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
Lakers will bounce back in games 3 & 4; take a game in Boston and close it out for game 6.
Kobe's figured out the Celtics' D - evidenced in the last 3 minutes of last night's game.
Attack the basket and pull in some defenders and toss it to a waiting 3-point shooter. The rest of the Lakers team need to tighten up their D though. Gasol needs to start playing good D.
Posted by: Khan Tot | June 09, 2008 at 02:21 PM
So sorry L.A. Suck it up. Boston is the No 1. sports town in America!!!!! Oh well!!!!
b
l
l.a
Posted by: Robert Pulsifer | June 09, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Celts are going to win the series based on their defense. Lakers don't have the answer to get around this. Maybe next year.
Posted by: Celts Fan in Cincy | June 09, 2008 at 07:16 PM
I think the foul disparity in game 2 is getting blown out of proportion. The Personal Fouls called in game 2 were definitely in favor of Boston (28 fouls called on LA and 21 called on Boston) but not nearly as bad as people are making it out to be. The difference is Boston was always going to the rim on the fouls, so they got to the free throw line significantly more.
28 - 21 is not that imbalanced!!! But unfortunately the refs read the papers too, so they will be expected to "make up" for this in game 3 tonight.
Posted by: Robo84 | June 10, 2008 at 05:35 AM
I don't hate the Lakers....I hate the Kobe-lakers team
Once the guy skips town, i can start rooting for the lakers again. once Kobe leaves! let the Baby cry all the way to the bank!
I hope Pierce shines in his hometown...guy has some class, at least.
Celtics will Sweep and i can't wait to get cheap tickets for game 4, when all moral and support is gone...
bye for now
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 10, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Final score in tonight's game: 98 Lakers - 81 Celtics
Final score on Thursday: Lakers 109 - Celtics 86
Final score on Sunday: Lakers 97 - Celtics 88
Final score on Tuesday, last game: Lakers 106 - Celtics 93
Bet on it!
Posted by: Khan Tot | June 10, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Rocky:
How about this, the Celtics have dominated the Lakers is just about every aspect of the first 2 games. The Celtics are the more physical team, they own the paint and the Lakers big men look like wounded animals on some plays. The Lakers fans need to stop blaming the refs and look at the way the team is playing. The Celtics bench and role players are killing them (see Leon Powe's 21 points in game 2) and the fact that the Celtics are moving the ball around much better than the Lakers. The Lakers have only themselves to blame for this 2-0 hole they are in as Boston has clearly been the best team in the first 2 games. Besides, if the Lakers want to complain about the refs, I think we can all look to game 4 of the Western Conference finals as see one of the biggest blown calls in recent memory that would have changed the outcome of the game. Just some thoughts from a Clippers fan.
Posted by: CLIPS09 | June 10, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Please stop fantisizing about the magical contributions that Ariza would give the Lakers if he is given PT...let's face it, Ariza is done for the year. Next year is a different story and he will eventually take Walton's spot in the rotation.
I've been one of Ariza's biggest fans, but after seeing him in the last game it was very obvious he's very far from being in Playoff shape. Did you guys not see him in Game 2? He was continually beaten off the dribble by Pierce and was actually a defensive liability. Boston kept going to Pierce to take advantage because Ariza was just helpless defensively. On the offensive end, he destroyed all spacing, had a turnover, and messed up the offensive flow! Let's put the Ariza thing to rest and hope he will have train hard this offseason to work on his shot!
Posted by: Lakafo0 | June 10, 2008 at 11:33 AM
seems like Phil is a little bit of a baby these days. talk about a sore loser, did poor baby get his wittle ego hurt? those bad,bad celtics from boston hurting L.A. baby's feewings. so much for an LA sweep huh? too bad he stands will be all hollywood people and not fans, then again, nobe only plays for himself. Lost Again. Thats right phyllis
,"see you in LA". GO GREEN!!!!!!!
Posted by: celtic 17 | June 10, 2008 at 01:01 PM
CELTICS WILL SWEEP!!!! KOBE CAN'T WIN THE NBA TITLE WITH OR WITHOUT SHAQ!!! LAKERS WILL LOSE IN 4 !!!
Posted by: Douglas Piazza | June 10, 2008 at 03:30 PM
As a Lakers Fan I'm happy that they won game three, but Paul Gasol and Lamar Odom have to be the softest Strong Forward and Center in the NBA. Now I know why the Grizzlies traded him. Come-on-guys play with a little abandon and take it hard to the basket and get some dunks. You two bring David Robinson to mind the way you play.
Posted by: D-Rave | June 10, 2008 at 09:01 PM
As a Lakers Fan I'm happy that they won game three, but Paul Gasol and Lamar Odom have to be the softest Strong Forward and Center in the NBA. Now I know why the Grizzlies traded him. Come-on-guys play with a little abandon and take it hard to the basket and get some dunks. You two bring David Robinson to mind the way you play.
Posted by: D-Rave | June 10, 2008 at 09:02 PM
WoW...that was one the terrible Finals playoff game...both team couldn't make hoops....Odom didn't do anything, Gasol was a beaten rag doll standing in the paint, Ramdnovich..where was he?...if you tell me, the F-Lakers got lucky today....Celtics were trrying to much either...i guess taking it soft for now, and give them another beating on Thurs...just my two cents...
Any F-Laker fan feedback?
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 11, 2008 at 03:53 AM
A Laker fan since the 80s. But I don't have much confidence on their chances in this year's Finals. Boston outnumbers the Lakers in superstars 3 to 1 (kind of a silly stat but hey). It seems only Kobe on the Lakers wants to win. Odom is Odom (can't play big), Gasol needs another year, maybe Fisher can step up but probably not. Boston in 5 : (.
Posted by: Puzzl3s | June 11, 2008 at 06:26 PM
LOVE TO BE A HATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OVER RATED TEAM IN THE FINALS B-TOWN ALL THE WAY
Posted by: LKRS SUCK | June 12, 2008 at 08:55 PM
love to see PJ Brown give Kobe the facial!!! HAHAHAHAH
Posted by: LKRS SUCK | June 12, 2008 at 08:58 PM
love to see PJ Brown give Kobe the facial!!! HAHAHAHAH
Posted by: LKRS SUCK | June 12, 2008 at 08:58 PM
These Celtics came ready to punch LA in the mouth. LA cannot hang with the big boys. They're too soft and have no consistency from their role players. Boston has an arsenal that is uncontested. Seriously, how do you contend with the likes of Posey, House, Powe, Cassell, and PJ off the bench? They're 10 deep! On any given night, these guys can kill you! If LA cannot get into a rhythm and are forced to play a half court game, it is over. That, my friend, cannot be argued. GO CELTICS!
Posted by: Jay | June 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
How's it going Fakers fans? Did the refs lose this game for your overrated Euro-sissies and Kobe the choker?
If any team in all of sports that shouldn't whine about the refs it's the Fakers since we now know the refs handed the Fakers the 2002 title on a silver platter.
Celtics are going back to Boston on Tuesday - for a parade!
BOSTON CELTICS 2008 WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Posted by: Hondo | June 12, 2008 at 10:24 PM
How dare the NBA steal our format.
I have half a mind to start my own team with all my 7 footers.
The undertaker is a mean power forward and man kind can dunk on Shaq!
The world doesn't need another sports entertainment show!
I mean it's real... it is real sports.
Really because I say so just like Stern!
"Here lies the NBA 2008" - The tv is now turned off - NBA - Not Basketball Afterall
Posted by: Vince McStern | June 12, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Wow, what happened to this blog???? Where did all the support go???? Typical LA front running fans I guess. How about your superstar mambo or whatever you call him walking off the court??? Class act i'll tell ya. Anyone care to respond???
Posted by: nobe | June 13, 2008 at 04:40 AM
Odom had a hellava game but a Boston sports team once again proved to be a true road warrior. Who sucks now LA?
Posted by: Boston4ever | June 13, 2008 at 04:58 AM
I noticed for the past 2 games in Los Angeles that the Lakers fan are really rude.
Your Team played in Boston and lost 2 games.
Your Team never heard any desrespect from the Celtics fan.
Even a limping Celtic player was a victim of your rudeness and polluted mind that you inhale from you polluted city air. (I wonder why there's smug cloud hanging over my televison set. everytime the camera focuses at the stadium?)
These 2 teams need to be respected not to be humiliated because you wanted the other team to lose.
To tell you frankly LA Fan both teams are already winners even they lose the Finals.
BOTH TEAMS NEEDS RESPECT!!!
Posted by: akilez | June 13, 2008 at 06:50 AM
The day before this series started I stated it was an easy one to pick. Boston in 5 - looks like a premonition now.
What have we learned so far. Well, it is now becoming "evident" to all the Fakers fans, national media and "experts" that the Celtics are FAR AND AWAY the superior team. Superior top to bottom. Superior on offense and defense (especially defense) and superior in determination and mental toughness. I'm sure the Hawks, Cavaliers and Pistons are kicking themselves this morning since all of them were stronger competition than the Fakers. A fact confirmed in that two of those series went seven games and the other six.
Each game of this series has shown us (for those interested in opening our eyes and looking) what frauds, fakers and losers the Fakers are. With the exception of the first half of last night's game the Fakers have been TOTALLY DOMINATED in all aspects. Up until the press conference Kobe and Phil have been delusional complainers.
However, let's give credit where it is due. In the first half last night to the Lakers (not the Fakers). In that half LA played well - very well. They were aggressive on offense and defense, passed the ball well, took great shots, were focused and in sync and were VERY IMPRESSIVE. For 24 minutes they were the better team. Sure the Celts didn't play well but that was their fault (which the Lakers helped them to accomplish, thank you very much). In the first half last night the Celtics were an embarrassment. But at least they put in the effort and didn't give up - unfortunately that's all they accomplished in that half. The Lakers DOMINATED and deserved to have a huge, apparently insurmountable lead. LA earned that lead and as everyone now knows, shouldn't have relinquished it.
I'll also give kudos to Coach Phil. He gave fair credit to the Celtics and accepted that the Lakers were outplayed. He acknowledged every aspect of the Celts superiority and took the blame like a man. Kobe on the other hand...well - he was Kobe. What a jerk...even his embarrassing effort of acknowledging the defeat came down to "we wet the bed". LOL - How perfect for a self centered BABY like Kobe to pick THAT expression. Just goes to show you talent isn't everything. At least A-Rod now has someone else to join him the the CRY BABY HALL OF FAME. I hate that A-hole
But that was it for the Lakers/Fakers. That's all they've shown and their supposed leader and supposed "best player in the NBA" epitomized who this team really is by WALKING OFF THE COURT with three seconds to go. Kobe had given up and in what is the most spirit crushing blow in the history of NBA finals basketball the demolition was nearly complete.
The Fakers have looked worse and worse in each successive game (save the first 1/2 last night) and the pain and misery for them will end on Sunday evening. Good riddance to them, the "Elite" Western Conference and that game fixin, snake oil selling shaman David Stern, who while he has successfully made basketball and the NBA one of the most popular sports/leagues in the world, has tarnished it's reputation and the overall quality of play.
Pretty soon Boylston street will be known as "Champions Highway"
GO CELTS...THE PARADE WILL BE TUESDAY.
Posted by: The Ghost of the Lakers | June 13, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Perhaps we will now acknowledge that is was Michael who won all those titles, not Phil Jackson. This team with Rivers would have won in 4.
Posted by: Prunes | June 13, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Hey Faker Fans,
How you like it now, how about some cheese with that wine. See you Sunday when the Celts dance as World Champs on YOUR center court.
Posted by: GARNETT 5 PRESIDENT | June 13, 2008 at 10:47 AM
All Celtics Bandwagons:
How many of you Celtics fans on this blog are from Boston? You talk about "Fakers," what about the fact that you were the ones chanting "MVP" for Kobe in the Garden last year? What a short memory we have. You'll never hear that s*** in LA. You are the bandwagon/fairweather fans, not us. Up until this year, the Celtics had been off the radar for over 20 years. Your last championship was in 1986. I don't know how old you all are, but can you honestly say you have been wearing Celtics gear for the past 20 years? Have you been supporting the Celtics on blogs such as this prior to this year? The Celtics have been completely irrelevant since the 80s. Gimme a break!!! And they still haven't won anything yet. It takes 4 wins to capture the ring, not 3.
The Ghost of the Lakers:
What series have you been watching? The Celtics have not been "far and away" the superior team.
Game 1: The Lakers won the 1st half. Boston won the 2nd half and pulled away in the last few minutes of the 4th.
Game 2: The Lakers win the 1st and 4th qtrs. Boston wins the 2nd and 3rd. This was a 2 point game w/ seconds to play, but Boston wins.
Game 3: An ugly game for both teams. The Lakers pull it out.
Game 4: The Lakers dominate until midway through the 3rd. The Lakers collapse. Boston wins.
Both teams have yet to play a full and consistent game. They have played in spurts. How can you say the Celtics have dominated? IMO, what has done the Lakers in the their lack of experience. You need veterans down the stretch to pull out wins in the Finals. I don't know how the series will turn out, but if the Lakers win tomorrow, they can definitely win game 6, and anything can happen in a game 7. Games 6 and 7 will be pressure games for the Celtics, not the Purple and Gold. Remember, we have Kobe, who has single handedly dropped 62 on the Mavs in 3 qtrs and 81 on the Raptors. The Lakers also dropped 41 on you in the 4th qtr of Game 2. You can't keep a scoring machine like the Lakers and KB24 locked up forever.
Posted by: usedtobemagic=goat | June 14, 2008 at 01:28 PM
When are commentators going to knock off comparisons of Kobe to Michael Jordan? Jordan won 6 NBA titles. He was named NBA MVP 5 times, made 14 All-Star appearances, named NBA Finals MVP 6 times, was named to the NBA Defensive Team 9 times, was All Star MVP 3 times, won the NBA slam dunk contest 2 times, and has an NCCA Championship ring. Kobe’s accomplishments pale in comparison. The only reason Kobe has three rings is because of Shaq, who by the way was named MVP during those championships. Kobe was a poor choice for MVP. He only shines because he is on a mediocre team and is in a large media market. The Kobe hype is getting old. The Celts have made him look ordinary.
Posted by: LAGene007 | June 14, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Khan Tot,
I am sure you are a fine person; anyone who roots for their home team with such passion should be considered at least honarable. But predicting a four game sweep of the Celtics is foolish based on the the facts that were exhibited during the regular season. I hope you have learned your lesson, and will approach your next prediction (Kings?, Angels?, Dodgers? Lakers? Clippers? YEESH!....sucks to be you) with a LITTLE bit of humility. BOSTON-TITLE TOWN FOR A REASON-WE SIMPLY WORK HARDER and THAT CULTURE HAS SPREAD TO OUR TEAMS (except for one Jeremy Jacobs)....please sell to someone who cares!
Posted by: Craig Roderick | June 14, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Hello FLAKER fans,
I live, work, and play among LA peeps. I hate it when the Flaker bandwagon rolls into town...with their lil flags and flaker crap.
I was a fan of the 80's flaker, but never EVER liked it when Kobe landed into town. The guy ozzeeess of douch-ness! I never liked him (maybe because of the constant comparison to my favorite player, Jordan).
I root for the clippers, root for the DODGERS, root for RAIDERS, (im mexican)...but i can't stand these Kobe-Lakers team. Maybe Im screwed up in my head, but is there any other LA based fans who aren't from Boston or east coast, that also hates this Flaker team?
~Spanky "boston wins on SUNDAY" to cap off Fathers Day....
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 15, 2008 at 02:14 AM
The celtics have been the best defensive team in the league all year. †he Lakers have not had to play so many games against such a devastating defense. Even Eddie House, the knockdown shooter, played great team defense in game 4. The defense is what took the game away from the Lakers and that was initiated by Paul Pierce.
Posted by: robin sachs | June 15, 2008 at 09:51 AM
The refs pushed toward extending the series through the first three quarters of games four and five. Last night, every out-of-bounds over the end line went LA's way. A foul on Pierce is a heroic steal by Kobe. If the refs decide six is enough and call the game evenly, it ends Tuesday.
Posted by: Zeke | June 16, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Definitely two of the weakest teams ever to make the finals
Posted by: Carl Rose | June 16, 2008 at 01:16 PM
You gotta love this game !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LKRS SUCK | June 17, 2008 at 07:51 PM
As the Laker car flags come down quicker than Bush's approval rating its time the LA media give credit to a LA opponent. It seems the LA media,especially on local sports radio stations never give credit to a opponent who wins a series. Seen it in baseball (especially in 05)with Angels losing in playoffs & now with Celtics clobbering Lakers. At least Kobe & some other Lakers showed class in congrats to Celtics after game. No excuses Celtics had better team in 08.
Posted by: Joe H | June 17, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Let's get a few things straight:
1. KB24 is no MJ23, at least not yet
2. The Zen master got out-coached, badly
3. These Lakers showed very little mettle and heart
That being said... so did the Lakers of '84, cracking under the pressure. But, they came back strong, real strong.
Let's hope these Lakers can live up to that pedigree
Posted by: mj1967 | June 17, 2008 at 10:44 PM
To: Mamba & Korey
Sorry guys, but there was no question who the dominant team was out there tonight. Game #6 was just the dessert we were waiting for after making the historic comeback in game #4 to win.
We all knew it would end this way...
Posted by: Harry Onara | June 17, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Thanks guys, I had some Kobe beef for supper tonight.
Posted by: Paul Pierce | June 17, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Dear Kobe,
"HA, HA!"
~Spanky 08'
Posted by: Spanky Jones | June 18, 2008 at 03:10 AM
Congrats to the Lakers for a great year.
You sucked real bad last night and it was pretty important that you didn't, but you had a good year.
People got down on you guys a bit for blaming the refs or whatever, but I think you guys were not nearly as bad as the San Diego Chargers. You want to talk about some sore losers; I was praying to sweet Jesus Christ that the Pats would fly back to San Diego just to hunt down and beat those little crying sissies right on their front lawns. Never have I ever seen such a disgusting display of girlyness in grown men in my life. If they come to New England next year, I'm going to get drunk and stalk a few - maybe even do some rapin' just for the humiliation, I'm not gay or nothing - not that I have anything against them - unless they play football in San Diego. In fact, I'd like to get on the flight with them going to Beantown because it would take about 5 hours to say exactly how I feel about them. It wouldn't be just words too; words do not always capture emotions the best, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, at least San Diego wasn't Dallas - you know; America's team. Then I would have had to put a bag over the Statue of Liberty, took a dump in their toilet-shaped stadium, and raped each and every one of them multiple times for the humiliation. Right in front of their mothers, too.
So, ya; the Lakers did good. Another 30-40 points and we would be on edge for a game 7. That's not too bad.
Posted by: KAckermann | June 18, 2008 at 03:30 AM
GO CELTS!!!
Posted by: shawn | June 18, 2008 at 05:08 AM
ONCE AGAIN LAKER FANS SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THINGS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT...LIKE THINKING... THE LAKERS DIDNT HAVE A CHANCE FROM GAME ONE,THE LAKERS ARE OVER MATCHED OVER POWERED AND OVER RATED....SOME OF THE BACKUPS ON THE CELTICS,ARE BETTER THAN THE STARTERS ON THE LAKERS.THAT IS A FACT...THE CELTS ARE CHAMPS,THE LAKERS ARE CHUMPS. THAT TO IS A FACT..TO ALL YOU FAIR WEATHER LAKER FANS THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES..THE 24 POINT BLOWN LEAD IN GAME 4...THE CHOKE BY THE INTIRE TEAM IN GAME 6..I WOULD WISH YOU LUCK NEXT YEAR IN THE PLAYOFFS.BUT I DONT SEE YOU MAKING THE PLAYOFFS NEXT YEAR...SEASON MVP.HA.17 MBA CHAMIONSHIPS..WOW.
Posted by: RJY | June 18, 2008 at 06:00 AM
This was a ridiculous blowout; a basketball clinic put on by the Boston Celtics & for all the basketball "experts" who picked the Lakers in 5 or 6 or 7 games ... you were (& are) clueless. The Celtics proved all year long that they were the best team in basketball but you "experts" couldn't resist making the Lakers the favorites. Remember when the Celtics won easily in the "Texas Triangle" a few months ago? That was the Celtics who showed up last night. The Lakers should feel lucky they won 2 games.
With the exception of a few quarters in this series the Lakers were NEVER the better team. And in those few quarters it was the Celtics who played so poorly, not the Lakers playing so well. When the Celtics finally decided to play basketball the way they did during the regular season, they crushed the Lakers & won the championship easily. How sweet it is.
Posted by: 17Championships | June 18, 2008 at 06:16 AM
CHOKE. THE LAKERS SHOWED THAT THEY ARE SOFT AND WEAK LIKE THEIR POSER FANS. KOBE IS A CHUMP AND A CRIMINAL. CELTICS DESTROYED THE LAKERS!! CELTICS ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!
Posted by: TBOSTON | June 18, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Well, I guess that finally people will realize that Kobe is not an MVP, he is a chump; Jackson isn't a laid-back genius, he is asleep; and that the Euros aren't wonderful, they are ABA-level halfway-decent ballplayers. Oh, and that the Lakers are a joke.
Posted by: Ed S | June 18, 2008 at 08:27 AM
As an avid Lakers fan of three decades, the only thing that bothers me more than the Celtics beating L.A. is the fact the the Celtic Fans utterly dominated the Lakers Fans hands down. The one area where the fans actually have influence over the game and L.A. comes up limper that Jack without his Viagra.
Celtic fans arrive an hour before tip-off and start chants of "BEAT L.A." during warm-ups. Lakers fans show up 35 minutes late and get an Apple Martini before being excorted to their seats. Celtic fans were on their feet EVERY timeout, every big basket, and for the entire game. Laker fans are too busy looking for celebrities in the front row to pay any attention to who has the ball.
I can probably count standing ovations in Staples Center on one hand. Do we only get up when Horry makes a desperation 3 off a botched rebound (guess that game was fixed so it doesn't count). I believe Fishers 0.4 was made in San Antonio so we didn't get off our posteriors for that one. Um, wait Kobe's dish to Horry in 2002 against Portland got them off their asses. So that's like 3. I maybe missing a couple more but you get the point.
We have no home court advantage. Lakers fans in Denver make more noise than at Staples Center. LA Sparks fans make more noise than Lakers fans do. And for the few REAL FANS (sorry Jack) that get into the arena, it's hard to be heard 500 feet about the court.
Dr. Buss, perhaps instead of selling all the tickets to the same douche bags that comprise the audience at the Academy Awards or executives from AIG, Creative Artists, Duey, Screwem & Howe, or NBA sponsors, MAYBE you should sell some tickets to those nuts that get to the Staples Center 2 hours before tip-off, watch the game yelling and screaming OUTSIDE of the arena on jumbotrons with no volume, with cars that have Lakers flags attached to each window. Stop trying to set records on Ebay with $22,000 tickets that will go to some hedge fund manager who will go to the game in a Hugo Boss three-piece. You need to sell at least half the tickets to people who don't make $22,000 per year if you ever want a real home court. I can see celebrities all day on HBO. I want FANS in Staples Center. 17,505 of L.A.'s most influencial CEO's and actors and actresses ruined a golden opportunity for a new dynasty.
Ya the Celtics were a little better than the Lakers this year but the Celtic Fans opened up a 64 oz. can of whoop ass on the Laker fans and swept the series. You 17,505 should all be embarassed.
Posted by: L.A. Dre | June 18, 2008 at 10:40 AM
All Celtics fans on this board:
Congratulations on this year's championship. No excuses here...the Leprechauns were the better team. That being said, let me ask you a few questions...
1. While your team has been completely irrelevant since last winning the title in 1986, who have you been cheering for?
2. Can you honestly say you've been rockin' Celtics gear since then?
3. DO YOU REMEMBER CHANTING "MVP" FOR KOBE LAST YEAR IN THE GARDEN?
4. Once your 2 yr window is all but shut, how will you feel w/ an over the hill team that is over the salary cap and has no draft picks? Ask a Heat fan!
I'll end by saying don't ever call Laker fans fairweather or bandwagons. Our team has been in the hunt for a ring in every decade. We don't disappear for decades at a time and we don't chant "MVP" for an opponent on our home floor.
I'll admit, the Lakers got owned this series, but through adversity comes strength. Just as the '84 Lakers, we'll come back and reclaim the title not just once, but a few more times. We have a young squad that needs a minor tweek and we will also have Bynum back to shore up the middle.
I really hope you enjoy this title because it's the last one you'll be seeing for the next 20 years. I hope this one championship was worth it.
Go Lakers!
Purple and Gold!
Magic is the GOAT!
Posted by: usedtobemagic=goat | June 18, 2008 at 10:44 AM
lakers suck celtics win-again
Posted by: | June 18, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Operator: 911 - state your emergency
Caller: Yes, I would like to file a missing person report
Operator: Please describe the missing person
Caller: It's actually a GROUP of 12 missing persons.
They were last seen wearing hideous purple and
gold shorts and tank tops. They were supposed
to play basketball against the Boston Celtics last
night, but they never showed up.
Operator: Sir, they were there. It's just that they were
crushed by a FAR superior team.
Caller: But all the "experts" said that the Lakers were
going to beat the Celtics and that the Celtics had
no chance.
Operator: The "experts" are IDIOTS.
Posted by: Calling 911 | June 18, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Phil "asterisk" Jackson got his ass-terisk kicked by the Celtics! Way to go Boston!!!
Posted by: cos | June 18, 2008 at 02:29 PM