In case you hadn't heard, it's Lakers-Celtics
Which, in case you haven't heard, is a matchup capable of invoking the proverbial trip down Memory Lane, a voyage that doesn't even require any actual walking or driving, just a basic cable subscription. The pairing of these particular teams is also bar trivia fodder for the ages. Hell, it's even got nickname bragging right implications, once you break it down to the nittiest of gritties. Of course, what's truly amazing about the power of this specific showdown is how much adrenaline it manages to provoke, even when, to be perfectly honest, these Finals are more the beginning of a brand new, totally separate chapter than the continuation of a true rivalry. But as long as it still means something to somebody, your average red-blooded NBA fan is likely to be all geeked for Thursday to finally arrive.
If you're a numbers cat, you'll dig this here postseason analysis.
It remains to be seen whether the Lakers retired Robert Horry when they retired the Spurs.
Refs to the Commish: Stay classy, Dave.
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Yipee!
Posted by: Grady | June 01, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Boston has no answer for Kobe. NONE.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | June 01, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Question of the day?
Since Bynum is the only Lakers that is inactive for the entire playoff, does that make him the only Lakers that is without a ring if we win the Championship?
Posted by: PJ Doubter | June 01, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Open letter to the leaders and experts of the Laker Blog
Edwin Gueco
pslakerfan
pig miller
faith
utzworld
Kiss my big green celtic butt u big cream puffs...hhehehhe..Your about as sharp as a bowling ball folks. If u think the Lakers will be dumping on the" GODS"of basketball: Boston "CELTICS" the greatest team ever assembled.
Posted by: Larry Bird | June 01, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Let the games begin!
Posted by: chuck23 | June 01, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Crazy western conference race. Kobe for MVP. Lakers vs. Celtics. This may become the greatest basketball season ever! Go Lakers
Posted by: T-Rock | June 01, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Since we're all deprived of anything worthy on television today, I've found some extracurricular reading assignments in today's Washington Post.
1. Wilbon on the upcoming series: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/
2008/05/31/AR2008053102331.html?sid=ST2008053102443
2. Kupchak Profile:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/
2008/05/31/ST2008053102443.html?sid=ST2008053102443
3. Kupchak Moves:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/
2008/05/31/AR2008053102334.html?sid=ST2008053102443
These links are ridiculously long, so I cut them into two lines, so as not to stretch out the blog.
Nice to see the Lakers getting a little love from the East Coast.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 01, 2008 at 10:45 AM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
TODAY JUNE 1ST 2008 1:01 PM
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MVP, OUR TEAM, OUR ORGANIZATION AND TO YOU, GUYS, TRUE HIGH-CLASS FANS OF THE GAME= HAPINESS AFTER FIVE GAMES= LAKERS IN FIVE
FRIDAY NIGHT, AFTER THE EAST GAME, IT WAS VERY SCARY TO SEE HOW MUCH ANGER, THOSE CELTICS HAVE INSIDE OF THEM TO BEAT LA= LOW-CLASS, MISSING LOVE AROUND THEM.
HOW BEAUTIFUL AND MAGIC OUR TEAM WAS AFTER THE GAME LAST THURSDAY= ALL THE PLAYERS SMILING AND SAID THE BUSINESS IS NOT DONE YET=LOVE AND CONFIDENCE INSIDE OF THEM TO GET THE OBRIEN TROPHY.
REMEMBERING THE SMILE OF KOBE MAKES ME THINK ABOUT THE SONG OF ALISON KRAUSS: "WHEN YOU SAY NOTHING AT ALL" VERSUS BEAT LA OF BOSTON:
The smile on Kobe Bean Bryant face, let's me know that he needs the O'Brien Trophy more than anyone else.
There's a truth in his eyes saying he'll fight with determination, strength, passion and class until the end.
The touch of this hand says he'll win it with the help of his beloved teammates and make us proud to be a Laker for life.
ONLY ONE HISTORY, OUR TEAM MUST KEEP IN MIND IS 2004 WHEN WE LOST MISERABLY AFTER A SUPERBE JOURNEY= WIN GAME1
DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY; OUR TEAM AND THE STAFF LEADING BY THE REVEREND PHIL JACKSON WILL GIVE THE APPROPRIATE BOOK FOR THAT LAST BATTLE.
WE WANT, WE WANT, WE WANT = WIN #1
JUNE 5TH, IS MY DAY, KOBE'S DAY, OUR DESTINY= LOVE AND WIN
20 FOIS SUR LE METIER, REMETTEZ VOS OUVRAGES=PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
PASSEZ UN BON DIMANCHE ET UNE BONNE SEMAINE AVANT LE JOUR J WHICH IS JUEVES.
MEANWHILE CHECK MY HI5= SHINE DIMARTINI IS MY NAME ON THE PAGE. GUYS, YOU WILL SEE MY LOVELY PEOPLE= SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE.
BESOS
SHEKOBE AK SHINE DIMARTINI ON HI5
Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 01, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Atlanta taught us something, and if we dint larn it good enough, Cleveland taught it to us a second time:
Boston can't guard THE MAN.
They had trouble with Joe Johnson. They had big time trouble with Lebron. They got past the Pistons because neither Prince or Hamilton is THE MAN.
Now they must face the Maestro...
Ray Allen is 33, Pierce is 30, Posey (all twelve minutes of him) is 31. That's it, folks. That's all they got. Those three HAVE to play 96 minutes a game, and two of them have to make jumpers in the fourth quarter for them to have any shot at all. Opposing them at those two positions are Vlad (25 or 26), Luke (27-28), Ariza (22), Sasha (24), maybe a little Odom here and there (29?) and of course the Maestro (29). Let Ray Allen run all those screens - we'll chase him. Depth and age are on our side, not to mention that we'll make him work his A** off on the other end. Let Pierce iso against Vlad...and then Luke...and then Trevor...and then Mamba. Will those jumpers still fall at the end?
We have home-court, they say. We had the best record all year, they say. Our team defense is awesome, they say.
Dallas said all 'dem same things last year, but they couldn't guard THE MAN, and B. Davis ran them out of the playoffs.
To win the ring, you have to either stop THE MAN.
Or be THE MAN.
Who are we kidding?
Lakers in 5
Posted by: karyanr | June 01, 2008 at 11:01 AM
One aspect LA should look at in this series is bang Garnett around as much as possible.
Living smack in the middle of enemy territory has given me ample opportunity to watch and/or listen to many of their games, and if their opponent du jour plays KG physical, more often than not he disappears in the fourth quarter.
While he usually starts out aggressive and very active (look for him to dominate the first quarter) , by the fourth, he turns into something akin to the kid that never gets picked for a team untill the very end...deer in the headlights look if the ball goes to him. KG's tendency late in rough games is to resort to overpassing and fall away jumpers that hit front rim instead of taking it hard to the basket.
Push that Gremlin. Shove that Gremlin. Show him who's his Daddy.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | June 01, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Rick Friedman
If you'd like to shorten links to a manageable size, try tinyurl.com. It's simple and straightforward.
Posted by: giantsquid | June 01, 2008 at 11:19 AM
With all this talk of Fish can't handle Rondo.
I've got news for you...Rondo cannot handle Fish. Besides, we got ourselves the new RIck Fox and his name is Sasha Vujacic. Hot and a great defender! I'm looking forward to Sasha making his life miserable the way he made Ginobili's life miserable.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 01, 2008 at 11:30 AM
The Marc Gasol Trade
I'm not so sure that Memphis trade was such a gift.
http://tinyurl.com/437mvy
MADRID (ACB) - Spain international Marc Gasol capped his remarkable campaign on Monday by being named MVP of the 2007-08 ACB.
The Akasvayu Girona center, who will play for his country at the Beijing Games this summer, collected 10 more votes from the coaches and 10 more from the players over nearest challenger and good friend, Rudy Fernandez of DKV Joventut.
Posted by: giantsquid | June 01, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Rick Friedman,
You can go to tinyurl.com to change a long url like those into shorter ones.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 01, 2008 at 11:38 AM
We do not have an answer for Pierce. He is the only guard in the league who averages more that 25 points a game against the lakers..He is from LA and he is especially motivated when he plays us..We need to find an answer for him otherwise we are going to be in trouble..BTW, i live in Boston.
Posted by: keen observer | June 01, 2008 at 11:42 AM
giantsquid,
Unless they really screw it up, in the long run the Grizzlies will get the best of that deal, at least in the sense of the exchange of talent. Crittenden looks like he will be a solid NBA player, at the worst, and possibly quite a bit better. M Gasol is promising. The two late first round draft picks should produce quality players, if not stars. And the 9M contract can get them a player who is close to All-Star level. I'm sure in about 5 years, Greg Popovich will apologize for his comments. The timing was right for both teams to make the move.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 01, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I'd love to see Kobe win Finals MVP, too... but I have to wonder: having another Laker get that Finals MVP might be more important to this Lakers squad. Can you imagine Gasol coming away with MVP? Awesome. Odom as Finals MVP? Even better. We all know what the Mamba is capable of doing on the court. If one of Kobe's "wingmen" can become the true Finals x-factor, this series will be over in FOUR.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 01, 2008 at 11:47 AM
as we prepare for the lakers vs celtics finals, let's start with the monicker battle!
C pau "the meal ticket" gasol vs kendrick "perk" perkins
PF lamar "the goods" odom vs kevin "the big ticket" garnett
SF vladimir "rad man" radmanovic vs paul "the truth" pierce
SG kobe "the mamba" bryant vs ray "jesus" allen
PG derek "d fish" fisher vs rajon "johnny" rondo
including the bench, which team has the best nickname?
Posted by: jv | June 01, 2008 at 11:52 AM
just wanted to throw this out there, but i happened to just watch the stephen a smith interview with kobe that was posted on ESPN.
as a fan, i really wish kobe would come across as more human sometimes. obviously im one of the biggest fans of kobe, but it's ridiculous the front he puts up sometimes. for example when stephen a smith asked him whether he had thought of his past finals experience and the journey it's taken him to reach it again this year, kobe gave the typical, standard reply of "no way, i'm focused on this next series...etc.etc." REALLY? even stephen a smith was a little surprised to say the least...questioning whether he really hadn't thought back once over the past 4 years about his last championship.
i dont know if my point is really coming across, but sometimes i wonder...would it really be so bad for kobe to be a little more open? show a little more emotion?
Posted by: k_enny | June 01, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Celtics got their No. 1 status because most of their games were against the weak Eastern Division. If NBA will just change their seeding in the playoffs by ranking the top teams 1 -16 and play each other until there are two remaining teams, I don't think the Celtics will be in the Finals, at most they are ranked as No. 5 in this league behind Hornets, Spurs and Jazz and of course the Lakers. On a given season, they would be on the same level of the Suns.
There is so much overhype on the Celtics big 3 who have not accomplished anything in their NBA career. With the past Celtics, like John Havlicek, Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Jones Brothers, Bill Sharman and Tiny Archibald these are the true Celtics, just mentioning their names gives you goose pimples on their contribution to the growth of basketball in America viz-a-viz to the prestige NBA per se.
How about Kevin Garnett, what has he achieved? He has been 12 years in the league direct from HS like Kobe and known as a Superstar thug who gets in trouble every now and then with his swinging sharp elbows against former teammate Peeler, fellow All Star, Amare. etc and the latest was with a foreign player, Zaza Pachulia. That is not the modicum of Celtic pride and professionalism, that's hip-hop thuggery at its best. Let's look at the undersized Superstar Ray Allen, yes a franchise 3-pt specialist with the Bucks and Sonics now just another inconsistent star. I think he was done after their crushing defeat at the '04 Athens Olympic team by Manu and Argentinian team. That's embarrassing to be a member of the Basketball USA team to be receiving a bronze medal. Sonics traded to save some money. How can you call that a character of the Celtics. Their third star, Paul Pierce because he expected to change team early this year, that could be the reason why he hugging Doc Rivers so tight when they won the ECF, he asked to be traded when he Celts failed to get Oden as a draft pick, he was tired to be in the cellar for many seasons. They couldn't even make the playoffs. So this year was huge change for a Celtic fan at least with the Lakers, we were in the playoffs during the Smush and Kwame years.
If the Celtics don't win this Championship, one of these stars will be traded for a good number of stable players. Why? For 2008-09 season, Kevin will be making $24M, Pierce at $18M and Allen at $17 that's $59M which is already the salary cap, a few more players they will be paying luxury taxes. If Celtics does not regroup, they will be stucked on a quick sand of high salaried players but good enough to engage in basketball brawl.
If you were Bill Russell, will you be proud with latest brand of Celtics talents?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 01, 2008 at 12:16 PM
karyanr
Very good observation..and well put. I als noticed Boston had problems stopping "The Man" but Joe Johnson is no Kobe!..Lebron is no Kobe. What was Lebrons shootin percentage at 1st? Something like High 20's?..Mid 30's? While Boston was on tv screaming "BEAT LA BEAT LA" I believe after the adrinaline wore down and everyone went home..after seeing how they acted on tv..now there like "Damn! Were about to face the most complete team this year with a man the world veiws as the next Jordan..and we taunted him on tv" These Finals will be so intence..Ray Allen will have a slump..which in my opinon renders him useless.
Everybody keeps saying Lakers in 5 or 6..but ill say Lakers in 1..cuz if we take 1 in Beantown the series is over.
Posted by: Lakeraholic | June 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
K_enny
And if he does show emotion then what? I mean isn't it enough that the man Jumps Mambas fr Jackass..or jump cars to promote his shoe? Im glad he gave the answers he gave. In this world peple will try and use his emotions against him wether friend or foe. Im not saying you don't have a legitimiate gripe about his answers..but maybe he's more comfortable the he does things instead of showin a human side as you would say!
Peace
Lakers in 1
Posted by: Lakeraholic | June 01, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Giantsquid,
With Marc Gasol and J-Critt they are prospects maybe for the next five years, while the best of Kobe's years will be wasted. With Pau Gasol, immediate change on Kobe's attack mode with p & r, conversion of new Odom, contribution of the bench and we are now playing in the Championship, that's the greatest achievement of that trade, there is synergism established with the addition of Gasol, Fisher and Ariza. I have faith on the next group of Lakers like Coby Karl and Sun Yue and include here DJ Mbenga & because of our splendid performance this year we will be an attractive team to up-and-coming young players, Euro players and even the established free agents.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 01, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Prediction...... Lakers in 7 games.Celtics will be a tough match.But i belive Kobe,Gasol and Lamar will come bigger than Celts big 3
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA24 | June 01, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Ex and Squid,
Thanks for the tinyurl.com tip. I'll definitely go there from now on.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 01, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Lakeraholic
valid point. im not trying to take anything away from whatever improvements he's made and those videos have definitely been part of that. he's come a long way as it is. i just think he could go even further...
anyhow, im sick and tired of waiting for game 1 to come. here's to hoping they steal that 1st game and start the series off well!
Posted by: k_enny | June 01, 2008 at 01:04 PM
My bold prediction is that Lakers will win the first 2 games in Boston and the chokers will seal their fate. No one will stand in the way of Kobe having that 4th ring!!!!!!!! Lakers in 5, winning on our home floor!!
Posted by: RIZZO | June 01, 2008 at 01:20 PM
giantsquid,
Thanks for the link. As I have noted several times, the trade for Pau is going to end up helping both teams greatly. People have never given Mitch the credit for his draft picks last year. Javaris Crittenton and Marc Gasol will be two key players down the road for Memphis. Makes you wonder how good the Lakers other selection last year – 6-9 point guard Sun Yue from China – will be. He and Mihm may be our draft picks next year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 01:25 PM
My how has the roll call grown. The following roll call was posted by Mamba on May 31, 2007 in "The Morning After" blog. As you can see, I'm still here. Woooooooo!
p.s. Mamba, how come I bumped down on the current list? Anyway, I'm still happy to be in the roll call.
"And now…….ROLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL:
Faith, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith,
TIM-4-SHOW, WESJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOOD, Khang, Bobie,SBPIMP
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, WOW, EXHELODRVR
JJ, AJAX, MIKE T., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, GENERIC_ONE
VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, Tha Show, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild, Laker4Life
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, TWOODY, EASTCOASTJESSIE,
Zakee, Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas,
Fan of Mamba, Mamba24Fan4Life, BlackMamba24, FKilla, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST)
Waterboy, Hariyahu, ADAM KILEY,Bynum=The BigLazy, ZEN, SARCOCOP,
COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude, J.Walter Weatherman, SOCALIFE,
Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Gunner24, GINO,
CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36, PAUL LEE, Jay EL
WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, James da Kingpin, BERKLEYLAKER,
DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, JimBussIsAMoron, JR, Dascilla
GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, TheKobeShow, Jay Jay, TaosHum
Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER LAKER FANS, wiZo, MagicShaq,
HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO, BikBlonde,
ALL TOGETHER NOW"
Posted by: never | June 01, 2008 at 01:25 PM
This is the series that will make or break Kobe's legacy.
Kobe will trust his teammates, but when games are on the line, he will try to take over.
He will either succeed and become a true legend, on the same level as Michael Jordan.
Or, he will fail, shoot a low %, and be subject to extensive criticism till he gets a go at it again next year.
Only reason I'm worried about this series is because if you look at the last series against San Antonio you see that Kobe really carried the team down the stretch. He's an amazing player, but it's hard to believe he can do it all again. Sure Lamar, Fish, and Pau all seemed to make some big plays, but at the same time I got the sense that they got to Kobe-watching in the 4th quarter.
Posted by: Justin N | June 01, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Edwin (& Exhelodrvr)
I don't think it was a bad deal for the Lakers. On the contrary, it was necessary (and apparently sufficient) for the Lakers to win a championship this year. The trade made the Lakers championshiip contenders for years to come, at least until the day Kobe retires.
However, I don't think the deal was as one-sided as portrayed in the media (and by some on the blog). It was actually a very good deal for Memphis. They weren't going anywhere with their team as is. They've added a player that most think will be a solid pro, at the very least, in Javaris; they've added a player that might just be as good as his brother says he is; and they've added cap space and two first round draft choices to boot.
Memphis did as well without Pau as with him last year (which isn't saying much). So losing him and his salary was probably the right thing to do. In two or three years, Memphis will be the new Portland: on the brink of contention. Had they stayed pat they would probably still be in utter disarray in 3 years.
Posted by: giantsquid | June 01, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Hey guys. Just thought I'd let my blogging brethren know that X will be out of Lakersblog commission because I'm getting hitched today at 7:30 ET!
Yes, at the tender age of 22 I'll be getting married. Or as Edwin Gueco likes to say I'll be a Man of Obedience. LOL
I'll be back and blogging on June 8th. In the meantime, I'll leave you with my latest SI on Campus piece.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/sioncampus/
05/30/stacey.nelson/index.html
Wish me good luck in between Lakers blogging!
Posted by: Xodus | June 01, 2008 at 01:30 PM
"Your about as sharp as a bowling ball folks. If u think the Lakers will be dumping on the" GODS"of basketball: Boston "CELTICS" the greatest team ever assembled."
It's spelled [you're] not your. If YOU'RE going to question someone's integrity, at least proofread.
Bowling balls aren't meant to be sharp, they're designed to strike down pinheads like you.
Posted by: never | June 01, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Rick,
Thanks for the links. Most younger Lakers fans don’t remember what a great player Mitch Kupchak was and how much better the ShowTime Lakers would have been if Mitch had not blown out his knee. He was one of the top power forwards in the game and the top free agent with a championship ring from the Wes Unseld led Bullets. A young stud with the drive and heart and competitiveness not unlike Kobe Bryant.
Did you catch the irony that Mitch’s injury occurred trying to avoid charging into Kobe’s father Joe “Jelly Bean” Bryant? I guess that means that Mitch really does own his success as a general manager to Kobe Bryant. LOL.
It was truly a pleasure seeing Mitch hoist the trophy and receive the adulation of everybody there, including KB24. And a crying shame that he lost EOY to Ainge. If the Lakers win it all and dominate next year, that grievous mistake will be rectified and Mitch will win his well-deserved award: NBA EOD (Executive of the Decade).
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 01:52 PM
DEFINITELY WORTH REPEATING…
“…the Celtics, behind Bill Russell's 30 points and 40 rebounds, would go on to win 110-107 and win Boston's fifth NBA title.” – ESPN about Game 7 of the 1962 NBA Finals.
“The problem is, the dude has been in the league for 13 years and I'm still wondering, he's a big ticket to what?” – Bill Plaschke about Kevin Garnett’s nickname.
“If the Lakers' Phil Jackson wins his 10th title, breaking a record he shares with Red, here's hoping he'll smoke a championship cigar as a tribute.” –Bill Plaschke about Phil Jackson and Red Auerbach.
“It was the Celtics' Danny Ainge who pocketed – literally – this year's tiny executive-of-the-year trophy. But it was the Lakers' Mitch Kupchak who deserved it.” –Bill Plaschke about the Lakers and Celtics general managers.
“Bryant has one round and one opponent standing in his way. His path, however, is not impeded by Dennis Johnson.’ –Jeff Miller for the OCRegister about Kobe.
“If you were Bill Russell, will you be proud with latest brand of Celtics talents?” –Edwin Gueco for the LA Times Lakers Blog.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Lakers Celtics?! Woo Hoo! Basketball's exciting again!
Lane
http://LosAngelesSource.com
Posted by: Lane | June 01, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Posted this on my blog a couple days ago ... I was at the Game 5 closeout, went home and typed and posted this:
29 For 60
Tonight the Lakers beat the defending NBA champions to advance to the Finals.
In their sixty years in existence, the Lakers have gone to the Finals 29 times. This is a record of excellence unrivaled in any professional sport. Off the top of my head I can think of only two franchises that compare --
New York Yankees: 105 years old. 39 World Series appearances -- a 37% clip.
Boston Celtics: 62 years old. 19 Finals appearances -- a 31% clip.
Milwaukee/Los Angeles Lakers: 60 years old. 29 Finals appearances. A 48% clip.
Now, the Celtics have won 16 of their 19 appearances; the Lakers have only won 14 of their 28, so credit to the Celtics there. Oh, and speaking of the Celtics --
F*** the Celtics. I mean, f*** them. OK, but seriously, what I mean is: f*** the Celtics forever. F*** the Celtics, f*** the Celtics. F*** f*** f*** f*** f*** the Celtics. May God Smite Them, f*** the Celtics. May Allah and Yahweh and L. Ron Hubbard and the Justice League Smite Them, because, f*** the Celtics. May Zeus, Mithras, Mike Tyson and The Rock Smite Them, f*** the Celtics. May Mohammed Ali and Sean "James Bond" Connery and the '85 Bears rise up with the strength of their vanished youth and Smite Them, because f*** the Celtics. In church when they sing "Halleleujah," you sing "F*** the Celtics," because it's the same number of syllables.
F*** the leprechaun. F*** Red Auerbach. F*** Red's ghost. F*** that rotten cigar. F*** Boston Garden. F*** the current building because I can't remember which evil corporation is currently paying to slap its name over the entrance. And yes ... f*** Bill Russell. F*** Bob Cousy. F*** K.C. Jones. F*** Tommy Heinsohn. F*** Dave Cowens. F*** Larry Bird. F*** Frankenstein McHale. F*** Danny Ainge. And slap him a good one too. F*** that stupid parquet floor. F*** their 16 championships in 19 tries. F*** Kevin Garnett. F*** Paul Pierce. F*** Ray Allen.
F*** the Numbers 00, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 32, 33, and 35. F*** "LOSCY."
F*** Johnny Most. F*** the color green. If I owned a green shirt I'd burn it but I don't own a green shirt because I f***ing don't wear green clothes. No offense to the Irish since I'm related to some of those bastards, but f*** the Irish and f*** St. Patty's Day for allowing the Celtics to associate with it.
Yes, and I say this with sincere, mature reflection: F*** Boston.
I'm ready for the Finals now.
Posted by: FatSam | June 01, 2008 at 02:07 PM
I'm a super Laker Fan, but I'm not sold that we're going to beat Boston. True the two games were last year....but something still worries me greatly.
I'm thinking this might be a 7 game series - and if so, we'll lose, because of the fact that it's an away game. We desperately need one of the first two in Boston to have a for-real chance.
Something about Boston is really bothering me - I have a latent-like feeling about their plans for the series. In addition, while Bill Simmons is a Celtic Fan, what he wrote does nothing to assuage my concernment.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 01, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Well this waiting game sucks. I'm surprised to see the Lakers are such favorites in Vegas (-200) for the series. Even moved up from -180 meaning everyones putting money on the Lakers. I mean I expect them to win but I don't think its a gimme by any means.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 01, 2008 at 02:19 PM
LAKERS-CELTICS? WHO RESET THE TIME MACHINE?
by Art Spander for InsideBayArea.com
http://www.insidebayarea.com/raiders_rebuild/ci_9445894
“Eight times the Celtics and Lakers have played in the NBA finals. Eight times the Celtics win. Until 1985. Until after Game 2 at the old Boston Garden, another bit of history long gone, Jack Nicholson, who made the trip, stands up and gives the crowd the choke sign. The curse is finished.”
This is LA’s answer’s to Red’s lighting a cigar. LMAO. Good article by Art Spander. Not only will we ruin Boston’s comeback year but it will make us 3-0 in the Finals since 1984 and may slam the Celtics new championship window closed and nailed shut.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Dear Vladimir,
Regarding your upcoming tussle with Misseur Pierce: Paul may perhaps be more "ghetto" than you - he believes this to be his strength. But while his upbringing may have included an unhealthy indoctrination into the "street life," I am certain that his homeland has never been bombed flat by the U.S. Airforce, and that his notions of inequity and ethnic strife could best be summed by the words "what up, homie." His idea of "revolution" is limited to an aging roller coaster at Magic Mountain. His struggle to escape the street pales in comparison to yours and your countrymen (both present and former members of the Republic, many of whom, whether right or wrong, died for what they believed in.)
Be that as it may, and to address a more practical issue, Misseur Pierce drives to the RIGHT to set up his spin move; he drives LEFT seeking space for the midrange jumper. Seldom does he "take" left all the way. So, then, to best reduce his offensive effeciency, crowd his left shoulder, understanding that he will dribble right. Then, stay on his left shoulder all the way to the painted area, denying him the spin back to the middle. He is a poor right-handed finisher when forced to jump off of one foot.
I understand that it will not always be easy for you - Misseur Pierce is not a "one-trick-pony." But he is no Carmelo, either, and I believe that your effort against that foe was an unsung reason for the first round sweep.
Thank you, for all your hard work, and your ability to sternly deny your critics any untoward satisfaction.
Sincerely,
A sympathetic voice.
Posted by: karyanr | June 01, 2008 at 02:28 PM
AK/BK
Ever read about the frog who dreamt he was a prince and became one? Except for the name and a few other changes, the Lakers story’s the same one …
I have to make two confessions to our blog community, and hope that yaw’l will understand.
I’m glad it’s Boston we will beat for the championship. I promised the powers-that-be that if we got Boston I would become a member of the Dodgers blog even though I am a Mets (You gotta believe!) fan. I don’t think that if you’re a true Lakers fan that you can ever pass up a chance to beat Boston.
This has been a surreal season and it can only end fittingly with a Staples celebration of a beat down of Boston … You gotta believe! Truth is stranger than fiction. We are not talking just fairy tale, we be talking Hollywood baby!
As a young man I came of age with Magic Johnson, and he’s the reason I am a Lakers fan today. I am torn right about now though. I am one of those people who do not believe Michael the dark angel would’ve won his two threes if Magic hadn’t been forced to retire. I believe with all of my heart that the Magic man would’ve gotten a couple of those. I think a lot of fans today don’t realize that he was FORCED to retire in his prime, and at the top of his game.
But as much as I idolize Magic, a part of me is beginning to think the man Kobe Bean Bryant may be even more special. To my heart of hearts this is treachery and blasphemy. I know that I am already an idol bigamist but is it possible that Kobe may supplant Magic as the GOAT of my Lakedom? And if Drew even begins to come close to Laker Tom’s prediction of his potential I may even become a serial idol bigamist, no?!?)
Anyway, congratulations to the Lakers family from our section here in Belize, Central America. Yes, we have the flags, the 24 (and 08) jerseys, the game parties, the hootin’ and the hollerin’, and, of course, courtesy of the worldwide web, the award winning Los Angeles Times Lakers blog.
Big up, big up …… we’re the freaking Lakers!
PS: Although we're in the middle of Tropical Storm Arthur we're still celebrating the Lakers winning the WCF! No rain can't stop this reggae jam!
Posted by: Glenn | June 01, 2008 at 02:28 PM
=== The 1-Star v. 2-Star Matchup Will Decide This Series ===
It occurred to me, that the matchups really go like this:
Kobe v. Ray & Paul
and
K.G. v. Pau & Odom
Basically, which one star can play the other two to a standoff? Can one outplay two?
That will basically decide this series.
Can Kobe score 30-35 pts, hold down Paul to 15-20 and keep Ray and Paul in foul trouble?
Can K.G. still get 20/10 and not be in foul trouble versus Pau/Odom? Is his 20/10 going to offset Pau/Odom or will they each get 15/10 to overpower what K.G. does...
This is a very interesting dynamic.
Posted by: Korey | June 01, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Xodus,
Congratulations on the Big Move, Karl. May you enjoy a lifetime of love and happiness together. And excellent job on the interview with the soft ball girl. You should consider moving to LA in the future. Word is that there may be some openings for a rising young journalist that knows how to write and loves the Lakers on the LA Times since their current roster sucks. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Glen,
Hero polygamy is totally acceptable when it comes to the Lakers. I became a Lakers fan in 1971 because of my love for Wilt Chamberlain and never left after Wilt retired. Then came Magic, like you my GOAT as a former point guard. Then as a Bruin, how could I not love and root for Kareem once we got him. And the way that Kobe has played, I have to put him in there, too. Finally, as you aptly noted, I have already reserved a place for Andrew Bynum, the Beast.
Let’s see. Wilt, Magic, Kareem, Kobe, and Drew. Wait, I can’t leave off Jerry. OK, I will have to give Wilt a special place as my first NBA hero. That way I will have room for Jerry on my Fab5. So here it is, LakerTom’s Fab5 Lakers: Jerry, Magic, Kareem, Kobe, and Drew. That’ll do even if it makes me a 5 time hero polygamist, although 3 of heroes have retired but the future looks bright with Kobe and Drew.
By the way, my Celtics Fav5 (a misnomer since I hate them all, but based on respect): Bird, Russell, Havelicek, DJ (maybe best defensive guard ever), and Kevin McHale. Notice that none of these guys are on the current Celtics team? Yeah, that says it all, doesn’t it. Excellent post, Glen. Definitely Finals quality. Keep it up.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Hellloooooo my fellow Laker fans,
Every NBA analyst...except for the obvious hater Tim legler has pciked the Lakers to win...haven't we been saying that all along, even when they were drooling over the Celtics.
Let me say something to all those who have any doubt that the Lakers are more than capable of taking the Celtics.
The Lakers knocked off a 50-win Denver team, a 54 win team in Utah, and a 56 win ex-championship team in San Antonio...and all in 15 games.
The Celtics were scared by the 37 win Atlanta team, scared again by the 45 win Cleveland team, and given a good run by the 59 win Detroit team.
We are battle tested. People talk about Boston's defense...yada, yada, yada...what about San Antonio's defense? The only player we do not match up well with is Kevin Garnett...he can't win it alone. We've got the advantage of a deeper team and most importantly...we've got the killer Mamba.
Lakers in 5!!! I've got my Lakers gear ready to wear here in Boston all week. I have a group of Lakers fans going to each game here in Boston and we'll be sure to represent.
Yeeeeeaaaahhh baby!!! GO LAKERS!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 01, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Xodus,
Mazel Tov! The lucky lady is getting more than a "Man of Obedience." She's getting a damn good writer and student of the game. Much happiness to you both.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 01, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Reeeeeeeeeeeeespect Chuck!
When the Chuckster said on TNT that this may be Kobe’s best Lakers team, his broadcast panel were incredulous. But the Round Mound of Rebound was Profound – here’s a team whose diagnosis is that they are not anywhere near their potential, and whose prognosis is that they will get so much better and too soon for the rest of the L.
I note that nearly all the times I have tuned in to the conversation, with Kenny, Ernie, Magic and whosoever, it has been Barkley consistently giving the Mamba props. I say respect to The Gambler, he saw the Lakers championship train a-coming on down the tracks.
Posted by: Glenn | June 01, 2008 at 03:56 PM
It's okay Celtic fans
At least you will still own an 8-3 record against us in the NBA Finals
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | June 01, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Xodus,
Congratulations!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 01, 2008 at 04:30 PM