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.
Edwin,
That was a great article by Rosen, who naturally is always in his buddie Phil's pocket but justafiably so.
One thing you can count on is you're doing well if Rosen gets behind you. He is a tough but knowledgeable critic.
Keep hanging the next three days, Edwin, or I will go crazy with nobody to blog with. LOL.
By the way, I plan to come to LA for the parade so we will have to finally get together in person - all us Kambros bloggers. Pass out name tags and let the fun begin. Maybe have Mike T. show up as a guest act. LMAO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 09:54 PM
AKI/BK
While there's a break in the action, I was just wondering if you guys reviewed any of your Blue and Gold podcasts?
Tech aside, how would you grade your A/V personas? Is there a writer/ on air personality you'd pattern yourselves after? Do you agree with Costas that sports reporters are just shouting at the screen these days?
It appears most sportswriters want to marry their print day job with a nice on camera gig. Do you guys have eyes to go in that direction?
Do you think you're amped up enough for a guest shot on Pardon the Interruption?
Posted by: Vman | June 01, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Does anyone remember the fire alarm pranks at the Lakers hotel in Boston?
Posted by: SoSmooth | June 01, 2008 at 10:01 PM
congrats Xodus!
Posted by: CBuck | June 01, 2008 at 10:09 PM
LakerinBC,
Thanks you very much for the link to the Andrew Bynum article. It really brought tears to my eyes hearing about Andrew’s pain for not being able to share in the joy of the Lakers winning the Western Conference Championship. That was so sad, especially considering how absolutely crucial Drew’s emergence was to the Lakers rise this year. Anybody who thought Pau did a great job against Tim Duncan should read this article to remind them of how great Andrew Bynum was and is going to be. Here is a quote:
________________
“Without Bynum, the Lakers' biggest weakness is post defense. Gasol had no chance against Duncan, who averaged 22.4 points and 17.2 rebounds in the Western Conference finals and finished with a Game 5 triple-double.”
“Bynum faced Duncan just once this season, but get this -- that was Duncan's worst game of the season. He had five points and five rebounds in 31 minutes, going 2-for-13 from the floor and turning the ball over four times. Bynum, meanwhile, had 11 points and 12 rebounds, no turnovers, and was 4-for-5 from the floor.”
“Andrew Bynum whipped Tim Duncan's ass.”
________________
I hope Andrew’s teammates, including Kobe, do a far better job next time to include this special young man when we celebrate winning the 2008 NBA Championship. Drew’s the player that saved the franchise this year and returned Kobe Bryant’s heart to the Lakers.
I love Pau and everything he has done for the team this year and will do next year but the guy for whom my heart tearfully breaks and exultingly sings for now is Andrew Bynum. Drew will become the player to follow and perhaps one day succeed Kobe Bryant as the greatest player in the NBA and maybe the greatest center to ever play the game.
The Lakers are on the verge of building something very special and unheard of in sports: a dynasty anchored by two franchise players. Not MJ and Scotty or Batman and Robin.
Better than Shaq and Kobe. A super duo that will rival the great Magic and Kareem. The greatest guard and the greatest center ever playing together in the primes of their careers, Kobe and Drew will have a chance to eclipse what Magic and Kareem accomplished.
Laker fans and players, don’t forget Andrew Bynum and what he had meant to our team. I know that Drew or somebody in his or the Lakers organization will read this. Please know how grateful and proud we are of your championship-caliber play and Kobe Bryant worthy effort for the Lakers this year. Get healthy and know you ‘re truly in our hearts. Next year you will have an opportunity to take this team to unheard of levels. Be patient. Your time will come and your reign will last a very long time. Thanks, Drew.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 01, 2008 at 11:21 PM
I know this is long and I apologize in advance. This is from a Laker fan on a Celtics blog. It is in response to a Celtic fan claiming that Jordan would never disrespect his teammates like Kobe did. Enjoy.
Jordan quotes:
"I hate being out there with those garbagemen. They don't get you the ball."
"They've got no idea what it's all about. The white guys, they work hard, but they don't have the talent. And the rest of them? Who knows what to expect? They're not good for much of anything."
"I know what's gonna happen. We'll wait until the last minute and then they'll say something like they couldn't get a deal done because of the cap or somebody pulled out at the last minute. It happens here all the time. I don't know why I'm surprised every year."
"He can't do anything with the ball. Don't give it to him." - Michael yelling at Paxson who passed the ball to Perdue
"You ever hear of a guy, six-eleven maybe and two hundred sixty pounds, a guy big and fat like that and he can't get but two rebounds, if that many, running all over the damn court and he gets two rebounds? Big guy like that and he gets one rebound. Can't even stick his [expletive] into people and get more than that...Big, fat, fat guy. One rebound in three games. Power forward. Maybe they should call it powerless forward." - Michael ripping Stacey King a new one
"He was scared in there and panicking. He just lost it when Stockton scored." - Michael on B.J. Armstrong's mental fragility
I'll let them stand up and take responsibility for themselves."
"We have to do some things. We need to make some changes."
"...I call them 'the Looney Tunes.' Physically, they were the best. Mentally, they weren't even close."
"He's scared. He's got no heart...Nobody told me that. If I had spoken up, he wouldn't have been here."
"I know I can recognize what to do, but I'm not sure they can."
"It's a hell of a lot easier to make Earl Monroe look good than it is Brad Sellers."
"I hope there's a jumpshot in there." - Michael to Stacey King who was walking into the locker room with a box
"They don't need a ticket to watch you sitting on the bench. They can go to your house for that." - Michael to Charles Davis who was sorting through his tickets for his family and friends
"Give me the [expletive] ball." - Michael to Doug Collins who drew up a play for Dave Corzine
"I hate when I have to read that in the papers the next day, that I couldn't do something. It wasn't my fault."
"You're an idiot. You've screwed up every play we ever ran. You're too stupid to even remember the plays. We ought to get rid of you." - Michael to Horace Grant
"If you [pass the ball to Bill Cartwright], you'll never get the ball from me."
"We're not winning because of talent. We're just beating bad teams."
"Headache tonight, Scottie?" - Michael asks Scottie, while showing him his 2-for-16 line
"It's probably a twelve-day. He needs two days to wake up." - Michael on a ten-day contract teammate
"Five more years and I'm out of here. I'm marking these days on a calendar, like I'm in jail. I'm tired of being used by this organization, by the league, by the writers, by everyone."
"They're not interested in winning. They just want to sell tickets, which they can do because of me. They won't make any deals to make us better. And this Kukoc thing. I hate that. They're spending all their time chasing this guy."
"If I were a general manager, we'd be a better team."
"Will Vanderbilt. He doesn't deserve to be named after a Big Ten school." - Michael on Will Perdue
"I want to prove the critics wrong...I want to see some serious moves from management, which I really haven't seen that much of yet, and I want to see more serious attitudes from my teammates this year when it comes to the playoffs. In the past, it's been more or less a joking thing, sort of a 'Well, we're here, so let's have a good time.'"
"I'm sure everything will be fine if we win, but if we start losing, I'm shooting."
"I know what I would do if I were coach. I'd determine our strengths and weaknesses and utilize them. And it's pretty clear what our strength is."
"Your boy doesn't want to play. I'm tired of bailing his [Swearing is not permitted at **********. You must edit this post prior to submitting.] out." - Michael yelling at Jim Cleamons about Dennis Hopson
"I don't know about trading a 24 year-old guy for a 34 year-old guy." - Michael questioning the Oakley trade
"He's causing me too many turnovers." - Michael on Cartwright's inability to catch
"Why the hell don't you ever set a pick like that in a game?" - Michael yelling at Perdue after also hitting Perdue upside his head (led to the institution of the private curtain for practices)
Posted by: pslakerfan | June 01, 2008 at 11:38 PM
LET KOBE BE KOBE...
Enough with the comparisons with Mike.
Let the future stars be compared to him AND Mike AND Magic AND Bird AND Jerry AND Oscar AND Wilt AND Bill AND so on and so forth.
There is still a big task at hand.To get to the top of Everest...to win the 2008 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.
This Lakers team are not resting on their laurels. They know what's at stake and what is still needed to be done.
Rest assured everyone on the team would be focused on one goal and one goal only!
LAKERS IN FOUR!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | June 02, 2008 at 01:21 AM
*_____________________*
More Frequent Blog Post
Updates BANDWAGON
*____________________*
(01) Laker Tom – Owner & Great Poster
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
*______________________________*
Lakers 80-2 in 2009 BANDWAGON
*______________________________*
(01) Corner J. - Owner & Driver
(02) Mamba - Seeing is believing
*____________________________*
"Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*____________________________*
01 EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
Posted by: | June 02, 2008 at 05:08 AM
*_______________________________*
I HATE The CELTICS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – Owner & Driver
(02) FEARLESS – Co/Driver
(03) LAKER TOM – CEO – Made an offer they couldn’t refuse
(02) Milo Rambaldi--Team Prophet.
(03) Mamba24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LakerFaze – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse
(06) LakerMan420 – Told Red Auerbach where to put his cigar
(07) HmrHed – Blocked KG’s hook twice
(08) SIimLakerGirl – Reports directly to Jeannie Buss
(09) LakerLegacy – Made Red Auerbach bow down to 9Rings
(10) PigMiller– sent LARRY Bird back to French lick IND.
(11) JEFF - Was born hating the Celtics.
(12) #4 Not only born hating Celtics but will bequeath the hate to his heirs
(13) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(14) JustAnotherMambaFan – Hates them
(15) THE_D – Thinks Celtics fans should go to AA meetings
(16) JON K. - Put the chokehold in the Celtics choking
(17) FLOYD – Fought with Jerry west over who hated Boston most
(18) NEMAIA FALETOGO - Fan of the Purple Hulk - No not K.G.
(19) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(20) CBuck - Played Horse with McHale and made him retire
(21) BZAR - Painted the Parquet floor Purple and Gold
(22) KOBESBAD - Put exploding cigars in Red Auebachs Humidor
(23) EDWIN GUECO – Shaved Danny Ainges hair while he was asleep
(24) JAMIE SWEET - Is not so sweet when it comes to Celtics
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 05:10 AM
HERE'S A SHAQ QUOTE FROM THE SUNTIMES
Shaq Credits MVP Brant to his credit
Shaquille O’Neal the Phoenix Suns center showed that he could be a big person
In more than size – something that has not been easy regarding former Lakers
Teammate Kobe Bryant.
“A few weeks ago, I congratulated him on his MVP” O’Neal said. “He’s actually
playing excellent ball. I have nothing negative to say about him. He’s passing,
He’s hitting the open guy. He’s playing like Mike(Michael Jordan in his Bulls days)
Used to play when he got guys like Scottie Pippen involved and Bill Wennington
Involved.
“If you look at all the situations that me and him went through, if you
Look at the big picture, the big picture was all about winning. And we won three
out of four. So it doesn’t matter. I’d rather have it go down just like that and win three
Out of four than us be best friends and us not win any”
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 05:37 AM
POST OF THE DAY:
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 "
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 06:06 AM
*_______________________*
Congratulationas Xodus on
Nuptials – Bandwagon
*______________________*
(01) Laker Tom - Driver
(02) Rick Friedman - Owner
(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer
(04) PsychedLakerGirl - Will be Flower Girl
(05) Eric M. - Will bring TV to wedding
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 06:31 AM
WILDLY PRO-LAKERS STATEMENTS BY JON K.
Lakers, if you needed a reason to win it...
Lakers, win it for great players like Elgin Baylor who never got a ring after years and years of playing the Celtics in the Finals.
Lakers, win it for Phil Jackson who Red Auerbach openly derided as a coach. This victory will surpass the hate Auerbach in Finals victores.
Lakers, win it for Kurt Rambis, Showtime legend who is in charge of Celtics prep and analysis. Kurt got screwed by complaints of Shaquille O'Neal when he was Lakers head coach. Let's show the world he's a worthy successor to Phil Jackson.
Lakers, win it for Andrew Bynum. Andrew Bynum made both our playoffs and the Pau Gasol trade possible. This victory over the Celtics will shake the league knowing that Andrew Bynum will be back in full strength. Expect other teams to implode in panic by making risky trade scenarios a reality.
Lakers, win it for Kobe Bryant. Kobe is arguably the greatest player of all-time; however, he has received so little respect due to the scandals of Colorado and Shaqgate. Kobe needs this ring for his legacy and to vindicate him and the Lakers support for him.
Lakers, win it for Mitch Kupchak. Mitch made all the right moves this year: Keeping Bynum, Trading for Trevor Ariza, Trading for Pau Gasol (a brilliant trade) and yet he didn't win GM of the year. Why? Danny Ainge received "gifts" from ex-Celtics in the form of Stripe the Gremlin and Ray "Kobe Hater" Allen. Kupchak deserved the award, not Ainge. Win it for Mitch!
Lakers, win it for Lamar Odom. Lamar's had a lot of tragedy in his life, but he's playing the best of his career. Lamar has long said that he felt it was his destiny to win a championship. Let's make that destiny a reality. Lamar Odom = Finals MVP.
Lakers, win it for Ronny Turiaf. Ronny almost died upon becoming a Laker from a heart ailment. He has seen the depths and now it is time for him to see the heights. Turiaf has given so much energy and optimism to this team. Time for him to be rewarded with a championship.
Lakers, win it for Derek Fisher. 0.4 has gone through hell over the last few years with his daughter's cancer. Despite his humility and his courage, he has been ridiculed and disrespected by Jazz fans. Time for Derek Fisher to get his fourth ring and show the world that he is a Great.
Lakers, finally, win it for Laker Nation. We have stood by you through these long, dark years of infighting, questionable trades and trade demands. We have gave you our patience, our energy, our commitment, our enthusiasm, our hope. Time to bring that Championship home.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 02, 2008 at 07:46 AM
As great as the Celtics are talent wise, we have more experience than them. And they're the older team! LOL!
I think we got this. The Celtics have shown that they aren't ready for this. If we play as hard as we did against the Spurs, and we stick Kobe on Paul Peirce in the 4th, we'll be fine.
Go Lakers!
Play hard!
Respect your opponent!
Stay humble!
Win!
Posted by: Rocky | June 02, 2008 at 07:48 AM
pslakerfan,
PLEASE, PLEASE keep up the quotes!
I hate Jordan and I particularly hate how the world thinks he's a fricken paladin.
The guy's a jerk and the sooner the world knows it, the better.
Everyone, I encourage you to share "Jordan's a narcissistic jerk" stories on this blog!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 02, 2008 at 07:57 AM
*____________________________*
"Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*____________________________*
01 EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
(06) Jon K. - Taught Ronny Turiaf and The Banger Mbenga his patented throat punch.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 02, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Jon K."WILDLY PRO-LAKERS STATEMENTS BY JON K."
A MSTERPIECE MY BROTHER KUDOS!!!
PSLakerFan:"Jordan quotes:"
OUTSTANDING!! Thank you I will cut this out and save it.
*___________________________________*
Andrew the Beast Bynum We dedicate this
Championship Run to you - Bandwagon
*___________________________________*
(01) Edwin Gueco – Owner
(02) Laker Tom - Driver
(03) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet, Bynums personal Soothsayer
(04) Mamba24 – The Beasts Advance man.
(05) #4 – Director of WCF win number 4.
(06) Jon K. – Made Bynum get a second opinion.
(07) JustALakerFan – Was called in to consult on Dr. Choices
(08) Never – Told Bynum to have surgery immediately
(09) BronxLakerFan – suggested NY doctor for Bynum
(10) Bozz – Director of WCF win # 1.
(11) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of WCF win #2.
(12) Caliphilosopher – Will participate in Socks Rehab
(13) Jay Jay – Purchased a Shaq punching bag for him
(14) PsychedLakerGirl – Director of WCF win # 3.
(15) Stockton Showtime _ believes Socks deserves more credit
(16) #4 - Director of WCF win #4
(17) Pig Miller – Will chauffeur “Beast” to the Victory Parade
(18) Rick Friedman – Personally found a Dr. for Socks
(19) SamLL – Director of Victory Parade
(20) KobesBad – made Kobe apologize to the Beast
(21) Hmrhed – Director of the confetti concession.
(22) Fearless – Will personally give Socks his championship ring
Posted by: | June 02, 2008 at 08:00 AM
*_______________________*
Congratulationas Xodus on
Nuptials – Bandwagon
*______________________*
(01) Laker Tom - Driver
(02) Rick Friedman - Owner
(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer
(04) PsychedLakerGirl - Will be Flower Girl
(05) Eric M. - Will bring TV to wedding
(06) Jon K. - Surprise! Wedding present is Dit Da Jow
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 02, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Purple & Gold Reign"I will never relax, or assume anything, until we can hoist the crown over
the Evil C's cold lifeless bodies!!!
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 08:05 AM
*_______________________*
Congratulationas Xodus on
Nuptials – BANDWAGON
*______________________*
(01) Laker Tom - Driver
(02) Rick Friedman - Owner
(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer
(04) PsychedLakerGirl - Will be Flower Girl
(05) Eric M. - Will bring TV to wedding
(06) LakerHolic – will supply the booze.
(07) CBuck – Director of Entertainment
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Here`s how LA gets to Finals : Manu gets hurt, and Fisher fouls Barry.
Regular season : Boston beat LA, 107-94 & 110-91
We won`t be nearly as kind in the Finals!
This will be sweet...We`ve "closed out" the Lakers at the Sports Arena {1963}, the Forum {1968, 1969}, and now Staple {2008}!
We might even hire Dancing Barry for Games 1 & 2
Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 02, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Laker Nation!
What's up with Bill Simmons over at ESPN? He's about as big of a Boston fan as you'll ever meet and he's saying the Lakers arre a better team? He's right, but I'm not sure if he means it or if he's trying to jinx us. Sneaky green bugger...
Xodus,
Congratulations bro! Here's wishin for many happy years, capped with many Laker championships.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | June 02, 2008 at 08:08 AM
It will be a weird matchup series:
Gasol – Garnett: I think Pau will have a harder time with KG than TD because of his athleticism and toughness. Edge to KG.
Kobe – Allen: Kobe will kill him. I think we’re going to have to have Posey on the floor a lot to guard Kobe or Odom. Then again, I’m not sure the Lakers can guard Ray and Pierce, assuming Ray is on.
Odom – Pierce: Pierce takes it but Odom can definitely go off cause he’s such a tough matchup when he’s on. Then again, he probably has 2 weak games in him during the series.
Radmonavic – Perkins: The Lakers will have a tough time with Perk; I think Turiaf is probably the best to put on him, but this is an X factor – will the Lakers have a tougher time guarding the C’s bigs or will the C’s have a tough time guarding the 3s from Rad?
Fisher – Rajon: I don’t think Fisher can stay with Rondo (Parker looked like he could go all over the court). I think this could be the key to the series. I predict Rondo has a big but inconsistent series and wins this matchup.
Bench: Your bench is tough, edge Ls.
There is no way you guys win 2 in our house, Cs in 7. I think Pau is going to get in foul trouble with our bigs and Rajon will be able to penetrate and dish. It’s a tough matchup for both teams. I think we’ll double Kobe a lot and make others beat us, and I don’t think it will happen. Nice try though.
Posted by: Shalomar | June 02, 2008 at 08:09 AM
*_______________________*
Congratulationas Xodus on
Nuptials – BANDWAGON
*______________________*
(01) Laker Tom - Driver
(02) Rick Friedman - Owner
(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer
(04) PsychedLakerGirl - Will be Flower Girl
(05) Eric M. - Will bring TV to wedding
(06) LakerHolic – will supply the booze.
(07) CBuck – Director of Entertainment
(08) Jon K. - Surprise! Wedding present is Dit Da Jow
(09) Bozz - will personally guarantee no Trolls at wedding
Posted by: | June 02, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Hey Laker in BC,
Great analysis, I could not agree even more with you.
Everybody on EC thinks Rondo vs DFish is a mismatch. Don't they realize that DFish just led a team with series wins over Iverson, Williams and Parker. In a 4 game series the true mismatches are really exposed and DFish held all in check. Rondo has gone against Bibby (Not even a top 10 PG), a nobody on Cavaliers and a hurt Billups at 50-60%. Come on get real, Rondo was already starting to look like a Deer caught in headlights in the ECF. Fish's experience on the Big Stage is huge and he will dominate Rondo.
Odom will have his challenges with KG, but KG will have to work so hard to keep LO off of the boards. He will be worn down by the 4th and his offense will suffer. So all the Lakers have to do is not let Pierce go off in the 4th. Maybe Kobe plays D on Pierce in the 4th.
RAllen will not be a factor in the 4th, and they will have to have someone else guard Kobe in the 4th. Therefore either RA will guard RadMan or The Machine. Whoever guards Kobe, either Posey, Allen or Pierce will not be able to stop the Assasin in the 4th Qtr.
Key is getting one or two Celtic starters in foul trouble as their bench is very weak. Farmar will run circles around Cassell, The Machine is going to get underneath RA's skin and drive him nuts. Turiaf will allienate Brown. And Walton will use 6 fouls to pound on Pierce or Ariza will play in your face D against Pierce or Allen.
Lakers bench Mob Farmar, Sasha, Turiaf, Walton, Ariza vs Celtics bench - Posey, Cassell, Brown, House and Davis. A No Brainer!!
Lake Show in 6, Guaranteed!!
The AW
Posted by: AW | June 02, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Shalomar:"There is no way you guys win 2 in our house"
Ugh Shalomar all we need to win is 1 in your house.
The format is 2 - 3 - 2 so after the 1st two games there
won't be any more home games for your team.
Lakers win 1st game Boston win 2nd and lakers sweep at
home. But your analysis was pretty good. Though I'd rate
Rondo and Fish as even. Rad & Turiaf over Perkins.
But good Post.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Ex, Giantsquid:
I agree, and always said the trade was good for both teams. Memphis wasn't going anywhere with Gasol, and they needed to plan for the future. In five years, that trade will look good to them. We didn't have five years to wait, needed help now, so the deal looked great to us immediately.
It's like with the Shaq trade. As uncomfortable as it was, it had to be done, and we look great now as a result. It's as close to an immediate rebuild as you're likely to get in the NBA. If you hang onto Shaq too long, you're looking at a 10-year rebuilding.
I have to chuckle when I hear people say, "It's the first Laker appearance in the Finals since 2004," as though we've suffered a drought. What would those dates look like for every other team in the league? That would be a fun game: Finish that sentence for all the teams, i.e. "Had the Jazz won the West, it would have been their first appearance in the Finals since ______."
How many teams have never been there? How many have had a 30-year drought? 20-year?
Posted by: Marty | June 02, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Lakers in 5.
Shalomar-
"I’m not sure the Lakers can guard Ray and Pierce, assuming Ray is on"
Yes, the Lakers can actually get either Kobe, Odom, Ariza to defend them. And do a good job at it.
"Odom – Pierce: Pierce takes it but Odom can definitely go off cause he’s such a tough matchup when he’s on."
Odom has around 5 inches on Pierce.
"There is no way you guys win 2 in our house, Cs in 7"
No way? The Lakers are the best bet of any team to win at least one game at the Garden. And we don't have to win 2. We just need to win one of the first two, then win the 3 in a row at home. It's a 2-3-2 format.
Posted by: ajax | June 02, 2008 at 08:52 AM
pslakerfan
Great Jordan quotes. Nice monday mornin' perspective from yesteryear. In today's press, that stuff would eclipse Kobe's tirade.
Jon K
"Wildly" is too weak a word for you, my brother. Ya might have put yourself on that list:
"Win it for Jon K, who gives his all, all day, everyday, tangling with Russian mobsters and trolls, fighting for truth, justice and the Laker way."
Posted by: Vman | June 02, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Jon K
You outdid yourself. One of my favorite posts of this long break between games.
Fist Pound to you.
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | June 02, 2008 at 09:10 AM
*______________________________________*
"Win it for Jon K, who gives his all, all day,
everyday, tangling with Russian mobsters and
trolls, fighting for truth, justice and the Laker way."
BANDWAGON
*_______________________________________*
(01) VMAN - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
*_______________________*
Congratulationas Xodus on
Nuptials – BANDWAGON
*______________________*
(01) Laker Tom - Driver
(02) Rick Friedman - Owner
(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer
(04) PsychedLakerGirl - Will be Flower Girl
(05) Eric M. - Will bring TV to wedding
(06) LakerHolic – will supply the booze.
(07) CBuck – Director of Entertainment
(08) Jon K. - Surprise! Wedding present is Dit Da Jow
(09) Bozz - will personally guarantee no Trolls at wedding
(10) Mamba24 - Bartendar
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I was the Senior Ringbearer at Xodus wedding. Congratulations and Goodluck, now you need a real scribe job.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 02, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Everyone: I don't think this goes 7, but the Lakers will need to win 2 in Boston to win this series. If they get the first 2 in Boston, it will be a sweep.
If they split, then they'll have to go back to Boston for Game 6, I think the odds are that the C's will get 1 in LA. If I can give them credit for one thing, it's that they closed a tough Pistons team out on the road.
The 2 factors will be the young guys, Rondo and Perkins. The Lakers have faced 3 of the best 5 point guards in the league in AI, Williams and Parker. Handling Rondo will not be easy, but it will be much less difficult than handling those 3. And at this point in the season, Boston isn't really any better than Utah, who was the toughest draw the Lakers had in the playoffs.
As for Perkins, tough guy, banger, no doubt. But can he handle Pau? Perkins faced physically tougher guys in these playoffs, but none with the skill level Gasol has. If the Lakers can force him into foul trouble consistently, it's going to be an easy series for the Lakers.
The C's 3 are formidable, but the Lakers' versatility and bench can make the difference for the Lakers.
Posted by: Peace | June 02, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Good morning Mamba24, good morning MORNING CRUE and this fabulout LAKER NATION!!!!!!!!!
Not much time to post lately, but you bet your @$$ I'll be here on GAME DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Even if it's the last thing I do.....cuz it might be.....I might need a job at that point! jk
Mamba24 - some EXCELLENT bandwagons rolling at the moment - please include me on all of them - and especially X's nuptual one! Congrat's man! Marriage is the best - wishing you nothing but love & good times (which of course includes many LakeShow crowns)!
Pig/Troll - looks like a troll or 2 got by you - guard that screen door!!!!!! It's going to get ugly green up in here!!!
I can't wait until Thursday! I have to do my usual watch the first half live & then the 2nd half on Tivo, but no worries my brothers & sisters!!!!!!!! We have a winning record when I do that, so it's ALREADY DONE!!!!!!!!!!
OMG - I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!!!!!! (AND THIS BLOG!!!!!!)
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 to O'Brien...........
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 02, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Marty:"How many teams have never been there? How many have had a
30-year drought? 20-year? "
How many teams have played for the NBA championship in
every decade of the NBA's exiistence? Only 1 my friend
THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 09:31 AM
*_____________________________*
"Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
Posted by: | June 02, 2008 at 09:33 AM
*___________________________*
CELTICS Resistance is FUTILE
against the Lakers BANDWAGON
*___________________________*
(01) BK - Driver
(02) AK - Owner
(03) LAKERTOM – Turned the Borg into Laker Fans
(04) MAMBA24 – Not completely assimilated
(05) KOBESBAD – Turned the Borg Bad
(06) , JoninJAPAN(INCANADA) – Made Lebron vote Kobe MVP
(07) Jamie Sweet – Made David Stern Cry Uncle
(08) Edwin Gueco – Character of Picard based upon him
(09) Janaya – Beat Worf in arm wrestling.
(10) Pig Miller – Turned the Borg into trolls
(11) Fearless – Even the Borg fear him
(12) Nemaia Faletogo – Real Inventor of the Warp drive
(13) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet and starship captain
(14) TWoody – Defeated Borg in Hand-to-Hand combat
(15) JustAnotherMambaFan – Gave Worf a home with the Mamba family
(16) Jon K. -- In Charge of the Tractor Beam
(17) MagicMan – that is what Dr. Crusher calls him.
(18) Htj - Created the Warp Drive
(19) JesterGuru - He is the Borq Queens hero.
(20) JohnnyP - Created the first Starship
Posted by: | June 02, 2008 at 09:34 AM
QUESTION TO MAGIC JOHNSON --> "You want another ring?"
ANSWER FROM MAGIC JOHNSON --> "I got eight, I need nine. And, Jim, I'ma tell you something Laker fans ... this team, Jim, will have a 3 to 5 year run. (Pause) People forget, we're doing this without Bynum. This takes us back probably to the 80's, where you KNOW that you're gonna have a 3 to 5 year run. And, so, the NBA better be ready, the Laker fans, buckle up your seat belts, because we are gonna take you for a ride for about 3 to 5 years. It's gonna be special.
Posted by: e2MC | June 02, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Jon K-
The wildly pro Laker statements was awesome. Great post. Is it thurs yet though? Hell.
Lamar = Finals MVP
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 02, 2008 at 09:45 AM
"I think we’ll double Kobe a lot and make others beat us, and I don’t think it will happen. Nice try though."
Be careful what you wish for. Ask Denver.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 02, 2008 at 09:48 AM
dacsila,
>>>According to E.S.P.N. experts, 9 out of 10 picked the
>>>Lakers over the Celtics.
Yeah, but you know what? They've still got to play the games.
In 2004, all the experts were picking the Lakers over Detroit,
and we all know how that turned out.
I think both of these teams are talented and deep enough
to win it. It'll come down to who executes best. If the scores
are in the 100's, or even the high 90's, the Lakers will win
the series. If Boston's defense succeeds in slowing down the
Lakers scoring juggernaut and keeps the scores in the 80's
then they will win.
I say Lakers in 6.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 02, 2008 at 09:54 AM
*_______________________*
Congratulationas Xodus on
Nuptials – BANDWAGON
*______________________*
(01) Laker Tom - Driver
(02) Rick Friedman - Owner
(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer
(04) PsychedLakerGirl - Will be Flower Girl
(05) Eric M. - Will bring TV to wedding
(06) LakerHolic – will supply the booze.
(07) CBuck – Director of Entertainment
(08) Jon K. - Surprise! Wedding present is Dit Da Jow
(09) Bozz - will personally guarantee no Trolls at wedding
(10) Mamba24 – Bartendar
(11) JustAnotherMambaFan – Guest Screener
*_____________________________*
"Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
(06) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
*______________________________________*
"Win it for Jon K, who gives his all, all day,
everyday, tangling with Russian mobsters and
trolls, fighting for truth, justice and the Laker way."
BANDWAGON
*_______________________________________*
(01) VMAN - Owner
(02) Mamba24 - Driver
(03) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of Justice
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Mamba24:
That's what I'm talkin' bout!!! Every decade, usually more often than once. It's great to be a Laker fan!
Shalomar:
Nice analysis. My biggest hope is that this series lives up to its billing. I have no expectations, but I have hopes. I hope this is one for the ages!
Posted by: Marty | June 02, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Mamba24,
"(03) Exhelodrvr - Wedding Bouncer ...
(10) Mamba24 – Bartender"
In my role as bouncer, I would like to give you a friendly warning about skimping on the liquor in the mixed drinks. There have been a couple of complaints already.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 02, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I hate to say this, but I think the officiating will play an enormous role in this series. Boston is even more physical than Utah. The only way Boston stops this potent Laker offense is to foul, but will the fouls be called? If the refs allow Perkins to push off for rebounds (like they did in Salt Lake), or ignore KG’s elbows, or allow Kobe to get butchered without any free throws (like against Bowen and San Antonio), than this series can possibly go 6 or 7.
If the refs call the game fairly, than it’s a potential sweep.
I’m particularly concerned over how the refs and Pau will respond to Perkin’s physicality. During the regular season, Perkins physically man-handled Bynum (although it was early before Bynum really took off). This matchup is the biggest question mark for me. If Pau can handle Perkins, than the Celtics have no chance.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | June 02, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Good morning folks. I read all of the responses I received. FABULOUS!!! Now you know my point of communication is in Utah. Impressive investigative work. I'm working now but wanted to let you know that I can't wait to post more comments. I'm not a hater, jsut passionate about my beliefs. Aside from the WWFNBA, I love people and care about them immensely-more so than myself. I have family in CA and enjoy my time with them. I love your state, or at least the geography, but I don't lilke some of the things that the people do. I'm sure you can elobrate on the evil that pervades our lives. It's the same wherever you go. To sum it all up, I hope we can be WWFNBA enemies and friends everywhere else.
Posted by: Engineero | June 02, 2008 at 10:38 AM
"I'm not a hater, jsut passionate about my beliefs..."
Things That Trolls Would Say! DING!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 02, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Exhelodrvr"In my role as bouncer, I would like to give you a friendly warning about
skimping on the liquor in the mixed drinks. There have been a couple of complaints already."
D@MN! Busted again. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 02, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Granted that Garnett and Pierce are better than Gasol and Lamar, I believe if you lump the C's Bug Three together....Kobe, the wan will just dunk the ball in their face!
Do the Celtics have answer on Kobe? Let Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge join the roster and see if they can guard Kobe.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 02, 2008 at 10:51 AM
pslakerfan,
Awesome post of MJ quotes, most of which I had never heard. Man, MJ could be brutal. Makes you wonder what kind ofsmack he dishes to defenders. LOL. Makes Kobe look like an choir boy compared to Michael. Still, you gotta love that once-in-a-generation drive that both guys had. MJ is still the greatest but Kobe has a real shot at eclipsing him by the end of his still rising career. But really, awesome quotes. Thanks, pslakerfan.
I have been reading that the Same Sex Marriage decision by the California Supreme Court is going to give the PS economy a huge boost. I had a lot of gay friends that used to think PS was the greatest vacation spot in the world but I never knew that they had targeted gay tourists so directly. What do the long time residents think of all the gay and lesbian visitors? Hopefully, people just realize that we are just the same. Be interested in your take as a resident, without getting into the pure politics of the controversy. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 02, 2008 at 10:55 AM