Blog vs. Blog: X Factor guy
More blog-off action with our Boston Globe Celtics Blog compadres. The initial discussion centered around whether or not the Celtics can stop Kobe Bryant. Then came the question of which team should capture America's heart. Tonight, we examine the Lakers and Celtics rosters beyond Kobe and the Big Three to determine which of the "lesser" names could most affect the series. Ladies and gentlemen, join us for a rousing round of Pick your X Factor guy!!!
Gary Dzen: Boston Globe
Rajon Rondo. The end.
No, but seriously, as Rondo goes, so go the Celtics. Paul Pierce is going to score. Kevin Garnett is going to score. Ray Allen might score. Maybe. But Rondo is the engine that makes the Celtics go. There are two reasons for this.
The first is that Rondo by himself is an impact player. He has only one speed: frantic. Rondo will pressure Derek Fisher and make it difficult for the Lakers to get into their offense. He's the only Celtics perimeter player who can even hope to disrupt the Lakers in the backcourt. On offense, the 22-year-old Rondo is inconsistent. And this has nothing to do with his outside shooting, which has been blown way out of proportion. Rondo will hit the midrange shot. He won't hit threes. It's that simple. This is NOT a storyline. But the way Rondo runs the offense IS a storyline for Boston. When Rondo is aggressive and takes it to the basket, the Celtics are much better off. When he's tentative, watch out.
A couple of examples:
Celtics need Rondo to be successful is because the alternatives are scary. Sam Cassell is way past his prime. He's a liability on defense because he can't stay with anybody, and he's a liability on offense because he is a black hole. He doesn't know the plays. And he shoots every time down. Eddie House is the other PG option for the C's, and he's the much preferred option in my opinion. He's deadly from three, and although he's undersized, he gets into the passing lanes and gives a solid effort on defense. But Rondo he is not. Rondo is the X factor. Is that a lot of pressure to put on the scrawny shoulders of a 22-year-old? Sure. But so was handing him the keys to the Bentley that is the 66-win Celtics. Pressure's on you, young fella.
GD
Andrew Kamenetzky: LA Times
Picking a Laker "X Factor" for this series isn't the easiest task, since this team's enviable depth has created a scenario where everyone's two cents make a mark. You could offer a solid "X" argument for anyone in the rotation garnering at least 15 minutes of consistent PT. But a man's gotta make a choice, and with that, I'm selecting Sasha Vujacic.
He's not the most important guy on the roster, nor is he the most talented. But the sharp shooter's production affects the Lakers in a variety of ways. He's been the playoffs' most consistent Bench Mobber, which plays into a potentially big element against the Celts. The Lakers bench has been considerably better than Boston's during the postseason. As the purple and gold standout reserve, Sasha could be a big part of either burying Boston when their starters rest or simply allowing Kobe a rest without his own squad getting a dirt nap. On nights when he's clanged Spalding (like the 1-11 Game 5 against Utah), he's offset that lousy aim with relentless and effective defense. And while he may be a reserve, when it comes to the fourth quarter, Sasha's got starter's clout. Odds favor him on the court down the stretch, often saddled with a difficult assignment. Save perhaps Lamar Odom (who often joins the mob at the top of the second/fourth frames as Kobe catches a breather), no Laker may play as big a role with the first and second units as Vujacic.
There's also another wrinkle with Sasha pushing him over the top. We've seen him act the fool a few times during the playoffs. Getting a dumb tech jawing at Kyle Korver during Game 5's final (and tight) minute. Canning a wholly unnecessary three as the Lakers and Spurs were ready to shake hands upon the series' conclusion. Michael Finley looked like he was about to kick the crap out of him. And as much as I like Sasha, that shot was nothing short of "bush" (his own teammates weren't even thrilled) and a pop to the chops would have been justified. Both scenarios, however, underscore The Face's ability to annoy foes, which is why I'm genuinely curious to see which Celtic ends up hating him the most.
Bugging the hell out of opponents has always been a Vujacician talent, but an ability to spark reactions doesn't mean much if you're getting used by the player in question. In the past, Sasha would irritate whomever he guarded on a possession or two, then get lit up on the rest. Not so much anymore. Throw in the fact that he's not one to back down and this could get interesting. And by "interesting," I mean, "entertaining." I can easily picture Sasha residing inside the skin of a few green soldiers. Eddie House is nothing if not easily excitable. Rajon Rondo might be down for an epic "skinny dude battle." Sam Cassell may cut to the chase and initiate the smack (if that happens, be happy, because it means Sam-I-Am is playing, which can only help the Lakers). But the best bet could very well be one Kevin Garnett, who's wound waaaaaaaayyyyyy too tightly to find Sasha anything less than nails on the chalkboard. If Vegas offers a prop bet for "first Laker elbowed" (and I have to imagine some casino must), the safe money is on Slovenia's Favorite Son.
Of course, this all goes out the window if Phil finally comes to his senses and begins running the offense through DJ Mbenga. That, my friends, will put the "X" in "X Factor." But until that day arrives, I'm sticking with Sasha.
AK
Prayer at 10:30 AM on the K-Bros Game Day Thread.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 05, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I can smell the beauty of an upcoming roll call!
Good Morning Family!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 05, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Boston Blog Near Sighted?
He forgot to mention that House is a poor ball handler as a back up point guard.
Posted by: nik kannan | June 05, 2008 at 08:32 AM
The Boston GANG GREEN is a most potent and lucky franchise. They nearly always get the breaks and win whenever facing their favorite dish, the overconfident and popular kids from LA.
Perhaps the reason why the lakers and their fans fear Paul Pierce so is that he is just as arrogant, talented and pretentious as their mvp bryant. Pierce is salivating at the chance to exploit the spongy laker D and realize his dreams fostered long ago in the shadow of the Forum.
This series is in Ray Allen's hands more than kobe's. Since neither of them is quite a Steve GNASH, they must duel with their merely mortal talents. And this puts the lakers at a disadvantage - if RA gets hot in a few games, Phil Jackson's last title will indeed remain his last.
And if so, America will smile as the popular, arrogant kids from Pollutionville, CA leave the court with heads hung low. The SUNS will own the lakers next season and more proudly represent the WC in the Finals, making this fleeting chance at a title all the more painful and visceral for laker fans.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 08:33 AM
A new chapter in Laker History begins.
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | June 05, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Red`s Love Child
"Get serious, KG will have Pau "Gasshole" in major foul trouble within six minutes!"
And how is he going to do that? By taking jump-shots? Gimme a break.. the scariest thing about garnett's his chest-beating frenzies. The guy's soft.
Posted by: machiavelly | June 05, 2008 at 08:35 AM
We'll be glued to our sets here in Prague, Czech Republic, hoping the Lakers get off to a killer start to this rumble!
I personally hope, by the way, that Ariza gets a crack in there at some point...while I don't want to see our mostly excellent play interrupted, I think he's a potential spark on D and in transition offense.
But I leave that to PJ and the rest.
I just love how Kobe's never, ever, ever intimidated by playing in somebody else's arena, by the way...I think, ultimately, that that attitude (and his teammates' ability to follow his lead) will translate into a Lakers...and I should whisper this...W-I-N.
An OT in Utah, a W in Utah, and a W in San Antone? You gotta be kiddin' me. These guys are hitting on all cylinders right now. Even Pau is gonna have a break-out series!
LET'S GET THIS STARTED!!
Posted by: onanoman | June 05, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Folks I'm just finishing up Roll Call and it is Long
as hell. I apologize in advance. Be back in
a few
Posted by: Mamba | June 05, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Cant believe its finally Thursday, time to man up and kick the celtics ass for that BEAT LA chant!!!
Posted by: RIZZO | June 05, 2008 at 08:53 AM
GAME DAY!!! FINALLY!!!
I'm so anxious about tonight's game... I'm not going to get any work done today!
As to the topic, my X-Factor for this series is VladRad. I really think that he will
contribute on a better pace than he has throughout these playoffs. I think
that he will average 12-14 points a game and have one breakout game of 20.
On top of that, he is crucial to us winning the battle of the boards. He is that
third guy that if Pau and L.O. do their job of boxing out KG and Perkins, will
be there to get some easy rebounds. I'm thinking he averages about 6 a game.
Lakers in 5. They win tonight, lose Sunday, and sweep the 3 in L.A.!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Bzar | June 05, 2008 at 08:54 AM
PEOPLE PEOPLE
I can't believe what I am hearing in Laker Nation. Doubt, worry and even out right fear.
The only thing in life you should fear is THE LORD GOD ALL MIGHTY.
Be of Good cheer for the Lakers will win this game by at least 20 points. If it were not
so do you think I wouldn't tell you. I am not a Basketball fan, but from time to time I
like to check in on one of my most perfect creations...The Los Angeles Lakers
Posted by: GOD ALMIGHTY | June 05, 2008 at 08:55 AM
PsychedLakerGirl:"We have taken down three sets of trolls already and the
newest ones won't be able to hang here much longer either."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!! Soldier you have gone on and
beyond the call of duty. Report to General Toad for a battlefield promotion
to Major PsychedLakerGirl. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 05, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Perkins completely dominated the hapless byenumb in two games this season, and O-dumb reverted back to his psychological jelly nerves when faced with the vastly superior KG.
I guess ga-shawl is way better than byenumb and therefore the matchup is diff? Nope.
The fact remains: Outside of GNASH and SHACK (and the Trailblazers - without Oden!), the Celtics are the worst matchup in the league for the lakers.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 09:01 AM
__________________________*
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
23)Juno-- KB24's Videographer last year "That wasn't Kobe that was Paul Pierce with a Kobe Mask"
(24) Keifo – Helped Kareem tutor socks
(25) LakerNorth – Has secret healing formula for socks
*_______________________________*
"Punch KG "The Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*_______________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO’d KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
(06) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(07) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(08) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(09) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(10) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(11) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(12) Edwin Gueco – Made a citizens arrest of KG
(13) Keifo – Beat KG at Horse.
(14) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(15) Jon K. Taught all Lakers the deadly throat puncjh
(16) Happy Camper - Made Daany Ainge unhappy
(17) MagicMan – Made the Big Ticket Punch himself….twice!
*_______________________________*
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
(26) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(27) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(28) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(29) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(30) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(31) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(32) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(33) (17) MagicMan – Made the Big Ticket Punch himself.
(34) LakerNorth – Put itching powder in KG’s shorts.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 05, 2008 at 09:03 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
(03) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of Justice
(04) LakerTom - Will arrange for JON K. to lead parade
(05) Keifo – Volunteers to fix Jon K’s car
(06) Edwin Gueco – Has a secret BioFuel for Jon’s car
(07) MagicMan – Created Magic BioFuel Formula which is missing
Posted by: | June 05, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Celtics are healthy, have home court, and what's more - they are underdogs. Everyone is predicting lakers sweep and that is why the Celtics should win.
Don't you think it might be just a little bit of motivation for the best reg season team and three title-starved stars to hear over and over how they can't possibly measure up to the golden boy kobe and his penguin coach? Keep the purple and yellow koolaid coming, media and fans! It's only making the GANG-GREEN more resolute and ferocious by the minute.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 09:07 AM
AK/BK - 2 hours for an update on a game day?? Give us the email address of who to complain to so you guys can get more help!!!!! This is unconstitutional!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 05, 2008 at 09:20 AM
bryant is almost as good as a motivated pierce, so I expect those two to cancel each other out. The laker front line however, will now face a superior collection of athletic (unlike the clumsy jazz), young (unlike the aged spurs), and intelligent and well-coached (unlike the nuggs) Boston bigs who have an instinctive thirst for yellow-purple heartbreak.
O-Dumb blows except for every 5th game, and ga-shawl would rather wrist-flick than bang.
The results of this serious imbalance of interior power became evident in the 2 reg season games, when the lakers had a more physical center than now.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 09:23 AM
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE..........................!!!!!!!!
GO LAKE SHOW!!
KNOCK 'EM OUT!!!
Posted by: keifo | June 05, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Vlad's the x-factor. Didn't someone just do an he's an x-factor article this week. If Vlad can continue to play better D like he has been then Pierce will be forced to take lower percentage shots. I'm not saying Pierce wont get his points of course he will, I'm saying play him like he played Melo in the first round and Manu in the WCF, hang back a little a dare him to shoot more outside shots, that's what the Celts are going to try and do with Kobe. Plus in the first game this year in Boston it was only Vlad and Kobe who showed up, for some reason Vlad didnt get any minutes in the second game because Ariza was around I think that was a mistake, I do think it's a mistake to play Ariza right now. Look at the matchups again vs. Pierce only Vlad is big enough and quick enough to keep up with the 6'8" Pierce, Sasha is too skinny, fast enough but to skinny, Kobe can in spurts but it would take al lot out of him he's better served on offense. Luke's foot speed is too slow and Ariza is not ready and if he was I think Pierce would post him being to heavy for Ariza. Depends on the refs (xfactor?) if they let Vlad put his hands on Pierce to slow him down like they've allowed through out the playoffs then Vlad will hang tough, if they call a bunch of touch fouls it's going to be hard. One thing about Vlad is that he has picked up his physicality in the playoffs, been laying in to screens and pushing and shoving under the basket for offensive rebounds in the key a lot more. Watch when they run that pick under the basket and he turns and seals his guy for the layup, I think they'll try that against pierce to see if they can get him in foul trouble early.
Posted by: Ken | June 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM
GOOD MORNING LAKER NATION!
GAME DAY!
A GOOD DAY!
A RED DAY!
ONWARDS TO VICTORY!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Paul Pierce threw up 41 vs. LeBrawn in a Game 7. Pierce is a superstar.
And considering how poorly kobee fares vs. LeBrawn, I expect Pierce to be capable of 50 vs. bryant this series.
Pierce has an apt last name - he will penetrate the laker paint for those game winning shots.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Good game day family!!!!
Mamba, the Magic Man is present and accounted for SIR!
I'm prepared to do battle with the mildly retarded greenie trolls. I'm ready to scream my lungs out and cheer on my team. READY TO WIN BABY!!!
Man that felt good.
On to the topic. I'm good with AK picking The Machine. I've heard some Pau Gasol. I'm good with that too. But for me, Vladdy is my X-Factor.
If Vladdy can hit some bombs early, it will help with that whole lane clogging BS we've been hearing so much about. This will help Lamar immensly by opening up some cracks for him to slither through. Also, if Vladdy can move his feet and funnel his man to the right spots on the floor on defense, it will make a biggggg difference for us. If he doesn't space out (pun intended) on the defensive end and lose his man, it will go a long way in solidifying our overall team defense.
Posted by: magicman | June 05, 2008 at 09:34 AM
"Punch KG "The Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*_______________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO’d KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
(06) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(07) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(08) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(09) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(10) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(11) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(12) Edwin Gueco – Made a citizens arrest of KG
(13) Keifo – Beat KG at Horse.
(14) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(15) Jon K. Taught all Lakers the deadly throat puncjh
(16) Happy Camper - Made Daany Ainge unhappy
(17) MagicMan – Made the Big Ticket Punch himself….twice!
*_______________________________*
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
(26) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(27) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(28) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(29) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(30) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(31) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(32) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(33) (17) MagicMan – Made the Big Ticket Punch himself.
(34) LakerNorth – Put itching powder in KG’s shorts.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 05, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Mamba24
Please add me to both these bandwagons.
On KG you can say I bent, folded and mutilated big ticket after punching.
Free reign to anything hatefull regarding Hate Celtics bandwagon.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 05, 2008 at 09:52 AM
My criteria for an x-factor guy is someone impacting the momentum of the game signifcantly but unexpectedly - like Brent Barry did for San Antonio.
I don't think that LA has that guy for an entire series. Sasha's a good pick because he's the most consistent bench player and the least likely to be rattled...b/c he doesn't know any better.
I don't think any of the SFs (Vlad, Luke, Ariza) have the potential to be that guy. I just hope they contribute and aren't liabilities.
Ronny could be that guy but only as a result of Pau or LO getting in foul trouble consistently.
The reality though is, we can all hope that any of these guys (throw Farmar in there too) will have at least one game each where they play out of their minds and are difference-makers.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 05, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Machiavelly:"Get serious, KG will have Pau "Gasshole" in major foul trouble within six minutes!" And how is he going to do that? By taking jump-shots? ''
ROFLMAO!!!! HAHAHAHAHHHAHAHA!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 05, 2008 at 09:57 AM
1. Our Bench is the X-factor. We can rest our big 3 and possibly extend the lead, while Bostons big 3 will need to play almost every minute of the Finals to stay close.
2. Celtics Defense is good because its an aggressive help defense. Against the best passing team in the league, this will hurt more than help them.
3. They have no answer for Odom other than to have Garnett on him. Which would mean they will need to double Gasol. When they do, he will find the open man in the corner for an open 3 or a cutter.
4. Doc Rivers vs Phil Jackson, come on now.
5. Fisher has to much experience for Rondo.
Lakers in 5. Six, only if he Celts get lucky.
Posted by: Marcus | June 05, 2008 at 10:01 AM
LAKER NATION,
Let's get this party started..... It's been waaaaayyyyy to long a wait.
Lakers in six, definitely!!!!
Posted by: Laker_1959 | June 05, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Butler,
"The Boston GANG GREEN"
Excellent choice of nicknames - gangrene stinks horribly, and will kill the host (City of Boston) if not removed.
The Lakers are just what the doctor ordered!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 05, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Lakers 3-15 when they fail to score at least 100 points...they`ll be lucky to crack 90 even once against Celts!
Garnett vs. Pau?
Get serious, KG will have Pau "Gasshole" in major foul trouble within six minutes!
Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 05, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Ger serious, just a reminder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nHAuZdEH9Q#
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 05, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Paul Pierce threw up 41 vs. LeBrawn in a Game 7. Pierce is a superstar.
And considering how poorly kobee fares vs. LeBrawn, I expect Pierce to be capable of 50 vs. bryant this series.
Pierce has an apt last name - he will penetrate the laker paint for those game winning shots.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 05, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Did you see the press conference when Pierce was saying how he grew up in LA and loved the Lakers and Garnett was hanging his head.
I think Pierce was still trying to lobby for trade because he knows the Celtics are done.
Never to early to want out since he knows where the rings will be for a long time!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 05, 2008 at 10:56 AM
BUTLER!
you should get busy shining the MACHINE's sneakers!
Make sure he's got enough clean undies, as well, after all that's what you get paid for....being a butler.
Otherwise you'll be punished when we turned you into a SUNS fan, a fate worse than death!
Posted by: Zoilesque | June 05, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Thanks for all comments post thus far. Ijust read an article posted on the boston globe website today where oneof the staff writer predicts that the C will win the series 4-3 based on comperized game on X-box 360 with KG led the C on game 7 with 37 pts and 18 reb.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: waves3464 | June 05, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Spurs vs. Celtics;
Duncan/KG=Duncan is better he actually performs in the clutch
Oberto/Perkins=who cares both role players, Manu/Pierce=even,
Bowen/Allen=even unless old Ray breaks out of his slump he looks tired, and can't guard Kobe
Parker/Rondo=huge edge to Parker.
So why do Smeltic fans think we can't break out a major can of whoop ass on them just like we did to the Spurs? I'll take the Spurs big 3 over the C's big 3 any day.
Posted by: HawaiiD | June 05, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Only LA fans would cheer for someone named Sasha and call him the man. He's a spaz and moves his feet too slowly. If he tries to guard Rondo/Pierce/Allen, dunk on him. Nice win, but not very good play by the Celts.
Posted by: Celts17 | June 05, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Hello LA, LA Land:
As you wake up from what I'm sure you'd hoped was just a bad dreeam, I'm sure you're starting to realize that this is reality now and indeed the Fakers are down 1 - 0 to my Beantown brethren. Just like my old team we continue to mercilesssly pound out win after win. It's been three games on and the Lakers haven't been able to lose by fewer than 10 points.
I remember when Heinson and Cousy used to play for me and we'd always joke around after the game over a nice cigar how it was great to play the Lakers because we always knew we'd beat them. In a way it's too bad for you that Detroit didn't win the last series because that would have been the only way you could have made it a series.
Boy it was great to see the next Big Three play so well last night. KG was good, Ray was terrific against Kobe (he went 9 for 26 last night, did I mention that?) and Paul "I'll play through the pain" Pierce WAS, THE TRUTH
Kobe was pretty bad last night. That's a tough thing for a premier player who's used to having his way in the NBA and to shooting 50% plus. The Celts as you know have kept him (and will continue to) at sub 40% shooting. And then you have to depend on a bunch of predominantly no-name 2nd stringers and some guy named Lestoil from Spain (lol).
At any rate, after Sunday's game, we are looking forward to heading out to the lesser coast to eat at your fabulous restaurants, see the Hollywood glitterati and take home another banner.
Posted by: Mr. Red Auerbach - Champion Maker | June 06, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Hey, we take a lot of grief out in Boston for being snobby, for thinking that our sports are the center of everyone else's universe and for just thinking too much of our personal universe. While that may be true, I'm not going to come up with any crazy stats and preach down to anyone why we may win.
I'm going to give you hard scientific fact why we will win and when I do...
I'll type really slowly so you can understand.
Johnny Quest is the 'X' Factor & why we'll win. To wit:
- At the prompting of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, P.J. Brown joined the Green at the end of February this year.
- From 1996-2000 P.J. was coached by Pat Riley at the Heat. Riley also coached Kareem Abdul Jabbar of the winning Lakers team in '87.
- Kareem starred with, among others, Barbara Billingsley in the movie 'Airplane' (you'll remember, she spoke jive).
- Barbara Billingsley was best known as Mrs, Cleaver in Leave it to Beaver.
- A young actor know as Tim Matheson appeared in two episodes of the show as a friend of the Beav.
- Tim Matheson (pre Otter days in animal House) voiced the character of the original Johnny Quest.
Johnny Quest never loses a battle.
Posted by: TH | June 06, 2008 at 08:56 AM
My quick thoughts:
Gasol - too soft, short attention span, didnt play with much intensity, Garnett ate him alive, not enough offense, stayed at home for too long
Farmar-just plain sucked, too many mental erros, not agressive at all
Kobe-off night, due for one, hopefully the last time we see this from him
Lamar-inconsistent, not agressive enough, faded out mentally
Luke-sucked, he seemed out of place on the big stage, he is pretty important to the Lakers to move forward because of the little things that he can do at the most impt segments of the game
Fisher-played pretty good and without him it would have been a whole lot worse
Radman-sucked, he really is not a cerebral player
Turiaf-played well, still brings a lot of heart every game
Vujacic-played ok, hit a big three, he will adjust to playing better more consistent "d" on Allen
WHERE is ARIZA???? He can give us some good energy and "D". I dont understand why Phil doesn't put him in the game.
Thanks to the "C's" for putting Cassel in the game because he looks old and tired. No longer the man. He actually helped us out by missing so many ill timed shots.
This would be a no contest if we had Bynum. Gasol could then be "soft" and give us some offense. KG would have to go up against Bynum and what a big diff that would make.
Lakers will pound the Celtics on Sunday. Please give Ariza some time on the court. We may be pleasantly surprised. he may even give us some offense.
Posted by: Wes Nakamoto | June 06, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Next year:
What about a sign and trade for Arenas or Artest?
Posted by: Wes Nakamoto | June 06, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Laker fans are comical. How can this team be a favorite in this series. You have 1 player and a bunch of cast offs from other teams. The west was nowhere as good as the pistons/cavs/celtics this year and the finals will finally convince people of this fact. Remember the old adage offense wins games, defense wins championships!
Posted by: jim dimacher | June 06, 2008 at 03:27 PM
i live in so cal and grew up during the magic laker days, and i never thought i'd say this, but i am cheering for boston to win. kobe bryant is a selfish loser who will never win a championship without shaq. the celtics are class which is more than i can say for the kobe bryant lakers. when he is finally gone, i'll be cheering for the lake show again.
Posted by: avengetheweak | June 08, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Its raining GREEN in Boston. ESPN predictions were way off in la la land. The puss on Kobe's face shows what a poor loser he is. The refs. were getting fed-up with his dirty looks.
WOW!!!! Another parade in Boston.
Laker fans - you lose. The western conference sucked compared to the east. Why are you people so stupid in L.A.???
Posted by: Rocky | June 08, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Now I understand why Boston wins at home? Imagine Boston 38 FT vs LA's measely 10 FT? Boston can only win with the 3 Zebras on their side. The NBA and David Stearn should be embarrassed! If they want the Celts to win, why even play the finals, just hand it to them. The Boston Celtics are Losers if they can only win with the officials paid off in their favor!!!
Posted by: Jester | June 08, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Lakers in 5. - Posted by: MambaMVP08
In my heart, it's the Lakers in 5 games. - Posted by: troy
all over, Lakers in 4. - Posted by: lakerlandspain
LAKERS IN 5! - Posted by Gunner
Lakers in 5. - Posted by: Bzar
Lakers in 5. - Posted by: Marcus
WOOPS! HAHAHAHA
With love from beantown
Posted by: | June 09, 2008 at 04:29 AM
I am a Celtics fan and watched game 2 from beginning to end. I have never seen such a disparity in foul calling in my life. Again I want the Celtics to win but the Lakers were screwed last night when it came to fouls being called. Makes you wonder a bit about the NBA?????
Posted by: heineken21 | June 09, 2008 at 04:52 AM
Do your homework before you talk aboutBoston and the FT. IF you go back and lok atthe Atlanto and Cleveland series you'll see Boston had the same issue, Atlanta and Cleveland were getting all the FT while Boston got just a few. Check the stats on those games. We still won - no excuses.
I expect the Lakers to play better at home.
Posted by: Harleyman | June 09, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Game 2 was decided by the referees. If the referees going to make calls, even the calls on both sides. Boston is the best defensive team but, come on who can play a whole game without any fouls? ??? I just feel that referees should let them battle the series out, instead of making them look like they are picking sides. Either sides of Fan would be upset with what went through game 2. Both team are good, but don't let the referees make the decisions of the game. If they are going to call tic-e-tac fouls, make sure you do it on both sides. I think that if Lakers played more aggressive, the whole team would have fouled out!!! I guess its all about $$$$
Posted by: slixx | June 09, 2008 at 06:31 AM
The refs have to decide on a consistent way to call the Finals games and stick to it. If the LA Lakers are only going to shoot a grand total of 10 free throws as a team, then Boston should not have nearly four times the number of trips to the charity stripe at 38. If you're calling Everything, then call everything consistently. If you're going to let the fellas bang, bump, shove, push, reach - which I would suggest - then let them play. If was clear that by the 3rd quarter LO, Gasol, and Fisher we're hesitant on D. They would actually look around for the whistle after a stop. The NBA Finals! cannot be decided by the Zebras. After all, The Lakers and Celtics like every NBA franchise are privately held - but the refs work for corporate. Hmmmmmmm
Posted by: TS | June 09, 2008 at 08:13 AM
"If the LA Lakers are only going to shoot a grand total of 10 free throws as a team, then Boston should not have nearly four times the number of trips to the charity stripe at 38" - from TS
Well, let's see, if one team is playing physical and owning the paint, and the other is dancing around the perimeter (exactly what happened last night - thats fact, not my opinion) then it stands to reason that one team would get a lot more fouls.
Look back at the C's last too series and you'll see that they got in a lot of foul trouble. It's preposterous to suggest that the refs have been conspiring all along to give them a championship. And I don't think they won 80% of their regular season games by standing at the free throw line.
The whining is really making LA look bad. The series is going to LA now and, guess what, I expect some calls to go LA's way now for the next couple of games. It's probably not going to be Celtics in 4 (as much as I'd like it to be), but Celtics in 6 looks really good right now.
Posted by: Lakers in 4, I mean 5, I mean 6, uh ohhh | June 09, 2008 at 09:44 AM
There are no excuses with regard to the refs. The Lakers simply did not show up to play a tough eastern team the last 2 games, they have one more chance to get things right on tuesday. How about coming out with energy to start a game, guarding your man on defense (Vlad, Pau, you know who we mean) and playing with intensity throughout. Otherwise, we are looking at the Celtics winning the title at Staples (it does not get worse than that) and Pierce accepting the MVP trophy in his hometown. That is the reality of the situation. If the Euros can't play with intensity on tuesday, than Mitch needs to take a good look at the make up of this team and bring in some Bruce Bowen types who will get in the other teams face, ala Michael Cooper. If he is available I would draft Luc Richard Mbah Obute out of UCLA and stick him in the rotation. Get Ariza more minutes and Turiaf, the only way the Lakers win this series is to match the Celtics intensity with some of their own, and Farmar needs more minutes too, especially since he plays much better at home. Right now, the one play that sticks out in this series is Leon Powe driving the length of the court with the Lalers just waving the the white flag as he blew by. Unacceptable. That play just summed up their effort for the last 2 games.
Posted by: Laker 1985 | June 09, 2008 at 10:10 AM