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
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – We await your prayer sir.
Good Morning, Morning Crew: JohnnyP. Bozz, Toad, “Pig” Miller, Fearless,
JustAnotherMambaFan, Edwin Gueco, EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl,
SemiLakerGirl, LakerTom, Tim-4-Show, LakerMan420, Karynar, UbuntuKillers
STAND TALL, LAKER NATION STAND TALL
I’ll write a Roll call later but first consider these items:
1. For the last half of the season Kobe played with a finger that was hanging from
The bone and should have had immediate surgery. Did he have it operated on
Like most of these other so called superstars that are now being
Praised immediately would. Hell No. If he had he would have
Been out for the season and this team would not even had made
The playoffs. Maybe that accounts for his FG % being low. That
Plus his teammates throwing him the ball with 2 seconds left and
Expecting him to make impossible shots. So these MF. Critics
Can kiss my @ss when downing Kobe. The man has the heart
Of a lion and I know it killed him not to be at peak form.
2. What freaking team do you know has made it all the way to
The NBA finals after losing their #1 Shot blocker, #2 scorer.
Come on be for real.m For us to have even made it out of the
Second round is a miracle. For three rounds this team had
Heart. Don’t give me that crap about the Celtics had heart.
The team had 3 superstars and the rest veterans. We have the
Second youngest team in the league so please don’t turn on
Them now. If we had Bynum I believe we would have
Rolled undefeated through the entire playoffs. Next year
be prepared for all types of records by The Lakers
3. Kobe needs to go back to the Buff Kobe look with about
20 more added pounds. This “Thin Euro” look crap aint
Gone it. Besides his shooting hand, the reason he does
Not Drive to the hole as much is because the thin body
he has now can’t absorb the punishment. I know he
Wants to be thin so he can guard the other teams
Fast guards. But the hell with that. That’s Farmar,
Sasha and Dfish’s job.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW MORE TO COME IN
A SEASON-END ROLL CALL.
STAY STRONG LAKER NATION
Posted by: | June 18, 2008 at 05:10 AM
The Journey is the Destination.
Nothing is more powerful in your life to understand and it is important for the Lakers to understand. I hope this is conveyed to the Lakers.
The Lakers had an awesome journey this year. Bynum and Farmer worked their behinds off and became better. Kobe grew A LOT as a player and a person. The players enjoyed one another and nothing can be taken away from that. I
The journey of the season, Lakers, THAT IS WHAT MATTERS. Of course winning a championship would have meant a lot, but the journey is not diminished by last night.
was going to congraulate the Celtics and their fans but the posts above are disgusting. What kind of person in their moment of joy has to take time and bash others? Disgusting. And we all know the biggest sports cheaters were the Celtics of old. Red could coach but he was also a scummy competitor who would as soon cheat you as beat you.
Apparently Red lives in Celtic fans. Enjoy this ONE because you are one AND DONE. For the Lakers and their fans...the journey is just getting started. Celtics might have won but they are still the Celtics.
Enjoy your offseason Lakers. Enjoy your friendships, take some time off, work hard. With Pau having a summer to work on things, Farmer and the Bench Mob getting better and of course Bynum back the journey will be just as exciting next year and with a different ending. And whoever we beat I will not bash because that is not how it is done in Lakerdome. Class win or lose. Celtics no class no matter what they do on the court.
Posted by: Larry of LA | June 18, 2008 at 05:12 AM
Lakers = Build strategy around one guy, whine about officials, fill stands with Nicholson and Timberlake, solve problems by seeking blame.
Celtics = Build strategy around team sacrifice, take individual responsibility win or lose, fill stands with Havlicek and Russell, solve problems by looking within.
Success starts with a coach and a culture. Shouting "MVP" every time Kobe gets to the line does not build a culture.
Posted by: The Leprechaun | June 18, 2008 at 05:14 AM
Yes the Lakers got their butts kicked, by the CELTICS, and Phil was massively outcoached by "Doc" Rivers.
I would just like to say to the Buss family and Mitch Kupchak, don't pull another 2004 and blow up the team, because of a poor preformance in the finals. Let us see what these guys can do with a healthy Andrew Bynum, and a full season of playing with Pau Gasol, I know that Trevor Ariza, is just a role player but wouldn't you like to see how he can function in the playoffs without having to get back into it, after 4 months of missed games.
Posted by: Steven H Brown | June 18, 2008 at 05:23 AM
welcome to eastern basketball.
if you are not tough enough to get in the paint
you will lose plan and simple.
keep shooting those jump-shot boys
it will be a pleasure to hear from you all
again next year
Posted by: rick st. jean | June 18, 2008 at 05:26 AM
*___________________________*
Lakers Today, Lakers Tomorrow,
Lakers Forever - BANDWAGON
____________________________*
(01) MAMBA24 – I'm proud of my team and don't
give a F##k what anybody else thinks
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 18, 2008 at 05:27 AM
Look calm down everybody. Do the lakers need to get better yes but don't panic and just start saying everybody needs to be traded that is traded. I think the lakers had a great season just not a championship season. Thinking back to how it was last year and early this year. I will take the blow out in the finals. Even while we were going thru this run this year I thought it was just happening a little to fast for us. We have some things to work on but have good starting point.
Posted by: Hen1040 | June 18, 2008 at 05:27 AM
the lakers played like the fourth best team out west. way to pick`em stern. What an embarrassment for the entire league.
Every NBA championship for the last 20 years will carry an asterisk known as the stern stain
Posted by: Hoboclown | June 18, 2008 at 05:29 AM
Mike T,
You are a looser who is waiting for a chance to bash our Lakers. I agree the Lakers got their ass kicked in the Finals with Pau in the Center. However, if we still have Kwame, we would have got ass kicked in the first round by Denver. So Pau over Kwame is a right move. Everybody in this blog can see you are sick and skeptical. Why didn't I hear your stinky opinion when the Lakers took WC? Where were you, silly dude?
Posted by: Lakers Heart | June 18, 2008 at 05:47 AM
Hey guys, NOBODY could have beaten the Celtics last night. Are you kidding me? You are not going to beat a team that shots like the Celtics shot. You can say what you want about trash talk, esp with how "great" the lakers are...and everyone picking the Lakers......but when you take that many 3 pointers and shoot 50%...can you say lights out!
Both teams looked very bad when they lost their flow.
The Lakers passed very poorly. So many of those steals were so easy...
Ray Allen has not been very sharp for quite a while. This was the first time I had seen him step up.
26 points in a little over 1/2 of basketball. He was amazing.
Posted by: Richie | June 18, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Mike T and Troy,
This is just ridiculous!!!!! You guys just need someone to put the blame on don't you??!!
KWAME BROWN??!! Mike T's love affair with Kwame Brown just doesnt make any sense. Without Pau Gasol and with Kwame Brown, we wouldn't even make it to the final. But then again, you guys probably prefer Lakers to lose in first round with Kwame Brown, rather than going to the final with Pau Gasol.
Why do you even come back? Did you get banned from Memphis Blog? Where were you when we beat Spurs? When we beat Utah? Coward! Such as hater and bandwagon jumper.
Anyway, thank you Lakers for the great season!!
Look forward to 2009!! and also thanks AK/BK for maintaining and hosting this blog.
Posted by: moko | June 18, 2008 at 06:02 AM
A few thoughts after a tough night
The biggest difference between us and Boston is we only have Kobe can create shots, either for himself or for his teammates, while Boston have at least 3 can do that. Therefore, Boston can focus on Kobe all the time. Once the shot clock is down to around 10 seconds, we are toast. We have to solve this problem, otherwise we are going to get beat again even if Bynum comes back. Our S/R play makes no sense because our ball-handlers (other than Kobe) aren't capable of making a competent play after screen, i.e. shoot, pass or penetrate.
The PG position really hurt us in the series. Fisher had a major impact on the season but unfortunately, his weakness is too easy to expose. In addition, I don't understand why he keeps putting his head down and penetrating. He has no ability to finish the play at all.
Please stop the mythical nonsense that MJ would never let his team lose like this. Replace Kobe with him on this team, the lakers would still lose.
As for the organization, we really need to look for specialized players. The Bulls won with this way. Cleveland got to the finals this way. Boston won this way too, but their specialized players are a little more versatile. We really only have Sasha, and he's too one-dimensional and his shooting is no-where compared to Steve Kerr on those Bulls team. If we have a specialized rebounder, we really should trade Lamar.
It's been a pleasant season. It's always extra painful when we are so close to the top. But we will be back next year.
Posted by: H Chen | June 18, 2008 at 06:25 AM
Being from LA and no doubt about it, a HUGE Laker fan, I am dissapointed to say the least, but I can live with the outcome of the series. After all, it's only a game. But what I really have a problem with is the LA fans that go to Staples and sit on their dead asses!
Have some enthusiasm for your team. It's a shame that all the seats close to the floor go to the all the stars that just sit on their dead asses! And that PA announcer has to go!!!
He generates no enthusiasm at all. It's as if I was watching a pre season game that had no meaning to anyone whats so ever. I know the Lakers will be back next year and I hope Kobe will too.
ace
Posted by: ace | June 18, 2008 at 06:27 AM
we need artest. the celtics are going to get better. ray allen , cassell, and house may be a little older - but ainge will figure out how to improve his team. to stop the celtics, hornets, etc. next year we need a stopper at the other guard spot. sasha, farmar, etc. didn't have the speed to close out the three point shots which artest would have stopped. the truth is that we got pao and we'll have bynum, which is awesome, but our bench didn't deliver. bring in artest somehow.
Posted by: jojo | June 18, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Mike T.
I respect your points regarding Kwame Brown and the defense that he brings. But if the lakers can't beat the jazz , spurs or suns because they add Kwame Brown then they should pull out of the league. If those teams look at making off season moves and think they will make a championship run by only signing Kwame Brown the ticket holders and espn will ask for refund from the nba. He would help the end of their bench but will not be the deciding factor as to who comes out of the west next year. You have got to be kidding me right. I would not try to resign him. Let him be and sign with who ever he wants to. Good Luck. Do the lakers need to play better defense and get more defensive minded. Your absolutely right. But.....
To everybody and Mike T.
The lakers had a great run. Losing the championship in the fashion we lost it in looks real bad to the point of almost embarrasing. But let’s not forget the championship was earned by the boston players and doc rivers. But was also given to them by Kevin Mchale as well. I am not going into all this conspiracies stuff because you still have to play the games but will say this. The hate for the lakers from the celtics lives on it started in the off season when the wolves would not trade us Kevin Garnett. I don't know if we would have won the title with kg but the celtics would not be champions I know that for sure. Lets look at the lakers offer and what the wolves got in return.
Celtics offer
Wolves got
AL JEFFERSON
THEO RATLIF (CAP SPACE)
GERALD GREEN (WAIVED NOT IN LEAGUE)
SABASTIAN TELFAIR (DOO DOO)
RYAN GOMES (DOO DOO)
FIRST ROUND PICK
Celtics got
KEVIN GARNETT
A FIRST ROUND PICK
Lakers offer
Wolves would have got
LAMAR ODOM (GOOD BUT IF YOU DON"T LIKE HIM CAP SPACE NEXT YEAR)
ANDREW BYNUM
KWAME BROWN (DOO DOO BUT CAP SPACE but Also still a young big)
1ST PICK
TAKE BACK A HORRIBLE CONTRACT
IE MARCO JARIC OR TROY HUDSON TO GIVE YOU MORE CAP SPACE.
Lakers would have got
KEVIN GARNETTTAKE BACK A HORRIBLE CONTRACT
IE MARCO JARIC OR TROY HUDSON TO GIVE YOU MORE CAP SPACE.
You can't tell me that lakers offer was not better. I just don't see it. I am not just saying it because I am a lakers fan it is just the truth. Also one strong point on my side. Kevin Garnett had to be talked into going to the celtics. He did not want to go. He has a home in Malibu Angeles.
Would bynum had made a difference. I think so. I am talking about bynum and gasol. Once we made the gasol deal I just kept saying wait until we get bynum back and have the two of them together. Could we have beat the celtics or got to the finals if bynum did not get hurt and no gasol deal. Well hard to say yes but also can’t say no a 100 percent either because his game is more powerful than gasol. But even if we don't make the gasol deal I am sure they would have used kwame's contract to make some other deal which would have helped us. Would of could of should of. The lakers had a great season hold your heads up high the future looks great. The celtics were the better team. The celtics were built to make a one year run and they did it. With the right moves I like our chances next year. I am not comparing Kobe to Michael. I am only bring it up because they run the same offense and people keep saying kobe is not Michael. He is not be for sure But remeber this. Michael won championships six times. First three the bulls had two and a half hall of famers. Jordan, Pippen, (horace grant and cartwright) equal the half LOL. The last three with three hall of famers jordan, pippen and rodman. The celtics have three future hall of famers. Pierce, Kevin garnett and ray allen. The lakers have kobe and no other future hall of famers. The lakers gave us a great season. The future is whole lot brighter than it looked in October of 07.
Posted by: HEN1040 | June 18, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Good morning Laker Nation,
I know this wasn't the ending we wanted but as a true Laker fand I'm happy with the fact that we got this far even with all of our injuries. This journey has only just begun for us. I do agree we need some defensive pieces but that'll be easy to do over the summer with most of the league seeing L.A. as a true contender now.
Have a great summer everyone. Let's enjoy the Olympics and get back to work in a few months.
LAKERS FOR LIFE!!!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 18, 2008 at 06:37 AM
troy, if you´re gonna bash pau at least get his birth town right, he´s from sant boi (in Cataluña,Spain) not Madrid. He´s far from being the softy you hysterical zealots picture him to be. best player in spains league with most championships won....winning is his only mentality....playing with a bunch of kids around him with no skill except for kobe and sasha....plzzzzz stop the whining and go have a nice holiday in Madrid,Spain.....all that smog in LA is skilling the few neurones you have functioning...
Posted by: diegs | June 18, 2008 at 06:39 AM
The perfect additions to this team to add heart, tenacity, and defense would be Alonzo Mourning for our bench and bring in Ron Artest as a starter. Phil could manage Dennis Rodman, he should be able to manage Ron Artest. Mourning would bring a level of defense and heart that is infectious and spread throughout the team. Someone please give Kupchack a call.
Posted by: CharlotteLakerFan | June 18, 2008 at 06:44 AM
I do not think that I shall ever see
anything as stupid as Mike T.
MJT
Posted by: MJT | June 18, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Mike T,
Am I missing something? Kwame Brown was big but he was repeatedly called soft by his coach and the media. He contributed nothing on offense or defense. The only thing he was good for was fouling and dropping passes and missing layups. At least Pau give the lakers some offense. Is Kwame a personal friend of yours or something. Kwame is not even good enough to be in the NBA. Had Jordan not drafted him #1, he would have been out of the league by now, but because of his salary he is great commodity to trade to dump salary.
Posted by: CharlotteLakerFan | June 18, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I have a conundrum. I'm running out of room to hang all of my boston sports championship pennants. What to do, what do...?
Posted by: Beantownie | June 18, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Did the Lakers think this was a practice game?!? How come none of them showed up? I guess Kobe's big head got in the way of the basket. He should learn from the Celtics and Paul Pierce that it takes a TEAM effort to win!!!! And a lesson from Rajon Rondo, you don't have to be big to be GREAT!!!! Look out for Rondo in the future!!!!!
Posted by: Madeline Hastie | June 18, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Phil Jackson time as coach for the Lakers is up! JBuss needes to pull him in as soon as plane lands, and fire him on the spot! And hire Tom Thibideau as new head coach! Or Micheal Cooper!
Posted by: chuck23 | June 18, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Mike T.....Great to have you back.....You made some pretty good points.
Its one thing to have Kwame on your team but its no help when he is injured 90% of the time.You mentioned a while ago that the Lakers wouldnt beat teams that played structured basketball ..Go back and check ..The Spurs and the Jazz play very structured ball and we beat them..The Celtics played great defense all year and deserved to win that i agree with you but Kwame is not the answer .The Spurs won it all with Elson as the center didnt they?..
Defense starts on the perimeter and that was our biggest problem....
Nice to have you back...
Posted by: Thirty2 | June 18, 2008 at 07:17 AM
If I fire all the players you talk about who will play next year.
Why don't we trade pau for kwame brown?
Posted by: Carlos | June 18, 2008 at 07:19 AM
AK/BK
You got it right.
Mike T and others (on both side of arguments) show No Class!!
This is a time to reflect. Cool down. And as the summer progresses, put this season in perspective.
Changes will have to be made later. Anyone talking about it know is just over-angry and out of control.
Still, Thanks to each and everyone of you for all the highs and lows we shared together.
I finally retired my grungy season-long Lakers hat for a new one from my daughter.I'll wear from Today until the end of next season.
On to Next Year.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | June 18, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Good Morning Family!
MAMBA24 - Please put me on the 2009 Championship bandwagon. It's never too early to get started.
I'm treating yesterday as if I were Ray Allen and I missed a jumper - have a REAL short memory, and do what I can to get ready to put the next one in the hole.
Congrats to the Celts. I'm looking forward to seeing you next year!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 18, 2008 at 07:27 AM
One word, embarrassing! No effort, no character, no heart. No room for any comparisons between Kobe and MJ any longer, if there was any doubt. 23 would never let his teammates surrender themselves to this type of sport humiliation. I was watching the game from Europe and must admit I haven't seen a team so outplayed, it was like losing 10:0 in soccer. A beautiful season was ruined by such a bad and sad ending. The team has to get tougher and Zen must separate the men from the boys, the Lakers from the Fakers: Core (Kobe, Bynum, Fish, Pau), Useful but replaceable (Sasha, Ariza, Farmar, Mihm, Ronny), and "Get rid Off Them" group (Odom, Walton, Radmanovic).
Posted by: sead94 | June 18, 2008 at 07:32 AM
MJT :"I do not think that I shall ever see
anything as stupid as Mike T."
ROFLMAO!!! THANK YOU MJT I NEEDED
THAT! BUT MIKE T. IS GOOD PEOPLE, HE
JUST SOMETIMES LET'S HIS PASSIONS GET
THE BEST OF HIM.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 18, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Kwame Brown over Gasol? LOL!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 18, 2008 at 07:39 AM
wow what a lousy way to end the season, but we lost to a much better team with much better coaching! The Lakers are simply a very soft team as constructed by all the players brought in or drafted by mitch kupcakes! The bottom line is that we are looking to european players ala dirk who simply cannot play physical basketball required to finish in the nba.Bynum wouldnt have made any difference so lets not fool ourselves....We need to let sasha go,vlad go,ronnie co, luke go,and lastly lamar!! Pick up chauncey billups for lamar, sign james posey along with a couple tough guys and insist on a strength conditioning coach for Gasol or move the only man softer than whipped cream.
Posted by: michael pass | June 18, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Beantownie - it's easy. Just throw away all the tainted Patriots pennants because of illegal taping, and all the Celtics pennants because (1) illegal screens and (2) won when NBA only had 9-11 teams. Not so many left, no?
Posted by: Soundwave | June 18, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Beantownie, I can think of a few places where you can stick those pennants!
Anyway, how can you count the first 12 when there were only 6 teams in the league. I think 50 years from now, just as the MLB only counts records in the "modern era" of baseball, the NBA will only allow the 5 championships won after 1970s. It's not like we would say the Indiana Pacers won 3 championships because they won 3 with the ABA.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 18, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Beantownie, I can think of a few places where you can stick those pennants!
Anyway, how can you count the first 12 when there were only 6 teams in the league. I think 50 years from now, just as the MLB only counts records in the "modern era" of baseball, the NBA will only allow the 5 championships won after 1970s. It's not like we would say the Indiana Pacers won 3 championships because they won 3 with the ABA.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 18, 2008 at 07:43 AM
H Chen,
Good post.
The intent office was not to maximize the Lakers chances for this season, but to build for the future. THe fact that they got as far as they did is a testament to the ability of PJ and Kobe to mask the flaws on the team.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 18, 2008 at 07:43 AM
REPOST FROM GAME THREAD:
K-Bros,
I will be looking forward to the exit interviews.
PLEASE, make sure to ask the players (when you get a chance) what they will be doing to come back stronger next season.
Lamar: weak outside shot, if the guy could hit 35-40% from downtown, he'd be unstoppable
Vlad: Do I really need to point out the obvious. The guy he guarded all series just won the finals mvp
Walton: The guy cannot shoot the rock. There's a lot of other stuff he can't do, but if if he could hit the open J 45% of the time, he'd be worth getting some pt.
Ariza: I think he's already working on his J (he had like 4 months to work it, but no time to show it off)
Gasol: I know you're in the Olympics and all, but damn, get your butt in the weight room. 3 months of iron and your game will improve 50% because you won't get bullied around so much. Don't believe me? Ask Bynum.
Bynum: Same ole same ole.... but I'd like to see him (in addition to being the beast) to show up with fancy footwork and the masterful skyhook
KBROS,
do you think you could ask these guys about their off season plans? I want it in print for Mitch to see... who's a keeper and who's trade bait.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 18, 2008 at 07:43 AM
If there was one SF the Lakers should go after, it should be Richard Jefferson. Plays D, unselfish, tough, battle tested(2 Finals appearances). Trade straight up for LO. I like LO but he'll be expendable once Bynum is back.
I'm sure NJ can be talked into taking LOs expiring contract that is 14mil. They can also use him w/ that team.
Harris, Carter, Nachbar, Odom, Diop
Lakers
Fish, Bryant, Jefferson, Gasol, Bynum
Looks good to me.
drefdeezy
Posted by: Drefdeezy | June 18, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Larry of LA:"The Journey is the Destination."
Outstanding brother!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 18, 2008 at 07:48 AM
I agree with Baywood regarding changes.
I'm not really calling for changes. I think the players each have something to work on (as noted above).
I would, however, be in favor of bringing in Ron Artest.
I had actually changed my mind during the season and did NOT want to bring him in, but I do now.
Why?
Two reasons.... first, it gives us that many more options, both on defense and on offense. Worst case scenario, we can cut him in mid season (we'll never be under the salary cap anyway). Second, if we sign him, that keeps him from going to San Antonio (and that would be a disaster for us).
I am assuming that we can get him for the MLE and not some fancy sign and trade. In the latter, I doubt I would make a deal for him.
Second change I would make, and one that I hope to the lord that PJ and Mitch see is vital...
HIRE A DEFENSIVE COACH.
We have a shooting coach. We have a triangle expert. We have the greatest big man ever to work with the bigs. We have the best assistant coaches in the league and we have (I still say this is true) the best coach in the game and perhaps of all-time.
Give us someone that can focus strictly on defense 100% of the time. We need a guy that can spend all day compiling individual and team defensive tactics against all the teams and opponents that we'll face.
I know for a fact that many NBA players simply are too lazy to do this for themselves (on an individual level)... I don't know that about our team specifically, but I bet having someone be able to do this would be a huge benefit.
Michael Cooper would obviously be the person that comes to mind, but I wouldn't just stop there... probably a lot of smart defensive minded people that would love to take on a job like that.
Mitch, PJ... make it so!
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 18, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Troy,
The Lakers would not have even made the playoffs, let alone the finals, without Gasol. And Gasol played very credibly against Garnett and Duncan, two of the all-time best. You consistently ignore that because of some personal animosity towards him.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 18, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Just wanted to say Great Job this Year 2 The Lakers. What a turn around year. We didn't win it all this year but I think we will next season. Just work on the D maybe make some trades & we will Win it all. Even if we don't make any trades we will be a whole lot better on our D.
The Lakers will win 68 games or more next season.
Posted by: Lakers Fan Since 83' | June 18, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I've watch the lakers all year and they were pretty good. But I've also realized that they are pretty soft up front which was exposed during the finals. Lamar Odom is a bargining chip, I think the lakers should explore him with the likes of either Jermaine Oneal or Ron Artest or possibly Alonzo Mourning. You cant go wrong with either or the lakers should be set if they can pull that off.
Posted by: D.T. | June 18, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Mike T.
Do you really think that if the Lakers had not traded for Pau that they would have finished as the number one seed and won the WCF? I will grant that Pau is too weak to hold his own as center and if I were him I would get my ass in the gym build up some serious strength in the offseason. He doesn't have to become Hulk Hogan, but just more to withstand some banging.
I also think you are selling Bynum short. The kid was improving tremendously and he had improved his strength from season to season. Now the key will be his health after the surgery and his mental ability to trust that the knee is fine. I am not sure he would have made this series a victory but not having your true starting center certainly doesn't help, don't you agree?
Kwame certainly had value to this Lakers team. His physical prescience would have been nice, but he was also a liability, just like Pau has his good points and bad points. But if Bynum and Pau are in their natural positions power forward and center I would submit that is better than having just Bynum or just Kwame on the floor since they couldn't play together because neither is a threat with a mid-range jumper.
The Finals as a whole was an embarrassment to me. I felt the Lakers had too many guys that are soft mentally. Kobe, Fish, Farmar, Sasha, Rony and Ariza all play with passion and seem to want to win bad. They made mistakes and I hope will work on their weaknesses over the summer. Lamar, Vlad in particular don't seem to get it. Luke and Pau I am not sure about. I think Pau is OK but Luke sucks, get him out of there. Mihm, I think played hard in the past but not playing for the better part of 2 years needs a full camp to see if he can play and then make a decision. It is easy to say he sucked in his few minutes of play, because he did, but I wouldn't base getting rid of him solely on that.
Finally there still is a lot to be excited about this. If you would have said at the start of the season the Lakers would fall just short in the Finals, most of us would have said that is crazy. Give us our starting center healthy, our best perimeter defender fully healthy and in game shape and our backup center, Mihm healthy and in game shape I like our chances. The Lakers have gone through a tough series and have had their heads handed to them. At camp they will pull together, have a whole season getting their act together, especially on the defensive end. They need to maybe tweak the roster a bit, but for the most part it is good to go. The players I would like to see gone most are Luke and Vlad. Get a defensive minded forward and a bigger combo-guard that can shoot and defend.
I think after the sting of this loss fades, the reality of what a good job Jackson did will come to light. Sure there are things that can be questioned, but that he took a squad with no experience, went through significant changes in personnel during the season and coaxed them to the Finals. That should be appreciated. That is not taking into account all the crap with Kobe before the season. It is quite remarkable that the Lakers finished with the best record in the West over teams with more talent that have been together longer. Appreciate what was accomplished rather than dwell on the negative. This is over, move forward, it is part of the process that will put the Lakers back in their rightful place as Champions of the NBA!
Peace,
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | June 18, 2008 at 08:02 AM
mamba- add me to the bandwagon!
Go Lakers... Forever!!!
Posted by: Keifo | June 18, 2008 at 08:02 AM
mamba- add me to the bandwagon!
Go Lakers... Forever!!!
Posted by: Keifo | June 18, 2008 at 08:02 AM
To Sead94 & All of you people criticizing Kobe. You keep forgetting that he has an injury
that would have put in other player out for the season. An injury to the finger
on his shooting hand. HIS SHOOTING HAND. think about that. And yet in spite of this
he not only completed the season, not only won the MVP, not only led us to the
WCF final, but to the finals as well. I'd like to see that MF Jordan do that. The
one game in the playoffs when MJ had food poisoning and scored 38 points
the people were raving like he was a god. Here we have a man with a finger
that was sliced to the Bone on his SHOOTING HAND and managed to do all
he did. I would call that greater than any MJ performance. Greater
than any Tiger Woods with his hurt leg performance. In fact I wouild say
that is the greatest performance in the history of sports.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 18, 2008 at 08:06 AM
"Make all the excuses you want, and Lakers fans will, but the Lakers lacked the competitive drive the Celtics exhibited from start to finish in this series." - TJ Simers
Competitive Drive= Lack of toughness, mental and physical against the Celtics.
Competitive Drive= Lack of heart, ballz or a whatever it takes to win attitude.
The Celtics are the rightful Champions because they sweated competitive drive, toughness, heart, and a win at all costs attitude.
Make all the excuse you want. The better TEAM won.
Posted by: Greg | June 18, 2008 at 08:08 AM
*_____________________________*
2009 Championship BANDWAGON
*____________________________*
(01) Caliphilosopher - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Riding shotgun
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 18, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Good "mourning" LAL faithful friends!
Well, I too am sad but all is not lost. I am GHF and see the bright future. I am not bummed out about the team because this is a team. I felt much worse in 2004 knowing that the collection of talent and personnel would never be together again. But remember - they didn't want to be together either. This TEAM truly likes each other!
This group learned about team this year which is far more vital and important for the long-haul. They experienced this loss together. For the good of the franchise MVP didn't take over (not that he really could have).
But we know essentially all of the pieces that got us to this place will be back again. I agree with Faith and others - a few tweaks - here and there and hopefully good things will follow. It might be good for the team to be the favorite next year because with that will come increased focus on the things that need to change - DEFENSE!
I see really good things ahead and can't wait the 105 days until training camp. And like East Coast Jessie said - we can enjoy the Olympics. Because we know that a couple months after that begins a new season for this Lakers TEAM!
I look forward to a Summer of trade discussion and Laker gossip with all of you!!
Thanks AK/BK - your insight, viewpoints and love of both the Lakers and the game have been really amazing!! And to all the bloggers for making this a really great community.
Mamba24 - love and will miss the roll call. Utz - the prayers were uplifting. Thanks to all the girls on the blog - its been fun knowing there are other women fans as crazed about the purple & gold as I am!!! Thanks Charles, Rick F., LakerTom, Bozz and other regulars too numerous to list - you guys have been great. Lastly, thanks to the trolls - I have no doubt we will hear from you again at some point next season.
GO LAKERS - still believe!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 18, 2008 at 08:08 AM
I'm not for trading anyone right now... who knows what the season will bring, but not right now. Give our guys a chance to work on their game over the summer.
Now of course, this precludes some ridiculous blockbuster (that I don't see will happen)...
Who can we get for the MLE?
If Artest opts out and will take the (small) pay cut (MLE) then I say bring him in. If it doesn't work out, just dump him... but keep him from San Antonio.
Projected Line-Up:
1. Fisher/Farmar
2. Kobe/Sasha
3. Artest/Ariza
4. Gasol/Odom/Turiaf
5. Bynum/Gasol/Turiaf
What made the bench mob so potent was that you had a guy named socks coming off the bench! You MUST have a huge offensive threat to thwart the defense and create opportunities for others. You must also have players that can capitalize on those opportunities.
With this personnel, it's very deep and you can effectively have MULTIPLE OFFENSIVE THREATS in the game at all times.
You have Artest + Bynum and role players? Check
Kobe + Artest? check
Gasol + Kobe? check
Gasol + Artest? check
Pretty much you can stagger the line-up throughout the game in a way that allows you to get the most out of your bench players. Those guys need open looks, you don't expect Sasha to create....
It's a 10 person rotation for crying out loud, with very few weak links. I did leave off Rad & Luke because they would become situational subs (but this depends on who or who doesn't improve their game this summer)
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 18, 2008 at 08:08 AM