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
PHIL JACKSON, LAMAR ODUM, VLADE, AND LUKE MUST GO BANDWAGON
1. Do You See What I See (well do you punks)
2. JustaLakerFan (riding shotgun for Phil, the other 3?)
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 18, 2008 at 12:37 AM
I don't understand what the Celt fans are doing on this blog tonight?
Shouldn't you be out celebrating???
Clearly the rest of us are here to let out our frustrations...
Why any Celts fan would be blogging right now on an LA board is beyond me. It's actually ridiculously more saddening than the LA fans being on here.
Yes, we lost. We are venting, but you also better believe that if the Lakers had won a championship tonight... there is no way I would be wasting my time on a computer. That would be the a tell tale sign of a real loser. Think about it Celt fan... you just won a championship after 21 years... and you are here??? Really???
Posted by: letsbereal | June 18, 2008 at 12:41 AM
To be perfectly honest with you...if in the end, over the last several years, if the best defensive team hadn't won I would think that the NBA is a fixed league. The NBA and David Stern have put such an emphasis on entertainment basketball that the purity of the game is lost. But because the best defensive team usually wins in the end...that's the only saving grace the NBA has for its league or else it would be like the WWE.
All those annoucers/reporters on ESPN, KCAL 9 act like they don't know that defense wins championships and they try to selll the league with teams like the Suns of the last couple of years. And the Lakers this year. All that reporting is pure fake. They're selling the NBA and nothing more.
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Even if the Lakers had Kwame Brown in the middle to push people out of the lane it would have done no good because even with Kwame the Lakers philosophy was still all about offense. Kwame's defense wasn't even noticed by the Lakers for a year and half because the Buss family wanted to recreate a showtime type of basketball. The Buss family is too Hollywood minded to really put a serious ballteam out there with the likes of Perkins at the 5 spot. It was that damn simple. Where's the beef? No no no...we like sugar basketball. Lets get Gasol! Oh yes! We're winning all these regular season games. But the Boston Celtics showed the Lakers organization the truth. Your sugar basketball belongs in the movies.
mike
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 18, 2008 at 12:43 AM
TRUE LAKER FANS HURT!!!! I know i do...
HATS OFF TO BOSTON. CONGRATULATIONS, YOU DID IT; GREAT JOB!!!! They were the 1 team that could expose ALL the LAKERS weaknesses. AND THAT THEY DID!!!
The negatives were enormous; BECAUSE, the stage was SOOO BIG!!! HOWEVER, "IF" you watched LAKER games this year, then u know this teams warts have been with us throughout the season, it just looked so ugly on THE BIG STAGE...
NOT JUST THIS SEASON, BUT ALL YEAR LONG, WHAT DID WE SEE???
1. HELP DEFENSE SUCKS!!!
2. PERIMETER DEFENSE SUCKS(MATADOR DEFENSE)
3. TOO MANY BONE HEADED/FOOLISH/STUPID/RIDICULOUS TURNOVERS!!!
4. PISS POOR COACHING(Phil is a manager, NOT a coach, NOT a teacher. His methods work with veteran teams, NOT young guys. VETS can figure it out; YOUNG GUYS need to be told what to do; teach them... PHIL IS NOT A TEACHER.
5. LUKE WALTON at best should be the 9th man coming off the bench, NOT THE 1ST.(SEE POOR COACHING).
6. LAMAR ODOM, inconsistant jump shooter, inconsistant, free throw shooter; AND TOO MANY STUPID TURNOVERS... NEVER KNOW WHAT U'R GONNA GET
7. RADMONOVICH, wrong offense for him.
NEXT:
KOBE BRYANT;
KOBE EITHER "QUIT" or "GOT TIRED" or HAD HIS HEART RIPPED OUT!!! (I SAY ALL 3)... IN OTHER WORDS, KOBE GOT EXPOSED... PLEASE, LETS BURY THE M.J. COMPARISONS... in fact, lets just tell the truth here, HE'S NOT WADE NOR LABRON EITHER!!!! HE BLEW IT! WE MOVE ON.
AS OF JUNE 17TH, CELTICS CAN "CELEBRATE", AND LAKERS, TIME TO "CALIBRATE"!!!
BECAUSE TRUTH BE TOLD:
"OUR TIME IS NOW"! IT STARTS JUNE 18TH.
The window to win a championship has now been opened... THE LAKERS must make sure that "the upcoming season" ends with the TITLE. In other words; "FIX THIS sh%%!!! AS OF NOW, IT'S CHAMPIONSHIP, OR BUST!!! NO MORE WAITING, NO MORE DEVELOPING OF PLAYERS... NO MORE INEXPERIENCE EXCUSES, NO MORE YOUTH EXCUSES... WE'VE BEEN THERE, WE'VE TASTED DEFEAT... WE HURT, AND NOW ITS TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT... NO MORE EXCUSES AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!!! IT'S NOW PEOPLE!!!
Posted by: scorpimike | June 18, 2008 at 12:44 AM
I guess I missed the part where Kwame sparked Memphis to a Playoff berth and won Comeback Player of the Year. Let's see, he can't get off of Memphis' bench, but just wait until San Antonio gets ahold of him, he'll play 20 minutes a night, pushing around All-Stars.
Then, he's going to cure cancer and build a rocket to go to Mars.
Posted by: Jman449 | June 18, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Mike T.
You`r a bigger fool than i thought.The big hole in your thesis is Kwame brown has small hands and cant catch a pass and he is dumber than a box of rocks like you Mike t. dumber than a box of rocks.heehehheheh LOL LOL
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | June 18, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Hyns, always nice to meet a fellow female laker fan...and a nurse to boot! You're where I'm shooting for lol.
Yeah tough loss, but I too am a laker fan through and through. I don't believe it's a given (us in the finals next year), but I think through hard work, and tweak here and there, we have a chance.
Mike T,
the Lakers were averaging 103 points with Kwame Brown yes...but with Kobe scoring the bulk. You think with Celtic's defense...they would let Kobe even sniff a pinch of that much needed scoring load? Not quite, they certainly didn't this time around. We need and continue to need imo (not that Pau is not the answer, just that he needs to get stronger, more versatile) an inside presence. Thereby allowing Kobe to do what he do instead of having 5 people and their bench focusing on him, and the rest of our team clanking shots if not turning the ball over.
Defensively, my biggest crush on Kwame was that he was a great one-on-one defender...Don't think Pau did that bad. He held Boozer down for the most part (early on), he got KG down on his average and he made TD beat us. That was Kwame's main purpose imo. Unfortunately our need does not end there...we need a legit shot blocker inside, and yes a big body to make them think about driving the paint. It's a donut. But I don't think Kwame is necessarily the only or the right answer. Bynum can be that answer. Like I said before, I'm willing to take Kwame back...in fact I think there's a good poss of that because of his relationship with the team and PJ...but only provided he makes less money. He makes too much money for a one dimensional player as of now. We have enough of those players in this team.
I will say this...if there's one thing we really miss about Kwame is the picks he threw for Kobe. Those were walls for sure...high pick and roll is just not the same. But still, there's just too many variables...not the least of which is his mental fortitude. We already got this issue with LO.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 18, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Those early Celtic titles came when there was little competiton...you're right ! They played and beat the Lakers back then too.
Posted by: little competition | June 18, 2008 at 12:48 AM
History repeats itself...
Basketball is, at the highest level, a grown man's game. The thirty-something's will win because of their mentality, to do whatever it takes, no matter how difficult. Mature veterans impose their will on up and comer's - to a point. Then comes their breaking point, when their bodies can no longer match their will, and the student becomes the teacher.
Miami's title team was hastily assembled much as this Celtics team. They raised a banner. They partied til dawn. They gave the franchise exactly what it paid for. But look at that franchise today - the price turned out to be pretty high. They sold the future to harness the present, and it worked out, for that one season. This path will soon resemble the path that the Celtics will follow as they return to mediocrity for an extended stay. Their core talents are all over thirty already. Their one-and-done mercenaries are pushing forty. They deserve all the credit, for bringing it together so quickly, but history teaches us that it will fall apart just as suddenly.
The Lakers can kick themselves for squandering this opportunity, but theirs' is a team poised to make an extended run. Their core talent is much younger, and the team is being grown organically, rather that hastily assembled from available parts. We haven't seen them peak yet. Not by far. The young players will learn, and improve.
We'll be back...
See you in October!
Posted by: karyanr | June 18, 2008 at 12:48 AM
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
Yup.
The same Doc Rivers that Boston's own fanboys were making fun of all the way through the Playoffs took Jackson's lunch money every game.
Going back to 2004, we haven't had one good offensive game in the last 11 Finals games we have played.
$12 mil doesn't buy what it used to.
Posted by: Jman449 | June 18, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Yet again, the intelligence of most of the bloggers on here is confirmed.
The Lakers don't reach the Finals without the play of Odom, Gasol and Kobe. Period.
LA got 25 games with Gasol and the entire season turned around. Odom was a new player. The team thrived. All of you fools who are calling for us to trade Odom honestly don't have a clue, so stop writing. Odom was the x-factor in a ton of those games, and if you didn't notice, he was the only one of the Lakers who was still trying with the team down by 40+ points.
Imagine the Lakers with Pau at the four -- power forward -- and you'll see pretty clearly why you can't trade Lamar, among other reasons. My guess is that Lamar negotiates a contract extension that is a pay cut but that allows him to stay with the team another three years and gives the Lakers the cap room to sign a couple key dudes.
By the way, Mike Teniente, get out of here with your garbage. You're a fool, you'll always be a fool, and your mama was a fool. Kwame needs you to powder up his jock someplace in Tennessee.
Posted by: BigGameJames | June 18, 2008 at 12:49 AM
NEVER FORGET THE BOSTON BEAT DOWN OF 08! NEVER. The Lakers of the 80s would NEVER have let themselves get whooped by 39! Thirty-nine! That's seventy-eight MADE free throws! That's 13 threes! That's nearly ten, four-point plays! The Lakers should have fouled the rest of the way after halftime, at least the score might have been closer at the end! They got throttled! They got demolished! They were embarrassed. This wasn't even a game after the first quarter. HAVE SOME FREAKIN' PRIDE. You're wearing the regal colors of Purple and Gold! Phil should have made the starters play the whole game! I know that next year will be a walk in the park. But to come out and stink up the place like that was inexcusable. Magic and Isaiah were THE BEST OF FRIENDS but even they hated each other ON THE COURT. You're not friends you're competitors. Enemies. Rivals. Boston humiliated us. Pouring Gatorade on a basketball floor with 4 minutes left in the game. Cameramen on the court with 4 min in the game. People, family, entourages and fans on the sideline 4 minutes left in the game?! PLEASE. Celtic players and fans showed NO CLASS. Remember the Boston Beatdown of 08 Lakers and Laker fans. Next year we're going to beat them by 40 with "I love L.A." playing so loud people in Boston can hear it. Boston can pour Gatorade on the hallowed floor we'll pour champagne in the Locker Room. Remember the Boston Beatdown of 08!!!!!
Posted by: Seph | June 18, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Troy and Mike T, all i ask is just stop bashing Laker players. Just stop it. Player personnel is out of our reach! We have to support players we have. Go ahead and try being a GM for reals, well see how you do! I am a fan that just cheer for any Laker players we have. Getting players here and there through trades and free agency is out of my reach. That's not our job. Be real. Let this group go at it next year, and hopefully no injuries!
Posted by: hyns | June 18, 2008 at 12:50 AM
They manhandled the Lakers.
mike
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 18, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Nothing worse than a weasel coming back to taunt us after the fact.
This is like the guy who shows up with all the answers to the final exam one day later. Who cares?
Zero credibility. Zero.
Posted by: Jman449 | June 18, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Have you noticed over the last several years that no Lakers assitant coach has made it to head coach?
As long as they're under Phil Jackson they don't stand a chance of getting a NBA head coaching job.
Phil Jackson is a joke! He can't win without a roster full of all-stars. He's a terrible coach who was lucky to have MJ, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe for those championships. With a team with potential when just the right amount of coaching he falls straight on his face because he doesn't coach defense.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | June 18, 2008 at 12:58 AM
This is the most embarrassing day in the history of the Lakers franchise. No two ways about it. We can all say this was the great year but Game 6 has overshadowed everything. To get beaten like this, in the most important game of the year?
Are you kidding me? We need changes , I am sorry , I am not being bandwagon , I saw it with my own eyes in the Game 4 from up close. It was boys against men and Game 6 was even worse.
We need toughness and please let Lamar go.
I have been listening 4 years about how talented he is and his *perennial all star * status , but all of it is a bunch of BS !!!
He is not a fighter and not a champion , we can clear a lot of cap space by dealing him and please feel free to include Vlad and Luke.
Posted by: novolakers | June 18, 2008 at 12:59 AM
troy
Leave Pau alone , we can use him with Andrew. He is overpowered by Boston players , but in combination with Drew can be very effective.
Its Lamar we need to let go , dude makes 15 mil !
Posted by: novolakers | June 18, 2008 at 01:03 AM
Lakers yesterday, lakers today, lakers tomorrow, lakers always.
Posted by: mrbarneydangles
----------------------------------------------
AMEN BROTHER DANGLES... i'm right there with you..
"ALWAYS"... LAST DECADES, LAST MONTH, LAST WEEK, LAST YEAR, TODAY, TOMORROW, NEXT YEAR, NEXT DECADE, NEXT LIFE, FOR "EFFEN" EVER!LAKERS!!!
Posted by: scorpiomike | June 18, 2008 at 01:03 AM
LA Fans:
Lifelong Celtics fan (since 1966). Congrats on a great season, and for battling through that epic Western Conference gauntlet of teams to get to the Big Dance. I didn't know too much about your team other than what I saw earlier in the year and what the LA trolls were dishing out at BostonGlobe.com
With that background I must say that this series was a lot closer than you may realize at this sore point of reflection. The Lakers almost drove a dagger in our hearts with their game 2 impressive comeback! Game 4's "comeback-for-the-ages" by the Celts could easily have gone the Lakers way. Two games; two phenomenal comebacks; two outcomes in Boston's favor. This series could have easily swung LA's way on those two hinge games and the champagne would've been flowing in LA LA Land. Keep your heads up, the future is bright for your youngsters, your MVP, your Hall of Fame coach, and your fans. I'm looking forward to another "cage match to the death" with you guys next June.
jhb2
Posted by: jhb2 | June 18, 2008 at 01:06 AM
Hey its ok to talk about changes , its not betrayal at all , we talk about winning it next year right ?
We need to get way tougher , so lets look for some crafty veterans. With Lakers being successful this year (except for the Finals) we might attract some wagon jumpers , just like we did in '04 and Miami and Celtics did.
Posted by: novolakers | June 18, 2008 at 01:11 AM
So it continues with kobee - no SHACK, no title.
Look, kobee is a decent playa but the lakers are exposed as a one-dimensional team: strictly offense, no rebounding or D.
Boston proved the tougher team and it showed bright and clear tonight. There simply was no heart in these lakers; they knew they could not beat this Celtic team, even before the game started.
That's because, even without the "big 3" playing well offensively, the Celts including bench playas always play D and control the paint. Always.
Tonight, Rondo outrebounded the lakers on the offensive glass, who set a new record for lowest offensive boards in a finals game ever.
The lakers had the easier path to the FInals, thanks to the SUNS buttering up the spurs. Utah can't win a road game, and Denver? Let's not forget that the ATL team which took Boston to 7 games also beat the lakers and celts in the reg season.
40 point loss in a series ending game, though, that's even rougher than the usual Finals exit. Ouch!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 18, 2008 at 01:14 AM
I WILL DEFEND KOBE BRYANT FOR 1 MORE YEAR BUT PHIL JACKSON MUST BE FIRED
Lets face it, he got 0 help from his coaches and teammates against the Celtics.
I suspect his finger gave him major problems. I rarely saw him go to his right.
He was also very tired, I think he was emotionally drained for having to do everything, and physically drained from a long year of basketball.
Perhaps it would have been better if he had done the surgery on his pinkie. We probably could have made the playoffs and we would have had a fresh and healthy Kobe, and the other players might have got a little more experience under their belts. Just Hinksight.
It might be a better idea for Kobe to skip the Olympics and have surgery now. That's all we need next year for Kobe to be worn down by nearly 2 consecutive years of contiuance ballin.
A prior blogger said KB wasn't even West or Havlecek, and I would have to agree with that statement. Those 2 really put up big numbers in the Finals. Jerry could just go straight up and hit jumper after jumper. Kobe is all style, when he goes up for a shot it is a thing of beauty, unfortunately it's takes him a split second longer to release the ball which gives a defender a chance to challenge the jumper. Now West would go straight up and pop, no waiting, just pop. Players with quick releases like Ray Allen are just better shooters when open.
Another fatal error by the coaching staff was to make Kobe the point guard, does anyone remember the preseason when they tried this? It was turnover city, just like the Finals. You got Fish and Farmar why oh why change everyting. Kobe should have been posting up all series long.
If Kobe can't win it next year when the player he's been praying for returns (Bynum) then its best to trade him, or get a coach who will sit his ass down when he doesn't play team ball. This game is bigger than Kobe, and he has one more year until my faith fails.
I've put the brunt of the blame on Phil Jackson and I believe I am correct in my assumption. For whatever reasons, either to make a point to Mitch Kupchak about his signings (Luke and Vlade), or just to humiliate Kobe (which I wouldn't put it past him), It seemed Phil did everything in his power to make the Lakers lose. I can take Kobe not being able to get it done because I know he tries. But with Phil it is reprehensible what him and his coaching staff did.
FAILURE TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL
PHIL JACKSON MUST BE FIRED
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 18, 2008 at 01:19 AM
In my honest opinion, the Lakers looked way better on their road to the finals. But the Celtics exposed their weaknesses, played harder, played smarter, and played well. They definately deserved this. But come on...LA is gonna be good next year.
Even though I wish they weren't...because I hate the Lakers.
=)
Go Celtics!
Posted by: Gilaziel | June 18, 2008 at 01:20 AM
Mike T,
1 What makes you think that Kwame will be signed by another team? He couldn't get minutes in Memphis!
2 Why should we put any faith in your opinion? If memory serves you wanted the Lakers to get Darius Miles
3 Do you still believe Moses Malone is the best center in history?
4 You said, "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." I am confused because before you said that Phil jackson was being forced out by the Buss family (actually you said if this was not true you would not have any credibility) then you said that Phil Jackson was using Kobe as pawn in his wily scheme to have an all white Laker team. I am really sorry Mike T there are too many conspiracies to keep up with.
I could argue with you but why. Bottom line is that you sold your rights as a true Laker fan in exchange to be the #1 Kwame Brown worshiper. I hope it is worth it to you.
Go Lakers
MJT
Posted by: MJT | June 18, 2008 at 01:21 AM
I thought t.j.simers' article was spot on...
Posted by: Anomalous | June 18, 2008 at 01:37 AM
I am very glad that our team made it to the finals.I didn't expect it last off season that we can reach this far. Maybe it's not our year but definitely we have a very very good future. Why don't we trade Lamar Odom for T. Prince??and vlade and luke for artest??
Posted by: Marc Lawrence Santos | June 18, 2008 at 01:39 AM
I am very glad that our team made it to the finals.I didn't expect it last off season that we can reach this far. Maybe it's not our year but definitely we have a very very good future. Why don't we trade Lamar Odom for T. Prince??and vlade and luke for artest??
Posted by: Marc Lawrence Santos | June 18, 2008 at 01:40 AM
Why don't we trade Odom for Prince??and Vlade and Luke for Artest?
Posted by: Marc Lawrence | June 18, 2008 at 01:42 AM
Too many "ifs"!
-If the Lakers won the first game in Boston, they would have won the series easily;
-If the Lakers won the fourth game, they would have won in six games;
-If the Lakers had the home court advantage, the Laker fans would not have to feel so sorry;
-If the Lakers had a better defense, the Celtics would have not scored over 120 points;
But the greatest "if"--
-If the Lakers were not so sure of themselves at the start of the series, they could have won via the sweep.
GO LAKERS GO!
Posted by: roland delagoza | June 18, 2008 at 01:42 AM
I've gotta hand it to the Lakers, they played well and hard this postseason and have nothing to be ashamed of overall.
Posted by: WarriorsRule | June 18, 2008 at 01:47 AM
PLEASE Get RiD of KOBE!...i can't stand the guy anymore!
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 18, 2008 at 02:06 AM
I'm proud of my Lakers!
Our defense will be much better next season, starting in the middle with Andrew Bynum, altering and blocking shots.
Posted by: ajax | June 18, 2008 at 02:06 AM
We were a call or so away from a 24 point comeback win in Boston and one blown 24 point lead in LA from winning it all.
Any knowledgeable Laker fan, by that I mean one who actually wants to see them succeed, would have been thrilled with the possibility of this result last summer.
Unlike most franchises, this has been a step in the right direction.
Posted by: Vman | June 18, 2008 at 02:38 AM
Mike T,
Once again you show your idiocy for all of us to see. Here is a point you have to consider:
If AB17 works his still growing body over the summer, he will come back stronger. He is a true Center, few of them left anymore. Perkins would have to guard him. Done deal, AB17 would score on him at will, or put him in foul trouble. Paul Pierce would have to account for his 7'4" wing span when driving the lane as well as everybody else who comes into the paint. Kwame was awesome at moving ppl out of the paint, but AB could easily run a Pick n roll with Odom, Kobe, or even Gasol, and either throw it up were only he could get it, or they switch and now he has an undersized defender on him.
Not to mention that KG would now be the sole person Guarding Gasol. Or any other power forward. That leaves pierce to guard LO, and rondo on Kobe.
I am a Kwame brown supporter, I think he got a bum deal being picked so high, but i think he is a pro player cause of his strength, and quick feet. If he could ever develop a few simple moves to the basket, he'd be fine. But you leaving the blog like a lil bitch, only to come back when the lakers lose, shows alot about your character, and lack of true basketball knowledge
BLF 3408
Posted by: biglakerfan3408 | June 18, 2008 at 03:01 AM
>>>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.
The Lakers are toast because of Kwame? Kwame Brown? The Kwame Brown last seen on the Grizzlies bench? The Suns need Shaq and Kwame?
If we hadn't made the trade of Kwame for Gasol, we would not have made the playoffs this year. We don't win 50 with Kwame. That should be obvious. Be thankful we have a future to look forward to with Bynum. We do need more toughness inside. At least someone who won't be pushed around and denied, but they have to know how to play basketball. They have to stay healthy. They have to want to win. The Spurs need that? I don't think so.
Posted by: Ross | June 18, 2008 at 03:01 AM
BK
hope you enjoyed the raise hahaha
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | June 18, 2008 at 03:13 AM
lakers desperately need another coach........same coach same results.
Posted by: Dion | June 18, 2008 at 03:19 AM
I told you that I wouldn't follow the Lakers if I didn't think they could win a championship...
...mike
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente
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Then what the Hell are you doing here gloating? You should be drooling over at the Celtic blogs. And from what you have said in your other posts, we shouldn't have to read your crap for several years.
Take your holier than thou attitude, your keyboard and your sorry a$$ somewhere else.
If you can't follow a team 'unless they can win a championship' you don't deserve the privilege to be able to post here. Why not wait until a champion is crowned each year and then jump right in at their blogs. That sounds like the type of fan you really are.
I live in the heart of Celtic Nation. I hate said Celtics with a passion. Always have and always will. While I am not against criticizing when it is warranted (the coaching of this series comes to mind), I ALWAYS cheer for the Lakers, whether they win 20 games a season or 60. At least I am consistant in which team I choose to follow.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | June 18, 2008 at 03:21 AM
I'M ONLY GONNA SAY ONE THING PEOPLE..
BRING TAYSHAWN PRINCE HE WANTS TO COME HOME..
HE IS FROM SOUTHERN CAL..
TRADE ODOM..
SEE YALL NEXT YEAR
Posted by: upset laker fan | June 18, 2008 at 03:25 AM
>>>Please tell the LA Times to fire Bill Plaschke. His MVP/MIA article is retarded.
As bad as the Lakers played, they're better at what they do than Plaschke and TJ Simers are at what they do. I have zero respect for anyone who publishes these infantile hacks. That would be you, LA Times.
Posted by: Ross | June 18, 2008 at 03:28 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
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Just remember that Gasol is playing out of position. He doesn't have the beef for the 5. Put him at the 4 and I honestly think you'll have a change of heart. If Gasol had not come to LA, can you honestly say this team would have made it to the finals without Bynum and with Brown?
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | June 18, 2008 at 03:37 AM
Kobe, how do you feel after being raped?
Posted by: Boston truth | June 18, 2008 at 04:02 AM
Mike T,
Have you been hiding with Gunner? If you had been
on the blog and preaching this since February, it would
seem less childish.
My take on the season:
We went from 7th seed to WC
champions in one year. While sustaining 2 severe
injuries and 2 minor injuries. That's real positive for a
team of guys who's average age is ~ 24.
Comparisons b/n Kobe and MJ should stop. The 8
years that Chicago was dominant they had 2 or 3
all-nba defensive players on their team. The Lakers
only have Kobe.
Phil got out coached this series. Losing game 4 was
huge and that was the coaches fault not the players
fault. Perhaps Phil & Mitch will address the defensive
short comings over the summer.
The question over the summer is: after getting publicly
humiliated, will the Lakers focus on defense?
Posted by: hobbitmage | June 18, 2008 at 04:22 AM
This team was not ready...
it happened to the bulls and michael jordan when they got their ass handed to them by Detroit for like 3 years, it happens to everybody it's all about getting better and coming back stronger.
P.S
Kobe had a great season but whore down in the end, he didn't have it maybe it's the injuries maybe it's fatigue but he didn't have it, personally i think that the team burned out by beating the Spurs.
Posted by: shneurson | June 18, 2008 at 04:26 AM
Mike T. - How did the lakers do with Kwame after Bynum got hurt and before the trade? Your analysis, as always, is moronic. Go back to jockeying a cash register at the Chevron down the street.
Posted by: golal | June 18, 2008 at 04:26 AM
hahahaha.. michael t. is back!
is kwame coming back, too?
Posted by: isang | June 18, 2008 at 04:32 AM
Your right on a lot of points Mike T regarding the defense. But if your saying you would not have traded kwame brown for gasol. Your nuts. Enough said.
Posted by: Hen1040 | June 18, 2008 at 04:41 AM
Sux.
I thought (and wrote) that for some reason this Finals felt a lot like 1984 all over again. I was hoping that I wasn't right, but this little bit of history just repeated itself.
Maybe that also means that next year we are taking the Title from the Celtics and that we'll rattle off 5 rings over the next decade?
I know Bynum coming back is going to be huge.
So, my dark cloud has a very shiny silver lining.
I love this blog, though, and all the people (even the trolls) on it.
--Fearless
F the Celtics.
Posted by: Fearless | June 18, 2008 at 04:47 AM
On the bright side, perhaps it will be cheaper to resign Sasha now...
One of the announcers last night said something that has not been brought up here on the blog that I thought was a good point: "With both Lamar and Pau on the floor the Celtics are able to pack the lane. Jackson should play only one of them at a time right now."
Posted by: C.S. | June 18, 2008 at 04:54 AM
Peace out all you laker sissies.....the best b-ball franchise has just won # 17...that's 17 NBA titles...lakers played like a bunch of sissies in their pretty gold and blue uniforms..what a site to see and it's also amusing to hear all the sissy cry babies from lala land....have a nice miserable off season...you sissy pukes...oh by the way the "ZEN MASTER" is the worst freakin coach ever....he proved it this series when you don't have the studs like Shaq and Jordan you actually have to coach Zen Master......HAHAHAHAHA
Posted by: pmac | June 18, 2008 at 05:05 AM