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Stuff people said (Game 4)

Obviously there was much to talk about after last night's game.  Here's some of what people said, in addition to what we posted on the blog last night.  More to come from practice later...

BK

PHIL JACKSON: 

Q: Some turnaround in that ballgame.  The air went out of that building.
    You've got to give them credit.  Their defense was up to the task in the third quarter and changed some momentum of the game.

    Q.  What's happening to your team in the third quarters?  This is the fourth straight game where they've had a big advantage on you there.
    PHIL JACKSON:  Maybe I shouldn't have talked about it at halftime, but I mentioned it to them at halftime that we had to come out and win that third quarter.  We talked about the fact of the disparity.  But their defense in front of the bench, I think they played much better defense there where they're coached very well from the bench or from the floor.  Their bench plays defense well, and they caught us in a situation where we didn't execute very well.

Q.  Can you talk about matching up with their shorter lineup, their shooting lineup?
    PHIL JACKSON:  Yes.  Well, that changed the course of the game, obviously.  Time out called, Perkins is injured, we're up by 20 points.  They put in Posey and House, and they spread the lineup and run screen rolls, put some pressure on us to have to match up on screen rolls and have three pointers available and they hit shots in the second half.

Q.  Can you describe what happened on the play where Ray Allen in the final minute was able to isolate one on one against Vujacic and make the basket?
    PHIL JACKSON:  Well, they just into an open floor situation, an open floor we have nobody to run, jump with on that kind of a line up. We had done it a possession, two possessions before and Posey had hit a three, so we just said to the guys, stay home, take care of your guy, make him take a tough shot, and Allen was able to get by Sasha on that.

Q.  What do you possibly tell your team after a game like that, up 24, you end up losing by six?
    PHIL JACKSON:  Well, it's not over.  This is not over.  The series is not over.

Q.  That's what you said?
    PHIL JACKSON:  Right.

Q.  What's the tenor of the locker room right now?
    PHIL JACKSON:  Oh, they're very depressed about that.  With the kind of momentum they carried into the locker room at halftime and having a 20 point lead in the fourth quarter, it's very difficult right now.

Q.  Sasha went from being the big hero in last game, and this game he's sitting on the bench really upset, his demeanor looked torn apart right now.  Do you think this young player can turn this around and do you think you need to tell him anything or talk to him?
    PHIL JACKSON:  No, they're resilient.  These guys are resilient. They have disappointments, they come back.  It's about team effort now that we have to make sure that we have a good collective energy again, come out and play that first half like we did before.

Q.  I've heard you talk in the past about the trappings of having such a big lead and how sometimes teams get maybe a little careless. Was that one of the reasons that led to them coming back?
    PHIL JACKSON:  I'm sure it is, but you know, there's some things that they did exceptionally well.  You know, Pau had a dunk.  It was a block or a foul, but it was a bang bang play.  They reacted to those kind of things.  They reacted to passing situations, destroyed passing lanes.  Those are some of the things.  I didn't think we got some lackadaisical.
    One of the things I was concerned about was that Kobe hadn't scored a field goal in the first half, and that puts some    then they knew, hey, he's going to come out and try to get some scores so we're going to have to commit as a team.  They committed as a team and we didn't have guys that stepped up and helped out in that second half.

Q.  Can you talk a little bit about the decision, the point guard decision, between Jordan and Fish?  You had Jordan play a lot of minutes down the stretch.  Was that a match up thing?  And also with Vladdy for Lamar at the end?
    PHIL JACKSON:  I just felt that Jordan's quickness against Eddie House was probably important for us to have, a little more harassing defense up the court and some pressure in his reactive time a little bit.  But Lamar had a great first half.
    The second half obviously wasn't as successful.  But they were what we call spying off him, going and helping off him and double teaming, and we need to spread the court and open up the court so we could get something accomplished there at the end of the game and get some opening opportunities in the lane.

Q.  Talk to us a bit about the confidence that you have in your team to win the next three games.
    PHIL JACKSON:  Our back is against the wall, but it's just a game at a time, and that's one thing we have to understand.  We have to keep forcing the action because anything can happen in these situations. You just keep playing through it and you'll find a way to keep succeeding as you go along.  We lost that in the third quarter and left that energy out there on the floor.

Q.  Do you feel like your team played a little tight down the stretch?
    PHIL JACKSON:  No, I thought they played tight in the third quarter.  When they came out of the second two minute time out, second time out in the third quarter, you know, I was saying that we were playing without poise.  We didn't have confidence in our execution skills at that time, and their harassing defense obviously is part to credit, as that goes.  But I felt that we got out of character at that time and they got us a little bit scattered.

Q.  I know there's a lot of stuff that contributed to this, but no steals in the second half for your time.  Can you talk about that?
    PHIL JACKSON:  Turnovers, steals, we kept saying we've got to get some turnovers, we've got to force something, and we didn't.  We couldn't find a way to    they kept the ball in Pierce's hands, and in situations which I thought they were relatively secure with.  But my issue with the team is we gave up too many lay ups, too many lay ups in the second half that cost us the ballgame.

DOC RIVERS:

Q. What kept you guys in it despite the fact you were down 24?
    DOC RIVERS:  Well, I really thought the fact that we had made a couple runs in the first half, you know, got to within 13 a couple times and then they got it right back up, it let us know that we were capable of making runs.
    So the whole key was us getting stops.  They came out in the first quarter, scored every time down.  I thought we actually had great shots.  I think I counted three or four lay ups and three or four wide open jump shots and then they came down and scored.  So I just think going small, spacing the floor, scoring, but getting stops.  The whole key was that they just didn't give up, and that comes from them.  Nothing I did.  They just had enough mental toughness to hang in there long enough, and I'm really proud of them in that fact.

Q.  Just talk about finally getting over the hump when you guys got the basket that gave you the lead and what that did for your guys' confidence?
    DOC RIVERS:  Well, I thought once we got it to down one and down three, we felt pretty good.  We felt very good.  The one little stretch I was a little concerned, I think it was two minutes left right before the fourth.  I knew I had to give Kevin a rest, and I thought Leon    he only played four minutes, but they were a huge four minutes.  It allowed Kevin to rest and get back on the floor and then finish with energy.  I thought that for us was a big stretch in the game.  Once we got the lead, obviously we were thrilled to death.  As far as when we were down, nothing was going right for us, and we just hung in there.

Q.  And talk about this in terms of comebacks you've had in your career as a coach and where you are in the position you're in now.
    DOC RIVERS:  Well, it's a good position to be in, but you have to win one game four times, you know what I'm saying.  We've only done it three times as far as I'm concerned.  Obviously we're thrilled with the win and it's a great comeback, but we still have to win one game and that's the way we view it.  As far as the comeback, it was a great comeback, but you don't get anything for it.

Q.  Can you talk about the decision to go with the three point shooters and why that worked so well?
    DOC RIVERS:  Well, because they were just trapping all over the floor.  You know, they were trapping off Rajon, they were trapping off Perk early.  I brought it up to our staff yesterday, probably a 50/50 split, and I just did it, honestly, because I thought we had to have floor spacing.  When Pose made those shots, I knew that from that point on, we were going to have one on one coverage.  Whether we made shots from that point on was up to us.  But the trap stopped, the floor was spaced, and once the floor was spaced our scorers could score.

Q.  Can you talk about halftime, what was said, what wasn't said?
    DOC RIVERS:  Well, what was said was "hang in there," number one; number two, that all the plays were made by them, all the hard plays.  We had cut it to 11 once or 13 once, and every time we cut the lead, they made a play.  There was a loose ball that we didn't get, they saved.  It led to I think it was a Luke Walton three.  Farmar ends the quarter with a three, Fisher with four seconds left on the clock gets a three point play.  I just thought they were making plays and we were not.  It had nothing to do with Xs and Os to me at that point.  It had to do with when there was a scramble situation, they made all the plays and we didn't.
    I told them we were getting great shots and we were going to continue to get those and they would go in.  But we would not win the game unless we defended and we made plays.  And I thought in the second half we made the plays.

Q.  Can you talk about the magnitude of the Ray Allen bucket?
    DOC RIVERS:  Oh, it was huge.  It was huge.  Paul was exhausted, and you could see it.  I mean, he didn't even    on that play he didn't want to come to the ball.  It was really supposed to be a middle pick and roll with Kevin and Ray, and Ray waved Kevin off because he liked the match up that he had already, so he didn't want to bring another defender in to help.  It was a great call by Ray.  And then him getting to the basket was huge.  The lay up was just tremendous.

Q.  Can you talk about Paul's just commitment to defense, especially against Kobe in that third quarter?  It looked like he decided that guy wasn't going to score on him.
    DOC RIVERS:  Paul came to me at halftime and said, "I want to guard Kobe.  Let me guard him."  I'm foulless.  I can commit some fouls, be physical with him.  It would take him off the post, so we went with it and it was terrific.  I think people will look at his offense, but I thought we won the game because Paul was a tremendous defensive player tonight.

Q.  That's something he's talked about since the beginning of this year, focusing on becoming a better defensive player.
    DOC RIVERS:  It's easy for him to do it because he had some help.  Before I've asked him to score, rebound, score the assist, bring the ball up the floor and defend.  That's a little much.  Now because he has help, he can focus more on defense and he's done that.

Q.  Did Kendrick dislocate his shoulder again?
    DOC RIVERS:  Don't know.  We'll find out.  When I first saw it, I didn't like what I saw, but I don't know yet.

Q.  Can you just talk about the play of Eddie House after not having played that much?
    DOC RIVERS:  Yeah, it was terrific.  We would have gone with Eddie or Sam, honestly.  We just needed a guard that they had to stay with so they couldn't help.  With Rajon they've been allowed to put Kobe on him, and Kobe might be the best help defender I've seen since Pippen.  Putting a shooter on the floor forced Kobe to stay home, and that gave Kevin and Paul room.

Q.  I get the feeling that I still haven't seen the absolute best that this team could play.  Do you feel like that as a coach?
    DOC RIVERS:  Yeah, I told them that.  I mean, I was obviously happy with the win.  But we've played in quarters throughout this series.  We have yet to play four quarters in my opinion, and I'm sure they feel the same way.
    But I know we can play better.  There's no doubt about that.

    Q.  When this team was constructed, the concept in some respects was Kevin Garnett gets you to a certain point and now you have the finishers in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, at least offensively.  Did that come into play tonight?
    DOC RIVERS:  Yeah, it did.  Kevin made a huge shot on the post.  That was big for us because we just had to give Paul a break.  He had gone basically carrying the load almost for 12 straight minutes, and I thought that was maybe the single biggest basket.  There was so many big ones.
    But that play allowed us to stretch it to five, I think, if my count is right.  So Kevin contributed, as well.
    The thing with Kevin, he's such a great passer, he's such a great threat that Paul is a great closer and so is Ray, but you can't leave Kevin.  When he's the only big on the floor and you have guards driving and the big is reluctant to leave.  Ray's lay up was an example of having Kevin Garnett on the floor.  You can't leave him, so it gave us a chance to get to the basket.

    Q.  We've seen teams come back from deficits like this before, but on the road against the Lakers, what does it say about your team that they didn't give up?
    DOC RIVERS:  Just great mental toughness.  They just hung in there together.  We've been preaching leaning in.  When things get bad, lean into each other, all year, and tonight we did it.

PAU GASOL

Q.    The play when Ray Allen got by Sasha Vujacic, Phil said he told you guys to stay with their shooters.  Can you describe your thought process when Ray got to the basket?
    PAU GASOL:  Well, I thought that he was going to keep him in front of him, but obviously when you're guarding Ray Allen, you're concerned about his shot, shooting ability.  I was just    I saw the shot clock going down and kind of went to make sure I put a body on Garnett for the rebound, but I probably should have helped him out, react to that penetration.  I just wasn't expecting it, and make him kick it out to Garnett, make him make a jump shot from the corner.  But it happened pretty quick.

Q.  It seemed like you guys had great spacing in the first half, particularly in the first quarter.  What happened in the second half?
    PAU GASOL:  I guess we got away from the things that we were doing well in the first half.  We were playing with confidence.  We were playing, passing the ball really sharp, not turning the ball over and finishing up aggressive on the rim.
    Second half we just got away from it a little bit.  We started settling, and then they started making shots.  They started taking advantage of those long shots and those turnovers we had in the third quarter, and then it put a lot of pressure on us.  So we were really tentative at the end of the game with the ball in our hands.  It just didn't make things easy for ourselves.

Q.  Was there something specific the Celtics did defensively in that second half to stop the execution?
    PAU GASOL:  I'm not sure that it was them that kind of got us to go a different direction.  I don't think their game plan changed at halftime.  You know, we have been struggling on third quarters.  I think that every single game of this series in the third quarter we seem to give up a lot of points, which we were aware of it and we were concerned about it, and we wanted to make sure that we came out and we took advantage of the lead that we had going into the halftime.
    But we weren't able to do it, again.  Like I said, got away from the things we were doing well in the first half, and we weren't as aggressive, I don't think.  We just settled a little too much and turned the ball over.

PAUL PIERCE:

Q.    Can you talk about the defensive intensity starting in the third quarter, especially your own, D on Kobe, seemed like he was trying to take you one on one a lot and you were able to hold your own.
    PAUL PIERCE:  We said coming out of the third quarter that regardless of what the score is, we're not going to look at the score, we're just going to go out and play and compete.  I just thought they did a better job of competing, getting to all the loose balls, outrunning us, rebounds.  If we go out there for the next 24 minutes and compete and not worry about the score and play like our lives defended on it, we'll have a chance and we can be happy about our effort at the end of the day.  That's all I said.
    We just went out there and played as hard as we could, and we believed and we stuck together and was able to pull off this win.  Incredible.

Q.  Can you just talk about the importance of the third quarter?  That was obviously when the game changed.  And at what point in that third quarter did you guys start to believe we can win this thing?
    PAUL PIERCE:  Well, it wasn't about believing that we can win.  It was just, like I said, going out there and competing.  It was just going out there and putting out the effort, and then you're looking at the results.  Once we started cutting into it, we fed off the energy from our bench, fed our off defense, made the extra passes, was able to knock down shots.  We got aggressive and we stayed aggressive, and once we cut it I think it was under 10, once we got to that point with a lot of time left, we believed, hey, we can take this home.

Q.  Can you talk about being on the verge of something very special?
    PAUL PIERCE:  You know, I'm happy for the win, but the guys are excited.  But after that, Sam, Pose, you know, those guys have won championships.  They said, hey, the close  out game is the hardest game.  You thought this game was hard.  So hey, I don't want to get overjoyed, I want to go out there to try to win Game 5 on Father's Day and then I'll be able to breathe.  Right now I'm waiting to exhale.

Q.  Doc said at halftime you asked him to guard Kobe.  Why did you do that, and what did you do to contain him?
    PAUL PIERCE:  Well, I felt like I could be a little bit more physical on him.  I didn't think he would be able to post me as easy as he wanted to.  You know, I'm a little bit taller than Ray, so I can get a hand up, challenge him a little bit more.  The whole thing is it's hard to stop a player like Kobe Bryant.  He's the MVP, numerous scoring titles.  If he can go out there and make him work for everything he got, you give yourselves a chance, and that's all I wanted to do, just make him work.

Q.  You've been in situations like this coming back from huge deficits, but in this situation, in The Finals, on the road, against the Lakers, can you talk about what it means for you to overcome a team in this situation?
    PAUL PIERCE:  You know, it's great right now, but I think when I get a chance this summer to sit back and look at it all, I'll be able to soak it in a little bit better than I am right now.  It's a great win, we're grateful to be up 3 1.  Like I said, when I look back at this season, when I look back at this series, when I look back at this game after I sit down, then I'll be able to soak it all in and really tell you how it feels.  Right now I'm just happy to be up 3 1 with a chance on Sunday to close it out.

Q.  But the idea that this team doesn't give up, can you talk about that, the resiliency of this team?
    PAUL PIERCE:  I already knew that.  I knew we weren't going to lay down.

Q.  How discouraging was it to go into the half with a shot from Jordan Farmar?
    PAUL PIERCE: That was something that could have easily delated it, to go to 18 after we worked so hard to cut it to 12, 13 points.  I knew this team would fight.  We've been through a lot of wars throughout the season and in the playoffs, and I knew regardless we were going to fight back and we weren't going to lay down.

Q.  A number of general managers have said this league is changing rapidly, small ball, athletic players.  There's a shift in things happening.  With the Finals, both teams have been using small line ups to go at each other at different times.  Do you think things are changing right before our eyes with the way things have turned out?
    PAUL PIERCE:  I don't know if it's small ball.  It just looks like the taller players are just becoming more well rounded.  You look at a guy like Kevin Garnett, he can dribble, shoot, pass.  A guy like Lamar Odom, these guys can play center and forward.  The guys are becoming more well rounded.  It may seem like they're going small, but Lamar Odom, he's their forward, but he's 6' 10" and he can drive the ball.  I think the players are becoming more versatile at the positions you wouldn't expect it.

Q.  You guys obviously expended a lot of energy coming back from such a big deficit tonight.  Yet two games before Game 4, are you happy to have that extra day or would you rather play after a day and keep the same schedule?
    PAUL PIERCE:  I think these next two days are great because I'm feeling kind of sore, kind of tweaked my knee tonight.  Rajon is hurting, Perk hurt his shoulder tonight, so I think these two days will be great for us to recuperate from our minor injuries and try to suck it up on Sunday and end this thing before things get worse.

Q.  When Eddie goes in and Pose goes in, they space the floor.  What does that do for you and help you out as a shooter?
    PAUL PIERCE:  That's our best offensive lineup.  When you have Eddie, he can extend the defense along with Posey.  That's what we tried to do.  That's what really sped up the game.  The disadvantage would be on the rebound, but the advantage would be our quickness, our ball handling and our shooting.  So we were able to spread the court, drive the lanes.
    As you saw, Ray got a wide open lay up late because the guys couldn't come off the shooter.  It makes it a lineup that's difficult to stop when you have that many shooters on the court and be able to penetrate and shoot the gaps and find them.

Q.  You've also been with Doc longer than anyone here.  What can you say about the way he's coached this series coming in as the less experienced coach?
    PAUL PIERCE:  He's done a great job.  I mean, he knows the game better than anybody I've played with on this level.  He's easy to get along with.  Even though we were down 20 some points, he kept his composure.  He said, "hey, let's not worry about that, let's go out and compete."  He didn't over scream, he didn't get nervous, he just said, "hey, let's go out there and win the game, you guys can win the game," especially late.
    We've got a lot in common.  We're both Libras.  Our birthday is on the same day, if y'all didn't know that.  He's been great for me.

Q.  Even though it was a tremendous comeback win for you and your teammates, can you talk about how even more special it is for you doing it at home against a team that you idolized when you were growing up?
    PAUL PIERCE:  You know, it's a dream if I can come out here and win on Sunday.  I don't even know what to think about.  I don't want to get over excited right now over one win.  It's definitely a great win, one that you're going to put up there in the library and break back out one day for your kids to watch.  But I want nothing more than that ring right now and I'm not going to get over excited.  Definitely these moments are great, and like I said, I'll be able to enjoy it even more once it's all over.





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June 13, 2008 in Lakers News |
Comments

The difference between this finals and the Detroit finals are like night and day with the exception of Phil Jackson being outcoached both times.

In the Detroit series, when Malone went down, our hopes went with him. Detroit's strategy was to let Shaq get his points early, tire him out late, and shut down everyone else. This game plan was played out to perfection, Detroit's defense was great, better than this Celtic team.
The offensive trio of Billups, Hamilton, and Wallace were to much for the Lakers not to mention their role players.
Give Detroit this much credit, at least they didn't resort to what Paul Pierce did at the end of the game when he "sold" the foul by jerking his head back as if Kobe had forearmed him in the head. I cannot get this out of my head and i will never forget it. It was crucial foul at a critical time and the effin ref bought it hook, line, and sinker. Cheaters should not be rewarded and that is what Paul Pierce is. That is worse than flopping.

I never felt we were in the Detroit series because they pretty much dominated every game. That has not been the case in this series. The difference in this series is we have been outcoached from game 1 on. How sad is that?

If any of you newer fans do not hate the Celtics with every fiber of your heart and soul by now.........

REMEMBER
THE CELTICS ARE HIGH-TECH CHEATS AND CHEAPSHOT ARTISTS.

YOU MUST HATE THE CELTICS IN ORDER TO WIN.
GOING DOWN WITH CLASS MY ARSE

Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 13, 2008 at 01:03 PM

ONE MORE THING

HOW COME NO ONE HAS THE GUTS TO ASK PAUL PIERCE ABOUT THE HEAD JERK FAKE FOUL?

Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 13, 2008 at 01:06 PM

I don't want to hear a word the Celtics say.

Circle the wagons.

Shoot to kill.

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Jon K. | June 13, 2008 at 01:11 PM

Geez...

Take your Ritalin.

Posted by: Ima Littleteacup | June 13, 2008 at 01:16 PM

Sorry Phil, this one is on you. You get paid the big bucks so this never happens - ever. But that IT HAPPENED IN THE FINALS IS UNFORGIVABLE! Coach reaps the rewards when they win and gets the arrows when they lose. Jerry Buss should have come in that locker room after the game and b**** slapped Jackson. I'm sorry. There's no excuse for losing like that, there's no excuse for not finding a team that could put up a fight, there's no excuse for Farmar not sticking on House from the moment he had the ball in the backcourt. You could see House taunting Farmar even before the ball came into bounds at the start of the second half. A total disaster. I could go on and on. It just hurts too much, but the blame starts with the 10 million dollar Zen Hen on the bench.

Posted by: flip | June 13, 2008 at 01:21 PM

I've never been more depressed after a loss. The first thing I did after last night's loss was buy a six-pack of beer. That was disgusting.

Posted by: Xodus | June 13, 2008 at 01:27 PM


I know what the problem is..These players are waiting for Phil Jackson to do a chant and wave some magical zen wand to make it all better..These players need to figure some things out for themselves and they are obviously not ready to do that. This series is going back to Boston though...But the road may stop at game 6 unless the players take responsibility and not wait for a Phil to tell them everything..Phil makes some adjustments, but it still up to the players to at least show some kind of effort to making change.

Posted by: zen | June 13, 2008 at 01:29 PM

Do You See What I See,

I saw that fake by pierce as well.. It sucked.

The Lakers made some stupid mistakes..I would have double teamed Ray Allen instead of the one-on-one with Sasha. Ray Allen is all about killing you in the final few minutes..Don't the Lakers watch tape?

Posted by: zen | June 13, 2008 at 01:40 PM

What I'm more concerned about is the Lakers turning into the Mavericks after that Miami series. They blow an opportunity to take a series by the throat, choke, then completely fall apart the next to seasons.

Granted, the Mavs finished the next season with the best record, but we all know what happened to them in the playoffs.

Still, Laker Fan to the end...

Posted by: Space Cadet | June 13, 2008 at 01:44 PM

GAMES 1 & 2 WERE COMPLETELY TAKEN OVER BY THE REFS. RIGGED.

IN GAME 4 THE REFS AGAIN DECIDE THE GAME IN THE FINAL MINUTES CALLING A BS FOUL ON KOBE WHEN PEIRCE DOES SOME BS HEAD JERK TO ACT LIKE KOBE MADE CONTACT.

FOUL CALLED. GAME OVER.

DISGUSTING.

Posted by: DEREK | June 13, 2008 at 01:46 PM

This series is not over yet. Not even close. I'm looking forward to the Sunday whites.

I want this Lakers squad to have a shot at a Game 7. Just a shot. Game 7 in the Finals: anything can happen.

I still believe in this Lakers team.
I've been believing all season long.

Go Lake Show!

Posted by: The Outlaw | June 13, 2008 at 01:46 PM

After the loss I worked out, channeling my anger to the weights, it was a good release.

They made history. Now it's our turn.

Posted by: ajax | June 13, 2008 at 01:51 PM

I lied, I have to talk about the NBA.

It's like this, if the Lakers can somehow think that they can play like the 1st half for the full game they can win tomorrow.

If they feel like they give their best and it wasnt enough, then they'll lose big.

But the rallying cry should be: NOT ON OUR HOMECOURT!

Posted by: Korey | June 13, 2008 at 01:53 PM

As my good friend Bo says, "1-28."

Believe it.

Go Lake Show!

Posted by: The Outlaw | June 13, 2008 at 01:53 PM

After the loss I worked out, channeling my anger to the weights, it was a good release.

They made history. Now it's our turn.

Posted by: ajax | June 13, 2008 at 02:00 PM

absolutely, you've got to give credit to the Celtics for making some BIG TIME shots late in the game. Pierce made an amazing layup while falling down, Posey swished a 3. Garnett made some big baskets.

It sounds like Gasol is going to take a lot of crap but he is what he is. If Bynum had been playing center or even Kwame as his backup, there wouldn't have been as many free rides right down the middle of the lane. Next year, Bynum will take his rightful place at Center and Gasol will move to his correct position which is a PF who can make outside jumpshots.

We should take this year for what it was, a delightful ride, a season of overachievement. We got to the finals but without Bynum, we are overmatched. The only chance we have now is if Perkins is out for the season and one of the big 3 goes down with an injury. That's not the way anyone wants to win it so it looks like we'll just have to be happy we made the finals in the first place and look forward to the BYNUM DOMINATION YEARS to follow!

Re-sign Kwame Brown in the offseason! You know you want it...

Posted by: TaosHum | June 13, 2008 at 02:00 PM

We`re just warming up....Celts will win the title again next year!

Gasol, Odom will have no trade value after this series.
Vlad never had trade value.
Fisher is washed-up.
Sasha has been fully exposed.
Walton, Farmar, Ariza have no business being in NBA.
Bynum will be exposed next year as another Kwame.

Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 13, 2008 at 02:09 PM

im very dissapointed, im not disssapointed because we lost but the way we lost, it's shameful.

Posted by: Anh | June 13, 2008 at 02:09 PM

I don't think I need to say how I feel. Just did not sleep at all last night. Have the biggest headache ever. I could not watch the last few seconds of the game and had to turn off my tv. I don't think I've ever felt like this before. And I truly believe every true Lakers fan felt the same as I did. Didn't have the heart to come and read the threads this morning, but I had to force myself hoping there would be some consolation. Much to my surprise, I'm happy that that little inkling of hope that I had have been realized by so many positive posts. Thanks to all of you guys.

I can't bring the image of Sasha crying on the bench. I felt the same, and seeing him I couldn't contain myself. Being a girl I guess it's easy to just let it all out. I felt somewhat better.

This thing is far from over. I just think we got a little score happy in the first half and let our guard down coming into the second half. Oh well, no crying over spilt milk. Let's just pick up from here and see where destiny takes us. I just don't know about that little thing called momentum. We lost it, and they gained it. Let's just hope we can overcome it going into game 5. Thank god it's still here in L.A. That might be in our favor.

YES, I STILL BELIEVE, ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL.

Lakers forever....We love and support every each one of you guys....

Posted by: VALakersGirl | June 13, 2008 at 02:10 PM

Its about time someone points out how Paul Pierce gets his whistles--every time he dribble drives near a defender he snaps his head back like he just got whiplash. It is sickening. Literally every time, every game, every drive through the paint. This actor really pisses me off.

Whatever. I'm not counting the Lakers out yet either. The Celts just did what no team in finals history ever did--come back from 24 down, 18 at the half down. The Lakers have now the opportunity to do the same--come back from 3-1. The players know they should be up in this series. The Lakers lost by 6 when Kobe made only 4 field goals. Boston is bruised, tired, and old, and cannot afford to extend this out to 7. Unfortunately for them, they won't have the ability to close out in 5 either, as they will take it easy figuring they can "finish" in front of their home crowd. We take Game 5, then strike in Game 6 and put them on their heels. How? We have Odom back, Ariza back, Sasha with something to prove, and KOBE. They have hurt and ailing players in Pierce, Perkins, Rondo, and on down the line. KG is never their closer. Allen is not going to play 6 games of great ball in a row. As for Kobe? He will be the one who will hear for the next two days how MJ never would let their team lose that game. Oh yeah he thinks? Jordan never came back from down 3-1 either. Kobe just needs the ultimate challenge--hasn't that always been the case. Mark my words: if we take the always pivotal Game 5, we win the title.

LETS GO LAKESHOW

NickD

NickD

Posted by: NickD | June 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM

I'm not sure what I enjoy more? Watching the C's kick the Fakers butts, or hearing Lakers fans moan and cry after the worst choke in NBA Finals history.

Oh yeah, was that your MVP walking off the floor before the game ended? Typical Kobe. He’s the anti-Magic and sadly Shaq isn't there to bail him out. One word sums up Kobe & the Zen Master (of nothing)...O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D!!!!

Face it, the Fakers will always be second best.

Posted by: 17rhymeswithgreen | June 13, 2008 at 02:13 PM

Much respect to Laker fans. Don't forget, we here in Mass. know a thing or two about losing big games. 86 years between World Series titles, 2008 Superbowl. We understand the pain, and that was painful.

You have a good team but a bad team leader. Kobe is no Michael. I don't see the Lakers coming back from this. When a 24 point lead isn't safe, where do you go from there?

See you guys in the finals next year! Respect.

Posted by: banner17 | June 13, 2008 at 02:27 PM

RIP Tim Russert.

Posted by: #4 | June 13, 2008 at 02:31 PM

It's NOT OVER!!!

Just win Game 5, guys.

Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | June 13, 2008 at 02:37 PM

Guys.. we can do it. One game at a time. Just like how Red Sox came back from 0-3 to win over the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.

We can do it. We should have faith. ONe GAME AT A TIME.

Have faith.

Go Lakers

Posted by: curious | June 13, 2008 at 02:41 PM

WHY IS EVERYONE OF THE OPINION THAT THIS SERIES IS OVER INCLUDING THE CLOSET CELTICS FANS (AK/BK BROTHERS):

Just like PJ I feel that this series is far from over.

A wounded adversary is more dengerous than fat and happy one.

Where is the WARRIOR within you guys?

What if you were in a battlefield, would you quit?

Like Rick Fox suggested at this level in NBA (The Pinnacle) quote "If the Lakers feel their emotions are that fragile, then they have already lost this series".

I have not given up until it is over and like PJ suggested that this series is NOT OVER..

Sure as a Laker fan it hurts but you have no idea how mentally tough these players are, especially the Lakers and even PJ suggested that 'This Laker team is reselient" becuase they are young.. seen little tykes they fall and next thing they know they are up and frolicking.

So STOP being a fair weather fans and spread positive vibes for a change and most importantly have faith in PJ and his pupils.

STOP MOPING around and go get some fresh air..

As a matter of fact I am more excited that Lakers now have a chance to make history of their own and SHUT the 'F" up for all those BLABBER MOUTH analysts and color commentators.

Sometimes I listen to these commentators and wonder if there were no sports then what would they do for a living? I say clean toilets as they certainly lack in the brain cell department and hide their short comings with BLABBING from their rear ends..


SO CHILLAX AND TRUST......

Posted by: The Ultimate Warrior | June 13, 2008 at 02:43 PM

I still dont think that now is a time to throw in the towel...simply because 1. If the players around Kobe can muster up some heart and gut and pull out game 5. that pushes the game to 6 and you all know the pressure is in closing out the opposing time and not winning the next game... Game 6 becomes harder for the closing team(Boston) all the pressure will be on them to close the Lakers out. And once game 6 hits...you gotta believe the players on the Lakers team will realize, "Holy Cow! if we win this we can play for game 7 and next thing you know ...it's anybody's ball game. So really the odds maybe stacked but the window is there.

Kobe really just has to take over the reins and exert his will out on the floor for all 4 quarters....and from the years I have seen Kobe compete....He always lives for these challenges. IN Kobe's mind, he knows that if he can get his team to win Game 5 ...he knows that he has a big influence and impact for the outcome in Game 6. Fisher will be that stable leadership to help Kobe get that message across during game 5.

a few things you can take out of this game is that one, Lakers is the one team whose defense is actually fueled by their offense.....they score...it makes it easier to run back down play good d.....they don't score and settle for jumpers...guess what...that favors the Celtics and credit to the Celts for not giving up...However, Lakers need to attack the basket just like they did in the first quarter and their offense becomes contagious and momentous and what the Lakers have forgetton is that it wasn't always their defense that got them here in the first place....It was always there offense which nobody could stop until now. But the problem lies in not continuing to go with what got you there and the Lakers made a mistake that would be indicative there young playoff experience and if you look at it realistically....Boston is still the same time that had the best record in the league and destroyed everyone they played including.......the Texas Teams that nobody could win all three on texas trip...San Antonio, Dallas and Houston.

The other problems is that we are all Lakerfans for life and we love the Lakers all the way till the end even if that means demanding excellence from players the moment they arrive to Los Angeles. Let's face it...we don't hang up Western Conference Championships....we hang up Championship Banners Which comes to show the level of expectations and Standards we hold here In Los Angeles.

Lastly, the one thing different about this finals and the 2004 finals is that the middle games are at home....which means Lakers have One more game at home to take care of business. Back in 2004, that was a daunting task to win in Detroit knowing full well that they were coached by Larry Brown(an experience coach) a hungry Detroit team and a great crowd in Detroit. The same thing can be said about this year's finals except...that one Kobe Bryant is wiser and not only wiser but more dangerous because since then ...he has had a lot of mistakes to grow from mentally, physically and emotionally ...and those mistakes have made him the MVP he is today.....Second...they are not on the road....if they were on the road for the middle games...I will tell you hands down that Yes to win in Boston in the middle 3 games that would be like Detroit....but they are at home and can push to game 6....which puts pressure on Boston to close out Phil, Kobe and the Lakers....and this Laker squad is a stubborn, hard headed and young team that just won't roll over....now if I am wrong then Game 6 may not be possible...but I am telling you now .....if they push Game 6...This laker team will fight back knowing full well that all they have to do is lay their hearts out there and if the miracle happens and the team realizes that hey we can do this.....then Game 7 anything can happen and you know....with Game 7 on the line you know anything can happen with Mr.MVP.

Credit to where credit is due....Boston is the better defensive team.....however ....Lakers have shown that they have an explosive offense that if well run...they can blow teams out of the water and take the game from there as proven in Denver and San Antonio....they have come back from serious injuries and still rebounded and play well...they have come back from deficits and granted this is a whole new ball game.....but we haven't seen what this team is really capable of doing with the full strength (BYNUM) and to me....I am more excited about the next 7 years....but we will leave that for the next comment. Trust me Laker Nation...dont listen to anyone ....don't listen to the odds....don't listen to any of the analyst at ES..you know the four letter word station...and don't listen to anyone who can't appreciate miracles because you know what....the comeback was okay.....but Trust me after Game 5 ....I will write the Laker Nation back and write to you on how to change the energy for the Lakers even if they are not playing at home. Just remember to be positive....don't hate on any celtics fans or their team because that is how you get the true karma and energy back.....Trust me Game 5.....Laker Nation.....Get ready to be smiling again!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: LakerJoe | June 13, 2008 at 02:48 PM

Time to make history.

1-28.

Believe it.

Go Lake Show!

Posted by: The Outlaw | June 13, 2008 at 02:51 PM

The Ultimate Warrior...

I've been down all day...

AND YOUR ARE ABSOLUTELY FREAKING RIGHT!

Thanks for the post

Posted by: kubinator | June 13, 2008 at 02:51 PM

this just in widespread depression spreading throughout the blogoshpere.

I'm one of them.

But we just gotta, we gotta keep the faith.

GO Lakers!

Posted by: Faith | June 13, 2008 at 02:54 PM

I just hope the blame game doesn't start up if/when the Lakers lose the series.

If they lose the series, it's not because someone f'ed up or Kobe didn't to that.

Simply put, the C's look like the better team. Nothing you can do about that.

One game at a time - just win Game 5 so that they don't celebrate on the Lakers Floor.

Posted by: ahlayn | June 13, 2008 at 02:55 PM

LAKERS HAVE NO FRIENDS & NO RIVALS

I'm getting phone calls from around the country, and the reports are all the same; they reflect what we've seen here on the blog.

Fans of every other team are celebrating the apparent demise of the Lakers. Yes, it's true.

For example, Blazer fans are celebrating like their very own team just won the championship...

Jazz fans think Stockton and Malone just brought home the O'Brien...

Suns fans are just happy to see the Lakers lose.

Nevermind that the fans of these teams have seen their team win (in most cases) 3 less rings than Kobe. To them, a Lakers loss is the equivalent to a title.

For the Lakers, they have no rivals. None of those teams is truly a rivalry. Sure, there have been some hard fought games (or even series) from time to time, but over the years, there hasn't really been a constant.

Conversely, the Lakers have always had what most consider a rival: The Celtics.

The problem is that the Celtics have OWNED the Lakers over the years. It's tough to call it a rivalry when our winning pct against them is down around 20% (in terms of series won).

We have no friends.

We have no rivals.

We're just the Lakers. The most succesful basketball team ever (in terms of games won, finals appearances, and winning percentage).

The crap that people are throwing on Kobe is making me sick. So Jordan would have never let this happen, eh? Okay, fine. But MJ had one of the 50 greatest ever playing along side him.

If you fault Kobe, must you also fault:
Patrick Ewing
Charles Barkley
Karl Malone
John Stockton
Gary Payton
Jason Kidd
Wilt Chamberlain
Elgin Baylor
Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
James Worthy
Jerry West
Gail Goodrich
Clyde Drexler
Shaquille O'Neal
LeBron James

All of these players (and many more) have lost in the finals, some of which just as bad as these Lakers are losing right now...

To heap the "Jordan would have never" BS onto Kobe now means you should also heap that onto all of these other NBA legends.

Do you REALLY want to go there?

So we stand on our own. Whoopdeedo. There's no shame in going to the finals 29 times and winning 14.

So if you're a fan of one of those hometeams not in Boston, and you're celebrating like your team won the title, enjoy yourself... it must really suck to be a fan in your hometown.

Okay everyone... gear up for Sunday. I want to hear a solid practice report today and tomorrow, and I want to see a great team effort on Sunday. That's all I ask.

Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 13, 2008 at 02:56 PM

My greatest hope is that the Lakers players take the lead from their fans posting here and blame the refs instead of poor play this loss.

Yep. Rigged. Pierce fakes it. Don't focus on Cs adjustments. Don't focus on lackadaisical defense. Don't focus on lapses in offensive intensity. The sweet siren song of ref ineptitude. Keep believing it.

'Cause it will help take the sting out losing the finals, should that occur.

Posted by: Red Valhalla | June 13, 2008 at 02:56 PM

banner17 and the Blog Fam in the East Coast,

How strong is the East Coast dislike-hate for Kobe Bryant?

I am more of a Team Fan and never a big one Player Fan (Ok, how do you dislike Magic) for the most part.

I just don't get how people can't acknowledge Kobe's leadership improvement.

Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 02:58 PM

To "Do You See What I See,"
The foul called on Paul Pierce should be the last of your worries. The Lakers gave up a 24 point lead, at home, in a crucial game. One bad call doesn't make up for a complete lack of execution in the seond half. I hope you take solice in thinking that Paul's "cheating" won the game. Good luck next year, maybe Shaq will come back.

Posted by: KB | June 13, 2008 at 03:04 PM

dream on. We need KWAME BROWN to play some DEFENSE in the middle, otherwise it's just a layup drill.

Mike T was right, Kwame Brown WAS the answer... we can still get him back, with Gasol at PF... LOL!

Next season, Bynum as the starting C, Kwame as the backup... UNDEFEATED! Ahahahahaaa!

Last night was the night of the LONG CALVES. Gasol's calves are long, but they're not THICK! We need THICK CALVES and there's only one dude in the NBA that has calves thick enough to meet our criteria and... HE KNOWS OUR SYSTEM!!!

Oh my God, some of you guys are going to have a heart attack over this post...

Posted by: TaosHum | June 13, 2008 at 03:09 PM

I still believe.

If you still believe, please add your screen name to this list:

AMAZING HAPPENS

Posted by: Amazing_Happens | June 13, 2008 at 03:09 PM

I LOVE the Lakers - and will still root HARD for them as I've been doing for over 30 years!.

But its over for THIS year. I said it in March and unfortunately its proved to be true. Without Bynum we can win the West but we won't get past the Celtics.

And mark my words cause THIS is true as well - if everyone is healthy next year we will remeet the Celts in the finals and blow their assses out!!!

Pierce-KG-Allen are no match for Kobe-Pau-Lamar and DREW!!!

Hope we win Sunday though - I'd like to at least go down fighting on THEIR court.

Peace out.

Posted by: Jay Jay | June 13, 2008 at 03:11 PM

I am guarenteeing a Game 7.

I dont get into this types of pronostications, but I believe this is going 7.

The Lakers will win on Sunday. It's Father's Day, Kobe will be happy. The Lakers dont lose on Sunday, nor do they wany to lose where people will be watching the most. Too embarassing.

Then this goes to Game 6. The Celtics will choke Game 6 thinking its an automatic title by coming home. Somewhere the Lakers will come with a big stand. I think Kobe redeems himself in that game, and they win.

Im not promising a title, but its going to Game 7.

Besides, since the NBA is rigged, they would rather see a seven game series. And coming back from an 0-3 deficit is too unbelievable for the NBA to pull out. But 3-1, is plausible.

Game 7...

Posted by: The Lake Show | June 13, 2008 at 03:12 PM

Oh, and about Pierce's "phony" foul -

I agree with what Popovich said about the famous non-call on Fish that won us the game there:

"if your team has played so poorly that one wrong foul call can beat you, you don't deserve to win."

Posted by: Jay Jay | June 13, 2008 at 03:14 PM

PALM BEACH, FL


EVEN PAUL PIERCE DID NOT KNOW HOW HIS TEAM WON THE GAME LAST NIGHT. TOO MANY HISTORIES ON ONE NIGHT BLIND EVERYBODY, NOW IT'S TIME TO PREVAIL.

3 IS OUR MAGIC NUMBER: ONE BY ONE, WE WILL GET OUR GOAL. WE HAVE TO MAKE HISTORY AND MANAGE IT TOO. ONLY FOR THE SAKE OF PHIL, HE WILL GIVE US AN ULTIMATE COACHING TO MAKE UP SUNDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY. HE IS THE MASTER, HE WILL APPLY THE SAME THEORY TO GET THE MOMENTUM BEFORE THE PLAYOFF.


UN BESO PARA TODOS


SHEKOBE FOREVER

Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 13, 2008 at 03:19 PM

KWAMEBROWN KWAMEBROWN KWAMEBROWN

CALVES CALVES CALVES

CALVES THICKER THAN STEEL THAN STEEL THAN STEEL

Delaware State Police arrested Chad Bean of Three Rivers Court in Newark for outstanding warrants.

Bean gave the Troopers his name as "Kwame Brown" and when nothing came back on him they asked for his name again.

After he gave troopers his true identity officers arrested him for the outstanding warrant and a new charge of criminal impersonation.

Posted by: TaosHum | June 13, 2008 at 03:22 PM

Oh, and about Pierce's "phony" foul -

I agree with what Popovich said about the famous non-call on Fish that won us the game there:

"if your team has played so poorly that one wrong foul call can beat you, you don't deserve to win."

Posted by: Jay Jay | June 13, 2008 at 03:14 PM

AGREED!

Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 03:30 PM

Taos,
LOL! You are ignoring the importance of a smooth offense. Kwame's presence is extremely disruptive to the offense; any defensive gain is more than offset by the lack of offense. Can you picture the Celtics leaving Gasol wide open all the time, and using Garnett as a roving double-teamer? That is what they could do if Kwame was playing.

Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 13, 2008 at 03:30 PM

Taos,

Did you just discover Mike T's true identity?

Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 13, 2008 at 03:32 PM

Phil Jackson needs to tell his players that all series long, Doc River and the Celtics are using fake injuries to change the momentum of the game--that is part of the Celtics strategy. As soon as Perkin FAKED his injury and went out of the game, the momentum changed to Celtic's favor.

Posted by: Robyn | June 13, 2008 at 03:33 PM

CAN THE LAKERS WIN 12 STRAIGHTS QUARTERS????

We all know they ALWYAS lose at least one quarter in every series! so...

If they focus on playing one quarter and decide to win all those quarters at the time, then we can start to talk about championship ..other than that... those guys DO NOT DESERVE TO WIN!

IT was a shame loss last night... I had nightmares about last night game!...

They relax! relax! relax!.... I still don't see the fire in those guys such as Vladmir, Farmar, Turiaf, Luke and Gasol!... at the times I feel like they're playing like this is a regular season game!

You're trailing and you make dumb passes, shoot just to say that you shoot...I mean you're just throwing the ball up there and hoping for the best!

Can you shoot the ball and know that you'll make the basket?? NO! I've just watched that game again and I saw Turiaf, Farmar, Gasol, Vladmir Radmanovic and Luke Walton throwing the ball in the air just because they had to throw and not because they needed to score.

In order to win, if I was the coach, I would tell 'em to play every single position like they're down by 5!...and I say 5 because they would play always to tie the game even if they were up by whatever.

Those guys relaxed big time!.. Now they're the shame of basktball!... You saw the champions blowing their 17 and 20 lpoint lead and you thought nobody could do that to you???

You beat the champions then you get their weakness! its just like that in almost everything in life! You beat whatever, you get whatever straingths and weakness!

NOW I WON"T EXPECT YOU JUST TO WIN A GAME OR EVEN THE REST THREE GAMES! I EXPECT YOU TO WIN EVERY QUARTER AND EVERY POSITION ON THE COURT!

Classic

Posted by: classic | June 13, 2008 at 03:39 PM

17rhymeswithgreen,

Kobe walked off the floor with 3 seconds left hoping to show his team how disgusted he was with their performance..It's called a motivation tactic..

There was nothing Kobe could do anyway as they were down by 6. He did what he could do - attempt to motivate his players.

Posted by: zen | June 13, 2008 at 03:40 PM

Look at all these fans giving up on their Lakers, c'mon! On Sunday, the Lakers will do what they did in the first two quarters in Game 4, except for the whole game! And then they'll do it again for the 2 in Boston! Never again will they give up a lead like that! The Celtics are so beatable! The Lakers lost that game themselves. They got to move the ball and attack the hoop for 4 straight quarters! And then they will be the first team ever to come back from 3-1.

They made history. Now it's our turn.

Posted by: ajax | June 13, 2008 at 03:45 PM

Faith,

You're so right about the depression.

(Re-posting from end of last thread)

When I woke up this morning, I wasn't feeling very well, so I called my doctor for an appointment.

When I arrived a few hours later, the waiting room was filled with men and women wearing Laker jerseys. All had their heads bowed. No one was talking.

When I saw the doctor, he asked me to describe my symptoms. I told him:

-Severe depression
-High anxiety
-Sadness
-Headache
-Upset stomach
-Inability to focus or concentrate
-Feeling like I needed a drink

He nodded his head like he understood, patted me on the shoulder, and handed me a prescription:

-A decisive Laker win in Game 5 on Sunday at Staples Center
-A decisive Laker win in Game 6 in Boston
-A decisive Laker win in Game 7 in Boston, followed by a ceremony handing out the O'Brien trophy to Jerry Buss and the series MVP trophy to Kobe Bryant.

The doctor instructed me to get the prescription filled and to follow his instructions to the letter. I'm on my way to the Purple & Gold Pharmacy. I'll see you there.

Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 13, 2008 at 03:48 PM

Although I am a Spurs, I am so pissed at the lakers right now!... Lakers and the Mavs have been the embarassing of the WC.

9 straights years and the Lakers and the Mavs have embarassed the West!

Lakers more than the MAVS! 5 times there in 8 years and twice embarassing the West!

The Spurs grabbed every opportunity they got in the finals and won!

If the Mavs and the Lakers by any chance could meet in the finals, both teams would lose! LOL.. the winner would be the refs! because they would get tired of ref. those games in a way that no team would ever lead 'til the end because they're both accustumated to blowing leads!

Posted by: Spurs fan! | June 13, 2008 at 03:52 PM

Rick Friedman

I didn't know you are into psychedelics?

Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 03:57 PM

I didn't hear no bell.

Posted by: Kyle | June 13, 2008 at 04:01 PM

exhelodrvr, Gasol wasn't doing anything on offense anyway, NOBODY wanted the ball. Everybody shares some blame for last night, including Phil. Radmanovic started the game off well, then when the Celtics were crowding the middle, daring the Lakers to take outside shots, Radmanovic was riding the pine. Phil couldn't put Walton in, everybody saw how Walton shotputted that one 3 that went in in the first half, Walton has completely crumpled under the pressure, might as well curl up in the fetal position behind the bench.

The Lakers didn't lose on one play but that Ray Allen drive past Sasha with NOBODY providing help behind him summed up the entire second half. Turiaf would have at least fouled him, Kwame would have slid over and put a body on him, Bynum would have threatened him and forced a bad shot or a pass but no... Gasol was the Center and he didn't "want" it. It was plain as day, Gasol froze, he didn't have the desire to protect the hoop, he was hoping somebody else would step in but there was nobody there. If Kwame is in the same situation as our backup Center next year, I guarantee you he will slide over and stand in front of Ray Allen, making that a more difficult shot.

The Kwamster may not give us much offense but our defense is swiss cheese without him or Bynum covering the guys who consistently blow past our guards. There is absolutely no way we win 3 in a row against Boston unless they have a run of injuries. We really are too soft and have too many guys who simply check out of games for extended periods of time. Look at Odom, good first half, check. Ok, now that I got everybody off my back I'm going to fade into the background...


Posted by: TaosHum | June 13, 2008 at 04:05 PM

Don't worry Laker brethren. As a child of the 80s, I was treated to 5 championships, 2 of them defeating the Celtics. We sent their franchise into a 23 year funk, and paid no attention to them until this year.

They won the first one in 84, we won the next 2 head to head. The newbie celtic fans don't know that this is far from over. It lasts year to year, and judging from rosters, we'll have the upper hand for quite sometime. Younger, hungrier players, more tradeable assets, the MVP, and the most dominant center the league will know for the next 10 years.

Posted by: #4 | June 13, 2008 at 04:07 PM

Celtics big three: Pose, House, Powe

...who knew??

Posted by: DS | June 13, 2008 at 04:09 PM

wake me up if we make it to game 7

Posted by: Showtime | June 13, 2008 at 04:12 PM

AK, Jon K


My Bad... BIG TIME !!!! I forgot how amazing Zappa was... omg back then, I really didnt fully grasp his style, it wasnt until adulthood that Zappa became a GENIUS to me. Props to AK for that gem.. Jon.. it makes me feel a little better posting about Great Guitarists when the ugly truth is.. I'm CRUSHED !!!! Depressed isnt a strong enough word right now.

I'll snap out of it, Laker Tom and I both knew OUR TIME will come when # 17 is in the middle next season, but that doesnt help my stomach right now. Hats Off to Boston. In my humble opinion, We dont deserve to be Champions THIS YEAR. Champions DONT/WONT allow 20 pt leads to evaporate. Champions go for the jugular when they have a team gasping for air. We're NOT quite there yet, like it or not Laker Nation. Hopefully, the bitter after taste of this experience will motivate and drive our Team to achieve a legacy only associated with the Bulls and Lakers.


I'm looking forward to a 75win season in 09. I get happy thinking about this team with a full training camp under their belt next season, but I'm throwing in the towel after last nights game. I dont even care if we come back and make it a 7 game series now. The way in which game 4 was lost, hurt me.. hell, who am I kidding? It CRUSHED ME!!! but I gotta keep it real and be honest here.. Champions DONT make those types of mistakes.


Have a GREAT Summer everyone!!!! Thanks to the Kam Bros, The Lakers and my Laker Family here. I had a FANTASTIC TIME.. pissing and moaning, laughing and arguing with EVERYONE. The time has come for me to "give back" to the Lady that allows me to completely ignore her during Laker and USC football games, so I'll be pretty much a Ghost until after labor day. If I could, I'd shout out a gazillion posters here that I've grown fond of over the last year but I'll keep it short and sweet, just read the first sentence in this paragraph and that sums it up.

Keep your Heads Up and the Lakers always in your hearts !!!!!


GO LAKERS !!!!!!!

Posted by: complex brotha | June 13, 2008 at 04:16 PM

"Phil Jackson needs to tell his players that all series long, Doc River and the Celtics are using fake injuries to change the momentum of the game--that is part of the Celtics strategy. As soon as Perkin FAKED his injury and went out of the game, the momentum changed to Celtic's favor." - Robyn

That's an amazing theory! Every NBA team should emulate this! Pull starters out of games until you take the lead!

Aren't you just a little embarassed that the Celtics made this comback without two of their 5 starters, and another one less than 100%? Perhaps that might be affecting your judgement?

If I was speaking to an intelligent person, I might note that Paul Pierce is one of the toughest players in bball (came back for an exhibition game 2 weeks after getting stabbed 11 times and getting a collapsed lung, came back within 30 minutes of breaking off two teeth, and played the day after a 7-hour emergency dental surgery), that the Lakers are playing off Rondo like he's hurt and he's still only had 7 pts and 2 ast since the injury despite getting 25 pts and 27 ast before it, or that Perkins has a history of seperated shoulders and didn't play a single minute after his injury. But I doubt you would care.

Posted by: J-dawg | June 13, 2008 at 04:17 PM

"Kobe walked off the floor with 3 seconds left hoping to show his team how disgusted he was with their performance..It's called a motivation tactic..

There was nothing Kobe could do anyway as they were down by 6. He did what he could do - attempt to motivate his players."

Wow...you're actually supporting a move as bushleague as walking off the court...shouldn't Kobe worry about being disgusted with his own 6-19 performance? Perhaps if he had hit half his shots in games 1 or 4, or set up good shots in the offense rather than forcing some of those misses he put up, the Lakers could be ahead in this series right now.

And remember when Moss took all that heat a couple years ago? It shouldn't matter whether the game is "over" or not. You play hard until the end. Besides, 6 points in 3 seconds has been done before, believe it or not (long pass to immediate 3, followed by 3 off a steal on the inbounds or a turnover from the inbounds - no time off clock if it doesn't hit anyone.)

Not that Kobe's never been a quitter before...

Posted by: J-dawg | June 13, 2008 at 04:21 PM

Greeting, my fellow depressed Lakersfielders!

This unexpectedly exciting season is now down to one game. A home game, on our court! The foe is depleted by injury, and fat with success. They would rather party on their own court - this is human nature, and will rob them of their edge in game 5. If we survive and force a game six, then they will face a caged animal, with all the pressure squarely on their shoulders.

The season was lost last night, but its corpse is still wiggling! Zombies are scary...and damned hard to put down for good! A bullet won't do the trick, nor an arrow, nor a stake through the heart...they're going to need a chainsaw and a blow-torch and a pound of C4!

Now, with all that being said, it is time for some painful confessions. PP is better than I believed. The enemy deserves some respect, because he rose to accept a challenge and performed courageously. I hate him for it, but my dislike does not change the fact. If the shoe was on the other foot, I would be beaming with pride, as I'm sure they must be doing "over there."

Secondly, win or lose, I am extremely proud of our YOUNG team. The LOB trophy typically goes to the most veteran team. At this high level of competition, basketball is a grown man's game. The mental toughness required to overcome adversity is born of experience and repetitions. Boston's four key players - PP, Allen, Kg, and Posey - are all between 30-33 years old. PJB, Cassell, and House are also >30. This is a veteran team, whose leaders have paid many dues to the League. The Lakers have a great nucleus of young players, a budding superstar, and solid contributors who are just now reaching their prime. No other team in the Association can be so optimistic about success going forward. This is not my "throwing in the towel this year" speech. It simply is. A FACT.

The Boston team was assembled to win right now. Their window will be open next year as well, but will probably start to show cracks soon after that. But in the meantime, the rivalry is renewed! We may meet them in the Finals next year as well - it depends whether or not THEY make it that far...

Who would have believed that we could have come this far with Pau Gasol as our starting center? He never played center for Memphis (remember Lorenzen Wright? and then Darko?) Pau is only 27 years old! He, too, is just now coming into his own. He has fought bravely for a guy playing out of positioin for the first time in his career, and, win or lose, this experience will benefit his development into a dominant FORWARD for years to come.

Okay, that's enough from me.
sincerely, bleeding (and crying) purple and gold, now and always...
karyanr

Posted by: karyanr | June 13, 2008 at 04:22 PM

After a sleepless night of tossing and turning, replaying all the things that went right in Game 4, to the "what in the world happened?!" this loss still hurts. A lot.

It hurts my heart so much, but when I look back at how far the Lakers have come since last year, since those two first round exits, I'm still loving this year so much, yes, even this loss, because for two periods and a half, we saw the brilliance of the Lakers offense that has gotten them to the Finals, that has wowed us all through these past few months.

Getting Pau from Memphis was a gift, after Drew was injured, Pau's abilities with the triangle offense let us keeping watching these Lakers play till June, a promise Kobe kept when he got his first MVP award, and I just can't help being amazed and loving every minute of this year's Lakers team.

Just imagining next year, the beauty of Pau-Lamar-Drew killing the interior is just making me beam. The pain of last night's loss will ease over the summer, but I'll still have fantastic memories of the Laker's playoff and regular season run. No one can take that away from us, not the stupid green leprechauns and certainly not the crappy media coverage for the other side.

This Lakers team is for real. They are going to be here, contending every year for a very long time. So maybe this year wasn't meant to be, who cares? It's the road that's gotten them here, this team is still young, still inexperienced, still learning. Next year, the pain of losing in the finals will no doubt motivate the young players on the Lakers and they will be UNSTOPPABLE.

Always supporting the Lakers, never caving into the "let's jump off the bandwagon or trade that guy after every loss ,"

Peanut Butter Spread

Posted by: Peanut Butter Spread | June 13, 2008 at 04:31 PM

Is it possible that with Andrew-Gasol-Odom next year, other teams will take a cue from the Celtics and pack the interior even more against the Lakers, taking away Kobe's driving and forcing them to rely on jump shots from their guards even more?

Just food for thought - maybe it'll work out great.

Posted by: J-dawg | June 13, 2008 at 04:45 PM

Let's go Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Positive Energy only. One game at a a time. One half a time. One quarter at a time. One possession at a time. One second at a time. Go out there and play Lakers basketball. Ronny should be the leader of the team in this situation. Let the rest of the Lakers know that there are more difficult hurdles to overcome. Just Believe and Execute.

Posted by: laker hopeful | June 13, 2008 at 04:48 PM

Peanut Butter Spread,

You gotta right Laker breathren....I am very excited about the next 7 years...I honestly think they need an insurance player like Ron Artest, Shawn Marion, Josh Smith or even Gilbert Arenas....if they can pull it off...but.....really....I am not about to throw in the towel because I am still enjoying the season that nobody thought was going to happen after last season

secondly ...the players I mentioned maybe a long shot but mitch is looking at it...i am sure he would want to bolster it up.....

lastly, Game 5 window is still there.....

Peanut butter spread, karyanr, complexbrotha, rick friedman....keep it alive to till the very end of the finals....and thanks for still keeping the future real.....

Posted by: LakerJoe | June 13, 2008 at 04:57 PM

All of this Lakers fans..... GIVE ME A BREAK because this is just like the 2004 series because once again Kobe throws his teammates under the bus he didnt mention any names but the comment that he said about"WET BED" just says it all to me.......I mean who lives the game with a few sec left on the clock........so much for team support......Them Lakers are a young unexperienced team despite of Kobe......Boston is the BEST team all the floor.......DEFENSE always win championships not OFFENSE so STOP WITH ALL THE HATIN HATERS.... GO BOSTON

Posted by: dede | June 13, 2008 at 04:57 PM

A few more thoughts...

First, the term "Laker Fan" is an oxymoron. No LA, that's not a type of farm animal. Lakers fans ONLY show up when their team wins (and late at that), and are more in love with glitz than substance. It's the only rational explanation as to why Faker Fans think so highly of Kobe "Bedwetter" Bryant.

Second, Kobe walked off the floor because he's the ultimate spoiled pro athlete. Selfish to the core, the antithesis of KG. He couldn't even get along with the best liked player in the NBA, one Shaq O. I can't believe you (classic) would rationalize his behavior. You are a classic alright, a classic moron. I think your Kobe thong is on too tight and you're not getting enough oxygen to the brain.

Last, Celtics fans don't see this as a rivalry. Over the years we've owned you, and will continue to do so. When the LA Fakers get to 10 championships (sorry, the Minneapolis ones DON'T count), let us know.

In the meantime continue to stew and spew. It's fun to see Faker Nation flop like a freshly caught fish on a boat, writhing in pain as the end slowly, and painfully sets in.

Posted by: 17rhymeswithgreen | June 13, 2008 at 05:11 PM

J-dawg,
"Is it possible that with Andrew-Gasol-Odom next year, other teams will take a cue from the Celtics and pack the interior even more against the Lakers"

Yes. Neither Odom and Bynum has much range on their game yet.

Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 13, 2008 at 05:20 PM

Ahhh.... Boston is on a roll.... Celtics Red Sox Patriots BU Revolution you name it. Nice to see the Lakers again, I hae great memories going back to the 60's.

Hope that we see a couple of these series. Not having Boston or LA in the finals is just WRONG. When it is both the world is just right. Maybe he Celts can get a real point guard in the off-season (call up McHale maybe he'll set us up LOL).

While I'm not a Lakers fan there are some Lakers players (Magic esp) whom I like a lot. Not a Kobe fan (too much whining).

Posted by: biggy | June 13, 2008 at 05:47 PM

KB
JAY JAY

Didn't say the phony fake foul cost us the game,
just wanted to point out what a true cheat does. I guess if you can't play on the up and up, you cheat. The phony fake foul was acted out in a critical part of the game.
If you can't beat your man on the square PP can always rely on his signature move and a friendly whistle.

About the San Antonio non-call, that was just it. The ref failed to call a foul. There was no deception involved.

BOSTON CELTICS
HIGH-TECH CHEATS AND CHEAP SHOT ARTISTS
GOING OUT WITH CLASS MY ARSE

NOT WITH BONEHEADS LIKE YOU

Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 13, 2008 at 06:09 PM

To top things off, I have to watch another choke job by Phil while watching the US Open.

Lakers in 7

THE CELTICS ARE HIGH-TECH CHEATS AND CHEAPSHOT ARTISTS.

YOU MUST HATE THE CELTICS IN ORDER TO WIN.
GOING DOWN WITH CLASS MY ARSE

Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 13, 2008 at 06:13 PM

Paul Pierce is a Class Act-you cry-baby Faker fans only
can dream about having him on your team. He is a winner.

The Boston Celtics are winners.

The #1 seed in all of the NBA.

Detroit and Cleveland are far, far better teams than
your Fakers. They come in as the 2nd. and 3rd. best
teams.

You arse's have nothing better to do than to curse
Boston, because you are jealous.

We have the best sports teams in the world in Boston.

We also have class, while, you are all low-class.
What disgusting people you are in L.A. Bitch, bitch,
bitch, that's all you know how to do.

I'm glad you all can't afford the ticket prices. No-one wants such foul-mouthing, uneducated, scumbags
like you at the games, anyway.

The player's wouldn't want anything to do with anyone
of you idiots. Don't you realize, they don't care, or
even know you exist? Your not relevant to them.
You are all redundant. Your blog buddies here
threaten to cut their wrists, drink
drano, jump off a cliff, etc.

What a bunch of illiterate losers, put you striaght
jackets on, as I wouldn't want you all to kill yourselves
over a basketball game, when the Celtics win the
championship.

You L.A. Laker fans are such horrible role models for
America. I think the fumes from your FOG city
have damaged your brains.

Do you idiots think AK/BK respect anything you jerks
have to say?. They are in this to make as much money
as possible, and I believe they know they are dealing
with people, who have the lowest I.Q.'s in the country.
The above is my opinion.

So, I suggest you all take the next left turn you see,
which is the entrance into hell.

Posted by: I'm In Heaven | June 13, 2008 at 06:31 PM

Quick, get Phil Jackson on the line, I've got a foolproof plan! For Game 5 rest the starters, play only the second team. If the scrubs win, it proves the NBA is manipulating the refs to extend the series. If they lose, it saves jet fuel back to Boston AND screws the league out of their precious Game 6 & 7 revenue! That's win-win any way you look at it! Stern actually has the nerve to say that the referees should not be an independent organization! As much as I hate it, the fix is in, people! The headline after Game 2 should have read "Celtics 38, Lakers 10". THAT'S why Kobe walked off early after Game 4. He's frustrated at being a pawn. As a fan, why should I devote my time to a sport that is about as honest as Pro Wrestling? Up Yours, Stern!

Posted by: Spook | June 13, 2008 at 06:40 PM

The foul on the Bedwetter a "fake" foul??? What game were you watching?

PP goes left. Bedwetter moves right and impedes PP's forward progress. That's called a block. You should know this becuase you are a blockhead.

You guys are the BIGGEST crybabys on the planet. At least the Detroit fans lost with class, acknowledging what every LA homer announcer (Plashke, Simer, Ireland, et al) has already ackowledged, that the Fakers were an illusion. How ironic, because that's what ALL of LA is, an illusion.

Posted by: 17rhymeswithgreen | June 13, 2008 at 06:45 PM

There's no conscience on both extremes, both have filthy messages. We need more mature sports fans who can looked this competiton in the most objective manner. Too much fandom or I refer it as "irresponsible pandemonium" is just childish and sickening.

Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 13, 2008 at 06:49 PM

"the most dominant center the league will know for the next 10 years."

ROTFL!! Bynum???? He doesn't even know what foot to take off on when he goes in for a layup??? Perkins O-W-N-E-D him earlier in the year!!! Yes, Kendirck Perkins!!!!

If Bynum were playing the Fakers would have been over the limit in the first 5 minutes of the first three quarters of every game so far and this series would be done by now.

If he's your future you'd better pray that Kareem makes a comeback, soon. Bynum!? Huge LOL!!!

Posted by: 17rhymeswithgreen | June 13, 2008 at 06:54 PM

hey.. i thought this is a lakers blog, why am i seeing lot of celtics posts. celtics fans don't have a blog of their own? or they just don't have a life. maybe they're lakers fan by heart/subconciously. undeniable lakers fans.. hahahahahaaa

CELTICS SUX FOREVER. L.A. RULES.

Posted by: khang | June 13, 2008 at 07:23 PM

RUMORS PEOPLE...!!!!!!!!!

I JUST HEARD THAT THE NBA LEAD OFFICE WILL LET THE LAKERS WIN THE SERIES.. THEY'RE GONNA RIGGED THE NEXT 3 GAMES. CUZ LAKERS IS BETTER AGAINST THEMSELVES... SO LAS VEGAS TOLD THEM TO OFFICIATE TO FAVOR THE LAKERS.

Posted by: khang | June 13, 2008 at 07:25 PM

OK Spook, here' a Basketball IQ test for you that will put to rest your whining (the Zen-Master-Not & LA's favorite pastime) about the officiating.

How many fouls were called on the Lakers in Game 2, the game YOU say was rigged by the league and zebras? How many fouls were called on the Celtics in game 2?

Hmmm, let's go to the box score. Lakers 28 fouls, Celtics 21 fouls. Now let's look at the shot chart. While the C's took > 50% of their shots from inside roughly 15 feet, the Lakers took roughly 60% of their shots outside 15 feet.

Now, let's go a step further. How many calls against each team last night in game 4? Lakers =23 fouls. C's = 24 fouls. Based on your theory the Fakers should have won game 4!!??

Now do you get it? Probably not. Let me make it perfectly clear for you so your 3rd grade arrested development brain can get it. It's not the official's fault that the Fakers aren't worthy opponents.

Your team has no guts (ie, nice D by Sasha "Tantrum Toddler" V on Ray last night); no heart (ie, the Bedwetter walking off on his teammates); and no clue (ahhh, Lamaaaar, it's the second half, we NEEED you!!!!).

BTW if your IQ ever gets to double digits (doubtful), you should sell.

Posted by: | June 13, 2008 at 07:33 PM

"i thought this is a lakers blog"

You thought wronng smoghead. And it's way too much fun trolling this board and torturing your already tortured souls.

In fact I'm not sure what I enjoy more, the C's picking up yet another championship, or the Lakers losing YET AGAIN in the finals?

The good news is I don't have to chose. I get to have BOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: | June 13, 2008 at 07:41 PM

OH, NO!

NOW THEY'RE SAYING ONLY VOODOO CAN SAVE THE POOR, POOR LAKERS!

IS THERE NO GOD?

SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!

Posted by: Luigi999 | June 13, 2008 at 11:49 PM

Charles,

To answer your question, Kobe isn't just disliked, he is hated. He complains about foul calls more than Tim Duncan. He's a phenominal basketball talent but a disgusting human being. All I see is arrogance. If that's improved leadership then that's sad.
But hey, like I said in a previous post...when the Lakers lose this series maybe Kobe will buy each of his teammates a 4 million dollar ring to make up for "choking" this series.

Posted by: banner17 | June 14, 2008 at 06:00 AM

Listen up, Anonymous-poster-who-questions-my-IQ. The main thrust of my previous post did not actually concern a specific game or a specific team, or even a specific coach (where did that come from?). It concerned the honesty of the sport as the NBA currently exists. The subtext (look it up) is that those chosen to officiate the game SHOULD NOT be beholden to those that own it. That's standard Sarbanes-Oxley accounting practice. Until that happens we will be subjected to an aged, jaded referee corps trying to call a very fast game, with no apparent peer-review or accountability. I don't care which team you root for, as long as the game is certifiably and indisputably honest. If it was that way now, we would not be having this exchange, correct?

Posted by: Spook | June 14, 2008 at 10:03 AM

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Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky are contributing writers to ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, and co-authored Fishing on the Edge, the autobiography of 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli, bass fishing's bad boy. While both grew up in St. Louis without NBA basketball, Andrew became a die hard Lakers fanatic after moving to L.A. to attend USC. That he managed to find a job requiring him to obsess over his favorite team, the same activity that prompted him to waste time while working other jobs, is pretty incredible. As for Brian, his baptism into pro hoops fandom has been provided by the "All Lakers, All The Time" citizens of Los Angeles. Beats the hell out of covering the Bucks.
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