games. And they did not know the bench player of the Celtics. Although the two teams just met two times during the regular season, when you prepare to meet them in the finals, you still have to know the other team very well. I believe Kurt was the one who prepared the Celtics, that was very bad. The tight playoff schedule would not let you do too many adjustments if you could not be ready from the beginning. There is no time for the players to practice and follow the big adjustment.
Posted by: Pu Ye | June 18, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Hey Ladies,
Did I mention that:
CELTIC'S WIN!
CELTIC'S WIN!
CELTIC'S WIN!
CELTIC'S WIN!
Good night ladies, I'll see you when I see you.
It's been fun reading all of the whinning and crying.
Go Celts!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 18, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Anger mixed with Hate.
That's how i roll till next season.
With Bynzie back & T Ariza ready to fully rumble next season, hopefully i can rid this nasty taste in my mouth (which btw tastes like i have pleasured 3 homeless men in the past hour).
Make no mistake
2k9 baby
2k9
Posted by: R-Type | June 18, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Please tell the LA Times to fire Bill Plaschke. His MVP/MIA article is retarded.
Does Kobe deserve to be blamed for these losses? Hell no. The Celtics were an exceptional defensive team and they threw at least four guys at him all series. What do you expect him to do? Fly over KG and Paul Pierce like they're a pool of snakes?
When the Celtics collapsed on Kobe it opened up opportunities for the other Lakers to step up... but they didn't. The Lakers have a talented group of guys, but they're still unproven and too young to play consistent basketball against a group of wily veterans. Compare that to Boston who had the luxury of starting three future hall of famers with a bench full of seasoned veterans. Kobe can only do so much for chrissakes!
I think what Plaschke was right to gripe about about was how terrible the Staples Center fans were vs. the Celtic fans. Did you hear their arena tonight?!
If the Laker organization and its season ticket holders are going to price out the real Laker fans from attending the finals next year, they better think long and hard about how they're going to get those sorry sobs we saw all series to stand up and make some noise next year.
And lastly, I think Lamar should work on his three ball all off season. If he gets that down then he will be an unstoppable threat. The Celtics were begging for him to take that shot!
Posted by: david | June 18, 2008 at 12:17 AM
I told you that I wouldn't follow the Lakers if I didn't think they could win a championship. I expected the Lakers to get through Denver, Uath and San Antonio. The Spurs were too old. Uath too soft in the middle. And Denver is a joke of a defensive team.
Andrew Bynum was doing well before he got injured. But not so well that the Lakers could beat the Celtics. The Celtics fould Bynum out in one game and pushed him around in another.
The NBA is all about entertainment basketball until the finals. Then it's about defense. That's why defense always wins. All those Lakers wins in the regular season was all about entertainment basketball. But when the NBA's number one defensive team came to town...well, a 39 point butt smacking says it all. Boston came out with one intention tonight. Defense for 4 quarters no matter what the score is. That's why they didn't stop the pusnishment in the 4th quarter when the game was already decided. They wanted to show the NBA world what their defensive philosophy could do to a weak offensive philosophy like the Lakers.
They manhandled the Lakers.
mike
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 18, 2008 at 12:19 AM
I'm sick of all these LAKERS fans crying. I've been here the past few years and I'm freaking proud of this team. Everyone needs to stop saying trade this, trade that...
-the only Laker I would trade is Vlad Rad. We have 3 point shooting already, no need for him
-If Sasha leaves so be it, we have Farmar. Farmar is a few years younger than Sasha and I'm pretty sure Farmar will pan out to be a better player in the long run.
-ODOM IS STILL THE KEY!!!!!!! Clearly Odom wasn't Finals MVP but he's still the man. Think about how well he did with Gasol's addition. You're telling me he's going to suck with BYNUM AND GASOL. Quit smoking. He's not going to be a superstar, however he will be an awesome 3/4 option. I'm pretty sure a role player averaging around 10/10 is pretty good. Just stop expecting him to be Superman, ain't happening.
-Ariza was never really himself. C'mon. Kid got hurt and got inserted with no PT. Give him a full year. Remember his dunk on Nash? I DO!!!!
LASTLY, WE BEAT THE SUNS AND THE WHOLE WESTERN CONFERENCE. WE GOT OUTPLAYED HOWEVER WE BLEW THE BIGGEST LEAD IN FINALS HISTORY AND WE DIDNT HAVE HOMECOURT BECAUSE THE EAST SUCKS. NO MAJOR CHANGES ARE NEEDED. JUST A FULL YEAR WITH EVERYONE HEALTHY. WHO GOT THE LAST LAUGH IN THE 80'S? LAKERS. WHO WILL GET THE LAST LAUGH NOW? LAKERS. SHUT UP WITH ALL THE TRADE TALK. THIS WILL BE A LONG OFFSEASON BUT OH WELL, BETTER THAN THE PREDICTED OUT IN THE 1ST ROUND,
MAMBA, PUT ME AS ONE OF THE TOP FOR THE 65//70 WIN BANDWAGON AND THE IM REALLY REALLY PROUD OF THIS TEAM BANDWAGON. NOTHING TO BE SAD ABOUT GUYS.
Lakers yesterday, lakers today, lakers tomorrow, lakers always.
West Up
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 18, 2008 at 12:21 AM
This is UNBELIEVABLE!!
All the cache and perks that these guys get in this city, and this is how they play in the finals??
Stop hating on kobe. Jordan didnt win anything until he had a number two..Scottie Pippen.
Radmanovic, Odom, Sasha, and Luke have to go. Period. If you dont agree with this, you simply arent being honest about how weak they are as players. I would include Gasoft but i think his trade prevents him from being traded.
The only good thing about losing so badly in the finals..is that you know who isnt a clutch player at heart.
Posted by: Da Genius | June 18, 2008 at 12:22 AM
I, for one, am glad Michael T. contributed what I've been saying for the past month.
Pau Gasol's weakness was the undoing of the Lakers.
I don't give a damn about the regular season. If you can't get it done in the finals, you need to go to another team. Mike T. nailed it right on the head about Pau; he's weak of heart and body. He's fools gold, and the Lakers paid a dear price for relying on him.
Mike T. is right. Pau Gasol's weakness cost us this series.
Posted by: troy | June 18, 2008 at 12:22 AM
I still believe !!!!
Lakers will beat Boston in 11 games !!
Posted by: Dan...I BELIEVE | June 18, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Pau Gasol sucks and he needs to be traded for asap. I hope Kobe puts a bug in D. Buss's ear about Pau, the androgynous jackass from Madrid.
I hate his ass with a passion for what he did to my Lakers.
Posted by: troy | June 18, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Sasha and Vlad were a disaster. The need for distance shooters who can defend (let alone be reliable shooters) needs to be addressed. Sasha may want to come back, but it's an open question whether he should be brought back.
A year from now I don't want our fortunes to rest again on whether Vlad and Sasha show up. They were clearly the negative difference makers in this series.
Posted by: SG | June 18, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if we kept Paula Gasol. We have a team that employs the likes of Luke Walton, Vlad Rad, and Chris Mihm.
Now, what in the hell have these three clowns accomplished for the Lakers?
EITHER PAU GASOL, LUKE WALTON, VLAD RAD, AND CHRIS MIHM BE TRADED OR MAGIC JOHNSON ORGANIZES A HOSTILE TAKEOVER OF THE ORGANIZATION.
Posted by: troy | June 18, 2008 at 12:30 AM
I've been watching the Lakers since I was 5. I don't plan on stopping now. My Lakers just got beat, but I still love them. Every Celtic fan that bashes the lakers, remember that those 17 championships came mostly in a time of little competition. Also, I remember last year the Garden chanting MVP for my MVP! That's true and you won't forget it! That will always haunt you, you weren't there when your team sucked. THAT's THE REAL TRUTH. Laker fans, we are always there. We have won most of our championships during the more competitive years in the NBA. I think the Lakers is the most prestigious franchise in Basketball! We will be back next year! We will have Andrew Bynum back and, mark my words, Ron Artest will be here. I see a great future ahead of us LAKERS!!!
Posted by: hectorart | June 18, 2008 at 12:33 AM
OH MY GOD, PHIL JACKSON IS MIKE D'ANTONI
ONLY D'ANTONI HAS AN OFFENSE THAT DOESN'T CONFUSE AND MAKE HIS PLAYERS LOOK LIKE IDIOTS.
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 18, 2008 at 12:34 AM
I've been watching the Lakers since I was 5. I don't plan on stopping now. My Lakers just got beat, but I still love them. Every Celtic fan that bashes the lakers, remember that those 17 championships came mostly in a time of little competition. Also, I remember last year the Garden chanting MVP for my MVP! That's true and you won't forget it! That will always haunt you, you weren't there when your team sucked. THAT's THE REAL TRUTH. Laker fans, we are always there. We have won most of our championships during the more competitive years in the NBA. I think the Lakers is the most prestigious franchise in Basketball! We will be back next year! We will have Andrew Bynum back and, mark my words, Ron Artest will be here. I see a great future ahead of us LAKERS!!!
Posted by: hectorartm | June 18, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Laker fans, why is Mike T back and bashing us continously since trading Kwame? i just don't get it. It's out of our hands, we must go and play with the players we have! Mike T, pls do us a favor and spare us with your bashing and putting us down when we got our hearts rip out! If you love Kwame so much then just go to his blogs, it's as simple as that. Leave us with our misery and let us hurt amongst true Laker fans!
Posted by: hyns | June 18, 2008 at 12:36 AM