And now the other brother predicts
Time for my prognostication. I'm not gonna delve too deeply into matchups, player or O/D breakdowns, as BK already put up a post and there's no need for everyone to slog through a batch of similar thoughts. But even if my take of what lies ahead is presented in broader terms, I don't think the conclusions ring any less true.
The Lakers have been, hands down, 2008's best playoff team, while Boston spent the opening pair of rounds looking like they peaked WAY too early. The Lakers improved each series while the Celtics have just now discovered something along the lines of an identity. The Lakers have defended tight leads, dug themselves out of monster holes and bounced back after their (count 'em) one blowout loss. Boston's "Big Three" hasn't been as consistent as L.A.'s "Bigger Three," with Ray Allen in particular enduring a roller-coaster ride rockier than any stinkers Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom have produced. L.A.'s bench is much better than Boston's, not to mention better utilized. For those who've ever doubted whether the expression "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" carries weight, check out how Doc Rivers has inexplicably monkeyed around with his reserves to a negative effect. It smacks similar to Avery Johnson's decision to "adjust to Golden State" in 2007, despite sporting the West's #1 squad. That's just one reason the coaching edge has to be in Phil Jackson's corner. I also like the Lakers' chances of winning multiple games in Boston more than the Celtics in the as-of-yet-unblemished Staples. And should these contests be tight (as I suspect most will be), if there's anyone you'd rather have on your side during crunch/clutch time than Kobe Bryant (besides Slava Medvedenko, obviously, but he's regrettably unavailable), I'm genuinely curious as to your suggestion. That's an awful lot on the Lakers' side.
Final prediction: I see this series playing out in similar fashion to the previous round against San Antonio. No walk in a purple and gold park by any stretch, but also one where the majority of the action is controlled by the Lakers and wraps up sooner than one might expect. I'm having a hard time deciding between Lakers in 5 or 6, but I've decided to get zany and go cinco. What the hell. It's the Finals.
More predictions and analysis below.
AK
The Daily News' Steve Dilbeck hates to rain on his readers' parade by predicting one won't be weaving through Figueroa.
ESPN's Daily Dime crew is mostly putting its ten cents on the Lakers. They also break down the top five factors playing a role in the series, plus a few other aspects and wild cards. Shock of all shocks, it begins with Kobe.
Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com sees Kobe and the crew coming through, an assessment that puts him in line with the slight majority of his work cronies.
The SI rundown is mostly purple and gold friendly,
Patience is required, but one can wade through a bunch of celebrity-ish opinions. By the way, Mike Ditka is apparently best known as the co-owner of the AFL's Chicago Rush. Who knew?
A representative of the NBA scouting fam is thinking Lakers.
5/7 of the True Hoop team believes in the Lakers.
ForumGoldandBlue.com expands upon a notion that the Celts are basically "the uber-Spurs."
HoopsWorld foresees a Boston split, but suggests you take tonight's game in stride.
The tag team of AK & BK keeping us busy 3,000 miles apart. I like it.
Do you two switch locales if this thing goes to 6 or 7?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 05, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Psyched,
In theory, that's the plan, but there was a mix up with the NBA and my road credentials, which could create a problem. Hopefully, it'll get fixed if a game 6/7 is necessary. If not, BK may be back on the road again.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 05, 2008 at 02:36 PM
HEEYAAA LAKERS FAN
I AM NOW ONE OF YOU.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 02:50 PM
---Repost---
Chad Ford on the Lakers:
""I think the Lakers are headed for a five year run where they are the undisputed best team in the West if Bynum gets healthy and returns to form. They are scary.""
I guess there is room on the 4th Dynasty BW for you Chad -- but I'm warning you if you start fighting with Adande, I'm turning this BW around. hahahaha
Posted by: HmrHed | June 05, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Keep the predictions coming from the purple and yellow jug of koolaid! The hubris of the lakers and their fans will be their undoing.
The Celtics grow more resolute and determined with every suggestion that they are inferior to the lakers, with every prediction that they will fall.
I suppose the league's best D will have something to say about NSP, the weenie and Not Dwayne Wade. And Ray Allen - if he gets hot and channels the spirit of Larry Bird, this will be a Boston sweep!
Keep up the pretentiousness and arrogance, laker fans! The Celtics will bring you pain, and then the SUNS will make it worse on you when SHACK and all-time great guard Steve GNASH get a whack at the spongy laker D!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Game day!!!1
We´ll win tonight. for sure.
Lakes in 5
Posted by: HugoSpain | June 05, 2008 at 03:03 PM
simi lakers girl,
I saw your pic on myspace. are those real???
Posted by: lakers in 3 | June 05, 2008 at 03:05 PM
....then the SUNS will make it worse on you when SHACK and all-time great guard Steve GNASH get a whack at the spongy laker D!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 02:56 PM
LOOKIE LOOKIE, we have anotha WINNAH!!!! OMG we're so scared....NOT!!! HAHAHAHA!!!
This guy is a RIOT!!! A REGULAR RIOT!! HA!!
Posted by: CHECK THIS OUT EVERYONE, I'M BUTLER!!! | June 05, 2008 at 03:05 PM
anyone else feel like bill simmons' article on espn is a bit dirty? what does phil jackson's book have anything to do with the 2008 finals? it's as if he's trying to rehash old wounds for the benefit of his team. i can understand if some random celtics fan decided to bring up those old issues, but for a prominent sports writer to do it on a popular sports web site - i find that somewhat disappointing and sleazy.
am i alone here?
Posted by: cs | June 05, 2008 at 03:06 PM
please note my new adress folks. go grizzlies!
Posted by: Mike T | June 05, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Almost game time, Lakersville!
I ususally try to post sompin' witty-funny-whatever.
But not this time. This is gettin' serious as a heart-attack. Tick-tock-tick - sounds like artillary fire to me. Let's play a friggin' game, already!
Laker Tom, we need you, now more than ever.
Posted by: karyanr | June 05, 2008 at 03:07 PM
God I hope Lamar shows up tonight!
Posted by: STEVEN V. | June 05, 2008 at 03:11 PM
BUTLER, are you a suns fan? we didn't even play the suns this year, so i guess i'm a little confused why you're hating on the lakers so much?
but, i can't blame you i guess. i was pretty ticked when the lakers went out in the first round of the playoffs, and following on all the success the suns have had in recent years, this year had to have been pretty frustrating for you.
i thought the shaq trade was bad, but it turned out to be pretty solid. i thought you guys should have gotten past san antonio, but the spurs squeaked that one by you somehow. i'm sure your team will be formiddable next year, and the battle between lakers old and new (shaq vs. bynum) will be something to follow.
i'm sorry your team's loss makes you hate the lakers so much. usually, when my team loses, i stop posting messages on message boards. but, hey, to each his own...
Posted by: cs | June 05, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Hey folks. If I was able to set up an impromptu chat for about 3:35 or so PST, would you guys be interested?
Thanks.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | June 05, 2008 at 03:15 PM
I'm stuck at work until 8. Does anybody know where there's
a web feed for the game tonight?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 05, 2008 at 03:17 PM
I need to release my energy somehow, so hitting the key board as hard as I can, during a chat would work. If I have this much adrenaline going I can't even began to fathom what the Players are feeling right now.
Posted by: nik kannan | June 05, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I've been saying it since we sent SAS packin'.
BOSTON'S GOT NO ANSWER FOR KOBE BEAN BRYANT.
No matchup. None. Negative. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Ott.
Lakers in 6.
GO BLACK MAMBA! GO BENCH MOB! GO LAKERS!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | June 05, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Lakers in 3- Thanks for drawing it to everyone's attention- that does not warrant a response.... I really thought Laker fans were more respectable. I thought Laker fans had Class- so this tells me you are not a Laker fan, and that you my friend are a moron. Lakers cant take the series in 3- just to let you know. TROLL
BK, i am up for the chat
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | June 05, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Oh my lord - 2 and a half more hours to go before tip off... i'm getting nervous already.
Posted by: ahlayn | June 05, 2008 at 03:25 PM
BK Do it!
Posted by: | June 05, 2008 at 03:31 PM
cs,
"hey, to each his own"
Please leave Butler's social life out of this conversation. Let's stick to basketball, OK?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 05, 2008 at 03:32 PM
tha show,
"Charles & Mamba24 - i hope you both enjoy the game tonight...thanks for all of the positive laker vibes these past couple of months..."
An honor coming from a Veteran.
Posted by: | June 05, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Lakers in 6, only because Kobe wants the NBA ratings (and revenues) to go up. Kobe likes the drama, because it'll be more fantastic.
Posted by: lakerboddhi | June 05, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Butler, this is going to be your last warning before I have you evicted. Your neighbors have been complaining about your constant wailing and sobbing late at night when you think no one can hear you. Those suns are gone for good, never to be seen again. Also take down those stupid championship banners you fabricated and hang from your ceiling, that is just ridiculous, remember NO BANNERS for you.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: BUTLERS LANDLORD | June 05, 2008 at 03:35 PM
I've already been non-productive at work the entire day- Might as well keep un-busy the last half hour.
Posted by: Jeff | June 05, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Laker Legacy
Great link!
Posted by: Charles | June 05, 2008 at 03:35 PM
ON MY ORDER THE LAKERS SHALL WIN TONIGHT...
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustrated Laker Fan | June 05, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Posted by: | June 05, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Posted by: | June 05, 2008 at 03:34 PM
That was yours truly
Posted by: Charles | June 05, 2008 at 03:43 PM
For everybody's celebration needs.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aegiztiE58&feature=related
Posted by: SamBSLC | June 05, 2008 at 03:43 PM
BUTLER,
>>>The hubris of the lakers and their fans will be their
>>>undoing.
You mean like your hubris in coming into this group and
predicting the Spurs would beat the Lakers? Something
like that?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 05, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Man oh man - what is it going to feel like giving the Celtics yet another banner to add to the 8 the lakers have already bestowed upon the GANG GREEN?
These Celtics FEAST upon purple and yellow heartbreak!
If hope rests with lamar O-Dumb, then it all is indeed lost for the lakers. The dude has not been right since he was born.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Simi,
As a Fillmore Laker Guy, I apologize for the members of my sex who would deign to say one rude thing about a true Laker fan like you. The Conejo Corridor is all about the Lakers, and I'm glad we have such a great representative on the blog!
To the blog membership in general,
I realize I don't post regularly enough to be one of the power users on here, but I've been around here for a long time, lurking and posting when the inspiration hit me. I've been seriously time constrained, traveling and dealing with other craziness, and haven't had a chance to read or post lately. However, today is the culmination of a roller coaster ride. that for the true Lakers fans, in LA and elsewhere, has been going in seriously crazy directions since the day Detroit knocked us out of the Finals. I rarely lost hope (well, maybe a couple of times during the Rudy T season and the nonsense last fall), and if you put your faith in the team like me, you are being rewarded with a gift of wonderous dimensions - a return to the Finals, vs. our longtime nemesis, no less. I'm ecstatic that we're four games away from returning to the Promised Land, and for thouse of you who have been here throughout it all, I'm glad to be with all of you as a part of the crazy, powerful and all-abiding love and affection for a bunch of Purple and Gold warriors from the City of Angels.
My prediction - Lakers in 6 (like 1985, we're gonna win it on their home court, as the parquet fills with Bostonian teardrops).
Posted by: Tully Moxness | June 05, 2008 at 03:50 PM
The Celtics have a decided advantage this evening - they have Paul Pierce, who is the closest thing to Michael Jordan we have whenever the Celts face the lakers.
And, the lakers have kobee - a proven player, but only as 2nd banana. He has rings courtesy of SHACK and is prone to shoot his own team in the foot by telling his team - in action, if not words - that he is the superior player to them, and they better do what he says. What a joke!
Also, the Celtics have always owned the lakers. 8 of those GANG GREEN banners attributed to laker failures!
The Western Conference will bear the shame if these lakers blow it, just like Dalice vs. SHACK a couple years back.
Well, there's always hope with PHX to restore pride to the WC!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 03:56 PM
For the love of God guys, FOCUS!
We're playing the Celtics in 90 minutes.
Starve the fricken Troll.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 03:58 PM
A chat with the K bros? Did I miss it?
Posted by: Elle | June 05, 2008 at 04:01 PM
AK,
“Lakers in six.” Jesus, Brian, why didn’t you just have Andy do the prediction. He’s at least a Lakers fan. Then it would have been Lakers in four or five. What do the Lakers have to do to break this media bias? JK.
The above was my post after BK’s prediction. What can I say, AK. You shameless homie. Now we can justifiably attach a value to your Lakers fandom of one Finals win. AK rules.
Oh, and I agree 100% with your as-usual right-on analysis and impeccable logic.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 05, 2008 at 04:09 PM
This will be a SWEAP!!!! We are winning today because kobe will play at his best. We´ll win sunday because of PJ outcoaching doc rivers. And we´ll win 3 an 4 at staples cause we are the effing best team in the world.
LETS GO LAKERS!!!!
Lakers en cuatro señores!
Posted by: DC | June 05, 2008 at 04:10 PM
lakers in 3,
do you have her myspace page link? I want to check her out.
Posted by: lakers in 4 | June 05, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Tully Moxness,
Great to see you post. You're one of my favorite bloggers.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 04:28 PM
lakers in 3,
thanks for the link dude. those are per sure fake. not interested.
Posted by: lakers in 4 | June 05, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Trully Moxness,
Thank you for defending me... missed seeing you around. I am setting up a blog party so please come be friends with me- we live so close.
To Lakers in 4- wow- guess you changed for name to Lakers in 4 when I called you out- it's cool, bring more attention to yourself-
For those who want a blog party how the heck do we keep trolls away- I guess thats why we dont have the parties at people's houses
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | June 05, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Andrew and Brian K.,
Are sportwriters generally a creepy bunch?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Lakers d'Five
Posted by: StocktonShowtime | June 05, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Jon K,
You are one of my favorite bloggers, just thought I would let you know that you are amung the distingished Simi Laker Girl good blogger list. (That is you will be if you come to a party just kidding)
Others who join you on this list are the famous KAM Team, Mamba24, PSLakerfan ( anyone seen him today... I have not and he has not returned my call- Hope all is well! ) Charles (get better man) Psyched LakerGirl, Tim-4-show, LakerMan420...............
*drinks a beer, tokes a bowl, sits and quietly dissapears in to her mind*
Sorry- where was I?
Ill leave the list there...wait no.. cant leave Tom out......The rest of you good bloggers sorry- if your name didnt get in on the list I am too stoned to think.
Mamba24 is there a pregame rollcall?????? I want another one- Rally the troops!!!!!!!!!!
LETS GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | June 05, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Oh hey guys- Lakers in 3 and lakers in 4 talks to his self- I never saw a link posted- what about you? Starve the new troll!!!!!!!!!!!
Can we have Troll BBQ tonight????
Posted by: Simi Laker Girl | June 05, 2008 at 04:56 PM
i am a bit nervous,
but I agree, it will end 4-2 lakers
kobe for finals MVP
Posted by: che | June 05, 2008 at 04:57 PM
I am not making predictions in terms of games needed to bring another Banner back to the City of Angels..I am just too through with all that..I just feel we are gonna do it, bottom line.
In any event,
My nerves are riled..Thanks God for "my bottle."!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | June 05, 2008 at 05:00 PM
LAKERS VS CELTICS – TOM’S GAME KEYS…
Thank God there is finally a game. I don’t know if I could have survived another day and more of that nagging realization in the back of my mind that there are only a few precious games left before I will have to go cold turkey. At least for now, let me inhale my Lakers and like any experienced addict, leave those worries for tomorrow and enjoy the moment.
Anyway, here are my keys for tonight’s game.
****************
(1) RUN EFFICIENT OFFENSE.
The Lakers need to run their offense with machine-like perfection tonight to keep the Boston defense honest and the Lakers players in position for good transition defense. Without a top flight individual defender, look for Kobe Bryant score easily as well as doing a good job involving his teammates early. Pau needs to bother KG. Kobe needs to shut down Ray. Team defense needs to contain Pierce. Look for Fisher on double-teams to come up big.
(2) ATTACK THE RIM.
While the Celtics will try to pack it in and force the Lakers to be jump shooters, the Lakers still need to focus on attacking the rim at every opportunity to put pressure on the Boston defenders and to get key players in foul trouble to take advantage of a Celtics short bench and rack up easy points at the free throw line. Kobe, Pau, and Lamar need to finish strong.
(3) CONTROL THE BOARDS.
The boards will be a critical battle ground tonight. Pau and Lamar need to really box out their men and play tough as far as holding their ground. Defensively, we need to hold the Celtics offense to 1-shot-and-out so we can run. Offensively, we need to use our length and quickness to get second chance points. It’s simple: win the boards, win the game.
(4) PLAY TOUGH DEFENSE.
The Lakers believe that Boston cannot score enough points against their defense to win. Boston is going to be surprised at how tough the Lakers defense really is, both at stopping penetration as well as protecting the rim. Even without Andrew Bynum, the Nuggets, Jazz, and Spurs all learned that this Lakers team can play defense. Boston shoots 40%.
****************
I am of the believers that the Boston Celtics are just a poor man’s version of the Spurs. Kevin Garnett is not Tim Duncan. Paul Pierce is not Manu Ginobli. And Ray Allen is not Tony Parker. Seriously, who would choose any of the Celtics Big3 over the Spurs Big3?
Continuing the theme, you can even argue further that Kendrick Perkins is not as good as Fabricio Oberto and 2nd year point guard Rajon Rondo is no where near as valuable as 1st team All-NBA defender Bruce Bowen. Finally, who would you want as coach: Pop or Doc?
Lakers take small early lead and hold off Celtics all night to win by 10. Resistance is futile.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 05, 2008 at 05:03 PM
I am not surprised by the number of fools here , predicting the Lakers would sweep or win in 5. This is the same myopic crowd that I did not see the past 3 years in Staples when I looked around and saw bunch of empty seats.
I hope we will prevail but the best case is winning in 6 games. Boston is a very good team , great defensively , kicked Lakers butt twice , although that was not the same team , but still , Boston went 30-6 against *the incredibly tough West , loaded with talent* right ??
Lets take ONE game at the time , grind it out and kick Boston ass.
GO LAKERS !!!!!
Posted by: novolakers | June 05, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Butler
Kobe had never won with SHACK.
He won a few rings with SHAQ.
Please learn how to spell your favorite player's name.
There is no Dalice in the US.
You can always go to the nba.com to check the spelling and USA maps are pretty much available anywhere.
At least KB has won , what have any of your big 3 ever won?
Posted by: novolakers | June 05, 2008 at 05:19 PM
The "Beat LA" chant is so tired.
I can't wait to kick the Celtics ass.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Okay, Laker Nation, it's on!
I'm off to my lucky barstool at my lucky bar!
But before I go...
LET'S GO LAKERS!
LET'S GO!
LET'S GO LAKERS!
LET'S GO!
GOOOOOO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Alright, I'm going to speak a little bit of blasphemy here, but I just want to say that no matter what happens, the Lakers are winners in my mind. This Finals is bonus for me. After all the trials and tribulations of the past few years, of knowing how great they could be and always watching them break-down, I am so glad they got it together to show us all some stupendicular basketball. Clutch shooting, exotic drives to the basket, and some of the greatest passing I've ever seen have kept me glued to the newspaper, TV, and this website. To me this Lakers year has been all about showing that players and people really can make incredible leaps in character.
The Lakers have made the world a better place. Pardon the corn.
Posted by: eddie brock | June 05, 2008 at 05:22 PM
LAMAR ODOM SPELLS DOOM FOR THE BOSTON CELTICS!
LAMAR ODOM = FINALS MVP.
"F-ING PAU GASOL!"
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Go Lakers!
Punish the celtics!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 05, 2008 at 05:27 PM
In the link with celebrities, apparently Bernie Kozar is best known for being a co-owner of an AFL franchise as well. Interesting!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 05, 2008 at 05:28 PM
10 more minutes to game time. Can't wait !!!
Jon Barry is an idot ! He always managed to say something negative about the Lakers. What's wrong with him ?
GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Ray
Posted by: Ray | June 05, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Video link?
Posted by: Menchar | June 05, 2008 at 05:56 PM