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
Mamba,
With you all the way. As I've said before, you are a Sage!
BTW, ever single superstar in this series has had a horrible shooting series. Including the newly anointed Paul Pierce. So, why is Kobe the chocker when all four of them couldn't shoot a lick?
You know how that happened? Both teams brought it on the defensive end. The Celtics just played D for longer stretches and with more consistency. That's the whole Finals right there.
Every Hall of Famer in this series stunk it up if you are going to use meaningless stats to make your points.
Also, last I checked, most of Boston's Big Three's made shots were open looks. Kobe had exactly two open looks all series, they were in game four, and prophetically (I guess) he missed them both.
But, how does anyone with any intelligence compare one dude's contested FG% against another dude's open FG%? I don't get it. Kobe shot 42+% for the Finals while seeing only 2 open looks over the course of 6 games.
When the Lakers played D against Pierce, he shot 26%? Against KG, what did he shoot in those games? 14%. That's what HE shot under duress! How about Death Ray Allen? Oh, when D-ed up, he was a no-show! That's what?!
Boston has three perennial all-stars! The Lakers one. We took them to six games anyway.
'Nuff said.
I ride or die with my Lakers.
Period.
Mamba, you keep speaking the truth, brother!
--Fearless
F the Celtics!
Posted by: Fearless | June 18, 2008 at 12:00 PM
BTW,
The reason why almost every team in the League runs a playbook consisting of nothing but a variety of pick and rolls is because as the rules have been constructed by the league, no team can adequately defend against it on a consistent basis.
Not just the Lakers. Everyone.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | June 18, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Mamba24, your point about Kobe injury is valid but I feel that he still lacks some mental toughness as a leader. There is improvement for sure but much more is needed to be done. He has to push people to be "meaner" on basketball court, not to act like British Royal members there :) Of course this is all Spartan type of critic towards Kobe and Lakers as we really can't wait to see him bring the trophy back to LA.
Posted by: sead94 | June 18, 2008 at 12:06 PM
The lambasting last night by Boston reinforced my earlier take of the Lakers major weaknesses in the area of mental toughness.
The intrinsic quality of every championship-contending team is the will and determination to persevere and battle through adversity. The Lakers as a team lack the constitution necessary to win the championship, as evidenced in last night's deplorable exhibition.
The nucleus around which the team is build is still there, with the presence of MVP Kobe, a select few member of the bench, and the coaching staff. However, to return to championship glory in the foreseeable future, there must be some modification to the roster that would enable the team to be more of a physical, intimidating presence in the low post. A healthy Bynum will provide certain infusion of that low post presence, but there needs to be more from the 4 and 3 spot and the bench. In the highest level of bastketball competition that is the NBA Finals, the key component of the Lakers "Big Three" imploded big-time per usual (see Lamar and Pau).
I anticipate a few changes in the off-season with perhaps certain subtraction of Lakers deadbeats and malingerers (see the invisible man LO, space cadet Vlad and B-B-Q magnate Fluke Walton), and possible addition of defensive ballers, such as Ron Artest, Chris Wilcox et al, who will change the mindset of the team from offensive to defensive and provide much needed physical reinforcement for Kobe.
Overall, the team overachieved given the path it had to travelled from last summer's tumult with the Kobe episodes, to being hamstrung with ongoing injuries to key players, to reaching game six of the NBA Finals. In that respect, the 2007-08 season was still a success despite the painful loss to those bums from Boston.
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | June 18, 2008 at 12:15 PM
*_________________________________*
Kambrothers thank for all you do for us
and making this Blog the best in the West
and getting 2 awards bandwagon
*______________________________*
(01) DAVE M. THANK YOU BOTH
(02) TOAD - They deserve some praise
(03) MAMBA24 - you guys are gods to me.
_____________________________*
Lakers Today, Lakers Tomorrow,
Lakers Forever - 2009
CHAMPIONSHIP BANDWAGON
_________________________________*
(01) MAMBA24 – I'm proud of my team and don't
give a d@mn what anybody else thinks
(02) KEIFO – bleeds purple and gold Go Lakers... Forever!!!
(03) MrbarneyDangles - IM REALLY REALLY PROUD OF THIS TEAM NOTHING
TO BE SAD ABOUT GUYS.
(04) CaliPhilosopher - 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
(05) JustAnotherMambaFan - I love our team! We have MUCH to be proud of.
(06) DAVE M. - . Crappy loss, yeah. But, we had an awesome season. One of
the truly storied rivalries came back to life. Our team is good, they grew much and
now we have the summer (07) BAYWOOD - I have retired my last season Lakers
hat (it is thoroughly worn out) for a brand new one from my daughter. I'll wear
everyday until the end of next season. 08) PsychedLakerGirl
(08) JEFF - My name is Jeff, and I'm a Laker for life. My name is Jeff, and I love my
team.Next year, fellas! Next year! we're gonna bring the parade in 09!
(09) PsychedLakerGirl - Might as well get an early seat to the parade.....
(10) Thomas - sometimes the best team does not always win in a series - ie the 2004
finals where the Lakers were the better team but lost to the Pistons. this year, the
Celtics were the best team in the NBA and the best team won.
(11) HMRHED - Laker Nation: If someone told you a year ago -- OK here's my offer
the Lakers will make the finals next June and lose, but the team will be much better in
2009, would you have accepted?
(12) FAITH - I'm not guaranteeing we will be back. But I don't see why not if we put in the
work, and we learn from this. Rick Fox had a good line last night.."you don't want the
players to be still stuck on this 4 years from now, what you want is for them to learn from
it, to use it as motivation and let it go." I know we're all about championships...but we
mustn't overlook what we have accomplished this season. It's been a fairy tale
season. It just has "to be continued" after this chapter. Go Lakers! Keep your head
up laker fans. Have faith.
(13) TIM-4-SHOW - do not worry, we will be in title contention for the next five years.
(14) JON K - We'll be stronger next year. The future is bright, even if today sucks.
(15) THE OUTLAW - Yes, my heart is broken, too. But I still love this Lakers team.
I excited to see what happens over the summer, but not today. I'm not going to talk
trades today. Today is a day for solidarity. I still believe.
(16) LAKERFAN24 - The future is bright. Thanks Kobe for your effort.
(17) COMPLEX BROTHA - the best you can do is SLAM a coach and a Team that
has allowed you to brag about the NBA well into summer? I spit on all you bastards
you can kiss my ass!!! I'm a Laker for Life!!! Not just when we win Banners..
(18) GAKEWALK - ... Let's get it next year!
(19) KOBESBAD - Great Year. We will be better next year and with a healthy Kobe
and AB, should bowl through the league.
(20) JANAYA - What an awsome season!! Not a finish that I would want, but who
EXPECTED to be in the FINALS????
(21) STEVE - The Lakers, absent major injuries, are poised to make championship
runs for the next 3-4 years. I am proud to be a Laker fan for 37 years and proud
of their season. GO LAKERS!
(22) JAMIE SWEET - All in all a great season, we have got an MVP for Kobe, a trip
to the Finals and the emrgence of several young guys.. Good job, Lakers, it was
a great run. I'll take it over a first round exit anytime.
(23) LAKER KEV - ) We'll be more experienced and hungrier next year
(24) – LAKER BANDIT - We will be the team to beat in the west for the rest of
the decade.Be here every single day until tip off for next season. Great ride:)
(25) LAKERgIRL1980 - I am so PROUD of our team, yes they gave up last nite,
but I think they knew they would lose and they put all the effort in Sunday's game
to avoid the celebration on staples floor. next season for that will be our time for sure.
(26) SHARPER – we’ll be back And we're bringing Bynum this time...
(27) LAKERS UNSTOPPABLE - with Bynum joining the MVP and PAU we will be
unstoppable next year. I anticipate 70 or so wins and a stroll through the playoffs.
(29) CS - We finally have the sort of team we've been wanting
(30) ERIC M. It is ALL GOOD. Next year we'll be better, and win it all.
(31) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - T IS NOT OVER! WE WILL BE BACK!
(32) ScorpionMike - OUR TIME HAS COME!!!
(33) MIKE C. WE'L BE BACK The future is very bright,
(34) MAGICMAN - We've got a VERY bright future ahead of us boys
and girls. The good will FAR outweight the bad in the coming seasons.
(35) THA_SHOW do not worry, we will be in title contention for the next five years.
(36) HMRHED - . Next season will be outstanding
(37) THE OUTLAW - Yes, my heart is broken, too. But I still love this Lakers team.
I excited to see what happens over the summer, but not today. I'm not going to talk
trades today. Today is a day for solidarity. I still believe.
(38) CHARLES - I am a real fan of the Lakers. I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!
(39) MOB WAGONEER – ON TO NEXT YEAR
(40) LAKERSMR - We've got a young, exciting team that looks ready to seriously
(41) SANTIAGO YEE - It's been a good year, next year Iis Lakers Year.
(42) RICK FRIEDMAN - . I love our blog family and I love our team. Go Lakers!
(43) #4 - Proud of what they accomplished this year.
(44) CHE – GO LAKERS GO KOBE WE’LL BE BACK
(45) STEVEN V. - We'll come back next year and play another good year.
I expect to see the Lakers in the finals next year.
(46) FEARLESS – WE’LL BE BACK BETTER THAN EVER
Posted by: mamba24 | June 18, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I loved what Thibodeau did on 2nd quarter with a new mixture. I was up on my feet, wide eyes! couldn't beleive the team he's just thrown on the court.; WARRIORS, the arsenal team. WOW! (Do it again next year man)
Phil Jackson must of seen it too being there. But did he react? Wonder what he thought about this?
Now, if you look at the videos of Game 1, 2, 4 and 6, check out the defense of the Lakers and you will understand.
Game 6: Pau Gasol is running after the ball like a kid instead of CONCENTRATING of WHO he is suppose to screen. By trying to run Here and There, he's lost it. He is actually hillarious to see on the videos.
They were nervous, and so were the Celtics. Any team is nervous at the playoffs, your mind thinks at 500 mile and hour so you must concentrate and think clearly of your action in a fraction of a second. That needs training and team complicity.
I saw and felt something rather funny about the Lakers, seems like each players at some points, wants the ball for himself to score instead of passing it on and on to an open player. Game 6: Pau has the ball, i screamed to my TV : PASS IT YOU GAZELLE, LOOK IN THE CORNER, Odom is alone dam! Nope, he keeps it to him struggling with 2 celtics buzzing over him than throws it but WHAM ! He misses the throw. guess what happened next?
Those kinda plays kills a team, to much EGO!
So i hope the Lakers will review all the playoffs videos and SEE IT for themselves, how of a selfish play they're in and get into a team play instead. It's not a race of whom scores the most but let's get the ball in the bucket as a team.
Have a nice summer all.
Posted by: Zone | June 18, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Thanks Boston/LA for the great opportunity here for the Cetics to shine one more time. It's been too long. Please don't feel too badly all of you on the West coast, as many here on the East coast were not watching any of the embarassment, as it was midnite every nite!
Posted by: Shelley in MA | June 18, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Thanks Boston/LA for the great opportunity here for the Cetics to shine one more time. It's been too long. Please don't feel too badly all of you on the West coast, as many here on the East coast were not watching any of the embarassment, as it was midnite every nite!
Posted by: | June 18, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Does anyone know what brand of cigars Red Auerbach preferred? I owe a box to a friend in Boston.
Posted by: Harry in LB | June 18, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Blame Phil and Kobe of course...BUT....no coach and MVP player can win a Championship by themselves. Not possible.
Pierce had KG, Ray Ray and some quality support, Duncan had Ginobili & Parker, The Pistons have several players that made it happen for them in their championship run. Please tell me one person on the Laker team that exhibited any meaningful fight in them over the 6 game series besides Kobe. Just one!...It is an embarrassing to have a front line of 6-10, 6-10 and 7-0 and not be able to rebound, not be able to establish an inside game. The all ran scared. Tissue Paper is sturdier then that front line.
Get me some defensive intensity. Where is Kurt Rambis, AC Green and Michael Johnson.
Posted by: DL Rogers | June 18, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Thanks go to the Lakers for a wonderful season which revived belief in the possibility of success in the post-Shaq era.
Thanks to the LA Times for their (usually) great coverage of the team, especially AK and BK for this excellent public forum and this post in particular.
With all the Celtic loving and Laker bashing that is going on today, it is nice to see someone keep the larger perspective close to heart. The Lakers were lucky to get so far considering the injuries and the crazy Western Conference. The truth is, I fully expected the Lakers to be more exhausted at the end of the season than the Celtics, who cruised to a 66-win season with relative ease (thanks to the almost non-existent competition in the Eastern Conference).
For all those on this point who feel the need to bash the Lakers, Kobe, Phil Jackson or anyone else representing the Purple and Gold - GO SIT ON IT!!! You have no right, at least put your vitriol in its correct place, on some Celtic website!
Just because Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant are widely recognized as being the best at what they do, doesn't make them infallible and doesn't mean they should be branded losers when they don't win it every time.
For that person Jason Aho who insists on pointing out that Kobe doesn't historically shoot well in the Finals I have one question - Does Shaq get Finals MVP and do the Lakers collect those three championships without Kobe? Didn't think so...
Posted by: LA J | June 18, 2008 at 01:41 PM
The most shocking aspect of this past series was that all of the so called experst picked the Lakers in 5, 6, or 7 games. We in Bean town knew then what the rest now know - Defense wins championships.
The Celts played the best D of any team in the NBA all season. They were never perfect, but simply put, they are the best.
Posted by: Boston Boy | June 18, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Kobe can't even get his post game comments right. 2nd place is the LAST to lose, not the first. Don't pay this guy a max contract. If he wants to go, let him go. Him and Buss destroyed this team. Shaq has 4, Kobe has 1 and 1/2. He rode Shaqs back for the three he got. The last time they both lost, Shaq was shooting around 67% and Kobe wouldn't feed him the ball. He shot then just like shot this time. He might be very talented, but he's unpredictable, immature, and hard to play with. You need a point guard on this team, not a ball hog Kobe. And someone light a fire under Phil, he sounded halfway into the grave.
Posted by: Alaskan Nebraskan | June 18, 2008 at 02:07 PM
To Phil Jackson and the entire Laker team .Ya otta all be ashamed of yourselves to even be wearing those jersies.
You all gave up like a bunch of "FRENCH SOLDIERS" on national prime time television!
I'm an obvious Celtics fan and was psyched that we were playing L.A. but, man I guess the Cleveland series was really the championship series after all.
Posted by: j.crowe | June 18, 2008 at 02:22 PM
lakers need to play TEAM defense instead of holding each other accountable for their guy unlike the celtics whom hold the team accountable for defense.
on offense lakers need to move the ball before trying to do one on one stuff. they tried to win the game individual in the second half and that didnt work
Posted by: kman | June 18, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Celtics In Six -
Congrats are due for your team. They showed plenty of heart, drive, and mental toughness (say it 4 or 5 times, like Doc Rivers).
I am looking forward to seeing the Celtics in the finals next year - we should have a center who is burly enough to push Perkins back.
Thanks for being cordial. I hope you enjoy the parade tomorrow!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 18, 2008 at 02:50 PM
pmac,
I think the Celtcs fans behavior on this blog speaks for itself. Just classless. Every time you win anything, you act like you've never won anything before. Like the guy that dances for 10 minutes after scoring a touchdown.
I've lived in Boston for 10 years. A total dump, especially southie. pmac, now I actually feel sorry for you. No job, no future, cousin for a girlfriend.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 18, 2008 at 02:52 PM
MIke T-- Let me tell you something right now. KWAME BROWN SUCKS. He does one thing well-- position D-- other than that he is a complete liability. Can't catch, can't finish, can't shoot, can't pass, horrible confidence, smashes people's birthday cakes, and has the lowest IQ in the United States. Pau Gasol is not a great center, but he is a good player and a HELL of an upgrade over Kwame Brown. I'm hoping that you are just on here trying to agitate people, because if you are serious you are a huge moron. Next year we are rolling strong-- Lakers enter camp next year with renewed purpose-- Lamar develops a consistent J and mans the 3, Bynum holds down the 5, Gasol (hopefully with a little added bulk) plays the 4. All 7 footers on the front line with a big 7 footer in the middle. We own the boards. KB is back with a vengeance and Farmar takes over starting PG duties... Mike T, you are the Kwame Brown of bloggers-- I wish I could trade you for the Pau Gasol of bloggers but nobody is foolish enough to make that trade again-- so we are stuck with the Kwame Brown of Bloggers-- which is why this blog will never get out of the 1st round.
Posted by: Big Al | June 18, 2008 at 03:23 PM
The tales between two teams:
Celtics espouses defense for a full 48-minute period.
Lakers espouses ball movement and spacing within the Triangle Offense.
Defense versus Offense -- pick your poison.
Judging by the victors in last night's contest, I believe that Defense is the preferred choice.
The case for picking defense over offense: It's the only constancy in the game where effort and determination are required despite whether shots are falling. Offense can come and go, but defense will always be present because it's based on energy and sheer will and determination, which will always prevail over offense based on the history of the NBA Finals, which has always been awarded to the best defensive teams.
Lakers should embrace the philosophy of defense more so than the Triangle Offense. The team must add into the mix this off-season those who are defensive-minded and can raise the level of physicality and toughness among the team.
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | June 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM
scorpiomike-- Please take your nonsense phil-osophy and go home. Phil Jackson builds dynasties. It would be easy to watch last few games and think Phil gave up on his team-- but Phil wants them to feel the pain, see the need for commitment on D, etc... For him, scraping together a buch of adjustments and trying to eek out a win-- which he knew probably wouldn't happen anyways-- was not as valuable for the team as was the expereince/pain of getting thrashed on the biggest stage. Watch how they come back next year-- Someone else said it best-- Phil doesn't coach play to play or game to game- he coaches season to season-- by the time his teams mature they don't need someone sitting over them barking out instructions and stressing the need for D, etc.. -- they have it programmed into their DNA. Phil knows what he's doing-- we needed this asskicking and we will be stronger because of it. Also, stop all this talk about Ron Artest-- at a cheap price sure, but I'm not parting with LO for Artest-- LO played well this postseason (don't forget about our best series victory- Utah- LO was a beast)- he is still young and learning and finally becoming a warrior. Artest is going to be our D Stopper coming off the bench- he was a great pick-up-- caught glimpses of what he brings in 08- in 09 he will be a D Force. Relax people-- sans crazy injuries titles will soon be coming to LA.
Posted by: Big Al | June 18, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Celtics are awesome this year - and they will also continue to be awesome next year - watch out again Lakers - they have your number.......
Posted by: kris | June 18, 2008 at 03:45 PM
The series went as predicted by intelligent basketball fans. GREAT Celtics defense took care of a mediocre Laker offense. As a life long Celtic fan I was glad to hear the hype from the Laker Lovers. 2-1 favorite to win the series?? Are you kidding me. I'm surprised your team did as well as they did. The West is soft and it showed. That Laker team would not have beaten any of the top 3 teams in the east, and in the end really stood no chance against the best team in the league. They should now focus on learning how to play defense instead of crying about the officials. Kobe gets every call and we all know it.
Posted by: Jack | June 18, 2008 at 03:49 PM
The arms race has already begun based on the recent article on teams bidding for the services of one, Ron Artest.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9112
Lakers need a shut-down defender of Artest caliber if they're to shed its defensively soft image.
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | June 18, 2008 at 04:34 PM
TTT ODOM
TIME TO TRADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TG | June 18, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Forget the Lakers or the Celtics, McMillan's Blazers are gonna take it all next season!
Posted by: blazed | June 18, 2008 at 05:01 PM
it's a learning experience. i feel really bad for our team, you know we have to endure another long season before we can finally say that we're back on top of the world. but hey, life has to move and just learn from it.
the lakers will be back next year with vengeance. it's like 1986. boston wins it, but the lakers will have to take the following seasons back-to-back. this time, it may probably be longer like back-to-back-to-back.
Posted by: erick_truelakerfan | June 18, 2008 at 06:31 PM
put me on the 2009 bandwagon, mamba. go lakers! let's roll!
Posted by: erick_truelakerfan | June 18, 2008 at 06:33 PM
People, people, people! If anyone didn't understand that the Lakers acheived very well by just getting to the Finals, then they don't know NBA! By my count, 3 Superstars beat 1. Argueably Kobe would be the first pick, but then you would take Peirce, Garnett, and Allen before any other Laker. What if Boston had had Gasol and Sahsa and the Lakers had Garnett and Allen, duh! Probably a healthy Bynum would have been a nice addition and that moves Rad to the bench! Give Boston credit for great defense and Rivers for making better adjustments than Phil! I certainly think people make to much of Kobe having to do it all. What did Jordan ever accomplish without Pip (scoring titles, no rings!) and let's see, Pierce won how many rings with out KG and RA and visa versa, visa versa? Okay Mitch, go after Artest (he adores Kobe) and offer him the Vet Exception and some commercials! Dump or trade VR and LW. You could actually sign Kwame as backup to AB perhaps? I've never quite understood why people dislike Kobe, other than MJ and Tiger, I don't know anyone that wants to win more than him! One last comment for the Kobe haters, one more year and he's FREE if he chooses to be and could go anywhere (especially if he takes the Vet Exception, he cetainly doesn't need the $$) and LA gets NOTHING back!
Posted by: DJ2NYY | June 18, 2008 at 08:56 PM
sclakerfan,
Wrong again!! As a Boston fan I act like the fact that Pats have won three championships, the Sox winning two championships and the Celts back on track winning an NBA final and more to follow against the sissy lakers...that's how I act....typical sissy lala land moron....Boston and New England for that matter is the place to be.....it's blue collar, hard working, never say die attitude. Just like the people who live in New England so goes the professional teams, never say die....you know like Game four....what a moron, you still don't get it living out in lala sissy land.
Posted by: pmac | June 19, 2008 at 05:06 AM
Hey laker fans get over it YOU LOST LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!Why not talk to Jack Nic.A.K.A.the joker your mascot and see if he and all his bling hollywood friends will throw you a much deserved pity party.....or give you some names of their hollywood friends that can get you over your whiney attitudes...... Boy this blog sucks with cry babies!!!!geeeze....... The best team reigns THE BOSTON CELTICS AND THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Posted by: chiefy | June 19, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Lamar Odom. Can someone tell me which cannabis clinic he frequents? He ought to be a poster boy for sloth, smiling through adversity, jaking it and overall not earning one's paycheck. How many times does this overpaid weedhead drive to the hole without an idea in his smoke-befogged head, only to dish it into the stands or throw up a certified brick from seven feet? And then he smiles! It must be amusing to underperform and still make $14 million a year. Not for long, Lamar Odious!!
Posted by: david was | June 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Lamar Odom. Can someone tell me which cannabis clinic he frequents? He ought to be a poster boy for sloth, smiling through adversity, jaking it and overall not earning one's paycheck. How many times does this overpaid weedhead drive to the hole without an idea in his smoke-befogged head, only to dish it into the stands or throw up a certified brick from seven feet? And then he smiles! It must be amusing to underperform and still make $14 million a year. Not for long, Lamar Odious!!
Posted by: david was | June 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM
We finally got that elusive #17. I was frequently checking the blogs in LA during the series and I noticed 2 things about you Lakers fans.
1.) You guys are passionate about your team no matter what is going on, there is always hope and you guys showed more hart than even your own team did in that last game. I have NOTHING but RESPECT for you guys, it was a hate, hate relationship between our cities but man it was fun.
2.) I have always thought that LA was just a bunch of fan wannabees but other than all the wannabe celebs that sit courtside that really just do it for the exposure, you guys really have a lot of knowledge about your team and the league and minus a few homers that said it was all Lakers in 4, you guys knew that it was going to be tough. It was fun interacting with you guys are really most of you guys are classy and true fans. Hope to see you all next year.
GO CELTS!!! WE ALREADY WANT #18!!!
Posted by: Finally got #17 | June 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM