Pick a man, any man
Similar to how the Lakers are reticent to declare a hyped mood over their upcoming Finals date with Boston, they're playing it close to the vest when it comes to the question of who's stopping who. For now, information is being relayed in a series of vague "could be's." Lamar Odom may end up doing his best Orlando Pace impression while checking big load Kendrick Perkins, while Kobe Bryant may or may not spend the majority of his time on Paul Pierce. But at least the latter matchup provides talking points outside of the trashy. The Truth and The Mamba can use their time together to reminisce about the time they shared miseries over pickup game agua, back when Bryant didn't believe in the immediate potential of the youth assembled by Mitch Kupchak, a doubt creating enough franchise turmoil to steer KG in another direction. Along the lines of Kobe's eventual good fortunes, Pierce went from hating his situation to believing in it enough to recruit an old vet.
Pau Gasol, the team's midseason savior, will spend at least some time on Kevin Garnett. Derek Fisher's the only guy with a set assignment (Rajon Rondo), but he's just happy family matters didn't force him out of the game. As for Luke Walton, his defensive assignment may not be as important as getting some "Memento" style ink. After all, it could take a visual reminder to break memories of a childhood spent being told that the Celtics were good and the Lakers were bad. Of course, one assumes Walton no longer plays basketball with imaginary friends, so if he can break that habit, others can follow suit. In the end, it may not matter which Celtic you're assigned to, because the accompanying bumps and bruises will all wind up looking the same. And how will whatever five-on-five configurations seen shape the series' outcome? That's the debate everyone, whether Orange County-based or not, will be having until Thursday arrives. Coast-to-coast discussions will also be counted on.
Whether the Lakers win it all or come up short, "Wait until Andrew Bynum returns!" remains an applicable battle cry.
Do you like your teams conveniently labeled "clean" or conveniently labeled "mean"?
Because it wouldn't be a lead up to the Finals without at least one nostalgia based take...
Conspiracy theorists unite!
Flip gets flipped.
Yet another case of an NBA player investing in "Speed Racer" merchandising rights, only to find himself cheated.
We don`t want the Lakers to be late for the game...so we`re setting the first hotel fire alarm, I mean "wake up call", for 3:17 AM Thursday morning.
Posted by: Red`s Love Child | June 03, 2008 at 09:49 AM
REPOST...
They still think it's just Kobe and a supporting cast of misfits. Let 'em believe it. It's HUBRIS, I tell ya!
And now...I feel a strong urge to pray.
Dear Lord, We of Laker Blog & Laker Nation give You praise for blessing our Lakers to make it to the NBA Finals. You constantly outdo Yourself when You bless us. 1 year ago we were in turmoil, look at us now! THANK YOU LORD!
We ask You to put a hedge of protection around the Los Angeles Lakers players, coaching staff, team representatives and everyone travelling to Boston for the first 2 games. It has well been documented the things that the city of Boston and their fans have done in the past to distract the Lakers from their mission and purpose. We ask You right now to step in and foil any plans and schemes that seek to harm and destroy us.
Bless the beds that our players sleep in that they would get the rest that they need to come out on Game Day to handle the task at hand. Bless the food that they eat that it would not cause food poisioning or any sort of sickness against our players. Bless the transportation they ride in - both via air and on land. May there be NO DELAYS, NO MALFUNCTIONS and no issues with their travels.
We ask You specifically for PROTECTION. We also ask that the Celtics players and fans carry themselves in the true spirit of champions. Let them honor the game by not engaging in cheap methods of sabotage and distraction. If they are true champions, let the game be played as it should be - in 48 minutes of basketball ON THE PARQUET FLOOR - and NOWHERE ELSE! Yes they will boo and chant BEAT LA nonstop, but You have shown our guys how to handle hostle environments.
May our guys follow the lead of PJ and Kobe. Let them mimic Kobe's humility. Let them walk in PJ's confidence. No trash talking, no selling wolf tickets in media soundbytes. Allow their game to do the talking. Once again, Lord, silence every critic, naysayer and playa-hater. Use this, the biggest of all basketball stages, to prove, once and for all that the 2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers DESERVE to be here - at this time - at this moment!
We thank You in advance for answered prayer...AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | June 03, 2008 at 09:51 AM
A Personal Letter to Luke Walton from Jon K.
Luke,
Your Dad was a great player and a Bruin, but it's time for you to be a man.
Being raised in a Grateful Dead/Celtics cult was not healthy. One, because the Grateful Dead only sound good if a person is on drugs. Two, because the Celtics are evil.
It's time for you to be your own man. It's time for you to look your Dad straight in the eye and say, "Dad, I've won more championships than you. You can stop talking now."
That moment begins this Thursday.
Win a championship for us, but as importantly, win it for yourself... and win it for your Dad, because deep down inside he wants to respect you as the man you were meant to be. Someone he can truly be proud of with all his heart.
That future begins Thursday.
Win it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 03, 2008 at 09:51 AM
is the writer of that cbs sportsline article still living in 2004?
dude needs to let it go
Posted by: CBuck | June 03, 2008 at 09:52 AM
I believe that the Grand Cylon, Phil Jackson, needs to put out as much disinformation as possible. Doc Rivers will implode in a panic of "I'm not ready for this!"
Phil, time to work your mind control magic! Doc Rivers is a perfect pawn!
Starting lineup!
Coby Karl
DJ Mbenga
Kobe Bryant
Pau Gasol
Sasha Vuljacic
Let's Go!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 03, 2008 at 09:54 AM
I think with the Lakers lineup they are going to be switching a lot on defense among Odom, Vlad and Pau on Garnett and Kendrick, and then Kobe, Vlad and Odom on Pierce. That's why they are being coy about the lineups because it going to be fluid. I wouldn't be suprised if it looked something like the UCLA matchup zone.
Posted by: Ken | June 03, 2008 at 10:00 AM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
BONJOUR GUYS,
MY MIND, MY MIND, MY MIND, WOW!!!!= WHO CAN STOP MY MAN, KOBE=NOT BORN YET ON EARTH
PLAYERS CAN TRY TO HAVE A PIECE OF HIM BUT NONE OF THEM WILL BE SUCCESSFUL CUZ KOBE IS A GIFTED-BASKEBALL PLAYER = UNPREDICTABLE ON THE FLOOR WITH ONE FOCUS=WIN
WE ARE GOING TO WIN THIS FINAL BECAUSE OF PHIL, KOBE, FISHER AND LUKE WHO WERE PRESENT ON 2004 AND LET THE TROPHY SLEEPT AWAY OF THEIR HANDS.
I LIKE GARNETT BUT I FEEL SORRY FOR HIM BECAUSE HE'S STILL ON A LOSER TEAM WITH NO CHARACTER.
VIVA FOREVER THE LAKERS=-CHARACTER, CLASS , WINNER.
ONLY ONE THING TO REMIND, GUYS=NO REPEAT OF 2004= GAME 1 IS A MUST WIN.
LOVE TO OUR TEAM AND TO ALL
SHEKOBE FOREVER
Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 03, 2008 at 10:05 AM
We're gonna steal one in Boston.
Posted by: ajax | June 03, 2008 at 10:10 AM
*_______________________________*
I HATE The CELTICS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – Owner & Driver
(02) FEARLESS – Co/Driver
(03) LAKER TOM – CEO – Made an offer they couldn’t refuse
(02) Milo Rambaldi--Team Prophet.
(03) Mamba24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LakerFaze – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse
(06) LakerMan420 – Told Red Auerbach where to put his cigar
(07) HmrHed – Blocked KG’s hook twice
(08) SIimLakerGirl – Reports directly to Jeannie Buss
(09) LakerLegacy – Made Red Auerbach bow down to 9Rings
(10) PigMiller– sent LARRY Bird back to French lick IND.
(11) JEFF - Was born hating the Celtics.
(12) #4 Not only born hating Celtics but will bequeath the hate to his heirs
(13) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(14) JustAnotherMambaFan – Hates them
(15) THE_D – Thinks Celtics fans should go to AA meetings
(16) JON K. - Put the chokehold in the Celtics choking
(17) FLOYD – Fought with Jerry west over who hated Boston most
(18) NEMAIA FALETOGO - Fan of the Purple Hulk - No not K.G.
(19) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(20) CBuck - Played Horse with McHale and made him retire
(21) BZAR - Painted the Parquet floor Purple and Gold
(22) KOBESBAD - Put exploding cigars in Red Auebachs Humidor
(23) EDWIN GUECO – Shaved Danny Ainges hair while he was asleep
(24) JAMIE SWEET - Is not so sweet when it comes to Celtics
(26) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(27) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(28) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(29) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(30) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(31) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(32) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Jon K,
Starting lineup!
Coby Karl
DJ Mbenga
Kobe Bryant
Pau Gasol
Sasha Vuljacic
You're outta control!!!!! LOL!!!! That's was awesme my man. May I suggest a few minor "tweaks" to further enhance the discombobulation.... Replace Coby and Sasha with Ronny and Mihm. And we can roll out the 4 Big Dudes and the MVP line up. Doc won't know what hit him!!!!
I mentioned it on another thread yesterday and I'll say it again. Dick Rivers is going to be reduced to complete jello from the absolute mind f***ing PJ is going to give him.
You gotta admit... There's always room for Jello.
Posted by: magicman | June 03, 2008 at 10:14 AM
THIS JUST IN...
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) - Flip Saunders was fired as Detroit Pistons coach Tuesday, four days after his team was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.
President of basketball operations Joe Dumars said it’s “time for a new voice to lead our team.” Saunders had a year left on a four-year deal he signed in 2005. The decision comes three years after Saunders took over for Larry Brown, who led the Pistons to two straight NBA finals.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 03, 2008 at 10:18 AM
*___________________________________*
Andrew the Beast Bynum We dedicate this
Championship Run to you - Bandwagon
*___________________________________*
(01) Edwin Gueco – Owner
(02) Laker Tom - Driver
(03) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet, Bynums personal Soothsayer
(04) Mamba24 – The Beasts Advance man.
(05) #4 – Director of WCF win number 4.
(06) Jon K. – Made Bynum get a second opinion.
(07) JustALakerFan – Was called in to consult on Dr. Choices
(08) Never – Told Bynum to have surgery immediately
(09) BronxLakerFan – suggested NY doctor for Bynum
(10) Bozz – Director of WCF win # 1.
(11) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of WCF win #2.
(12) Caliphilosopher – Will participate in Socks Rehab
(13) Jay Jay – Purchased a Shaq punching bag for him
(14) PsychedLakerGirl – Director of WCF win # 3.
(15) Stockton Showtime _ believes Socks deserves more credit
(16) #4 - Director of WCF win #4
(17) Pig Miller – Will chauffeur “Beast” to the Victory Parade
(18) Rick Friedman – Personally found a Dr. for Socks
(19) SamLL – Director of Victory Parade
(20) KobesBad – made Kobe apologize to the Beast
(21) Hmrhed – Director of the confetti concession.
(22) Fearless – Will personally give Socks his championship ring
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I gotzta say I like the matchups of:
Odom v. Perkins = Perkins wants to bruise. But Odom's length on the boards should minimize the off. rebounds and keep Perk in foul trouble.On the other end, no way Perkins can say in front of Odom.
Gasol v. Garnett = Garnett rarely wants to be physical on the block. He wants to fade away and shoot. The longest person on our team can potentially bother that and is the best guard. This also forces the cross matchups on the other end of the court. If Garnett guards Gasol, then that leaves PERKINS on Odom which we know is mismatch city.
Allen v. Kobe = Not letting Allen get hot is a key. And you know Kobe will be keyed up.
Rad v. Pierce = Pierce wants to drive so as long as Rad can steer him left and NOT foul, we should be good. Pierce is pretty crafty so it might be better just to let Pierce shoot to keep Pau/Odom out of foul trouble.
Rondo v. Fisher = Let Rondo Shoot. Punish Rondo for help D with 3s. Nuff Said.
Posted by: Korey | June 03, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Chuck Daley former coach of The Detroit Pistons
declares that Kobe Bryant is the same as Jordan.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:36 AM
MagicMan:"Dick Rivers is going to be reduced to complete jello from the absolute mind f***ing P
J is going to give him."
Going to give him? Come on Magic it's already started.
Have you seen Doc. in some of the interviews lately.
I swear the man is scared sh+tless. Poor Doc. I hope
he recovers once the series is over.
******** FLIP SAUNDERS OF PISTONS FIRED ******
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Korey:"Rondo v. Fisher = Let Rondo Shoot. Punish Rondo for help D with 3s. Nuff Said."
This I like.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Nice letter Jon K., Luke will go beserk with your appeal. "You Are The Man".
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 03, 2008 at 10:49 AM
*_____________________________*
"Punch the Big Ticket" bandwagon.
*____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – CEO – TKO’d KG twice
(02) Mel - Driver
(03) Bozz - Owner
(04) Complex_Brotha - Sparring Partner, Knocked him out
(05) Mamba24 - referee
(06) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(07) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(08) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(09) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(10) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(11) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(12) Edwin Gueco – Made a citizens arrest of KG
(13) Keifo – Beat KG at Horse.
(14) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(15) Jon K. Taught all Lakers the deadly throat puncjh
(16) Happy Camper - Made Daany Ainge unhappy
(17) MagicMan – Made the Big Ticket Punch himself.
*_______________________________*
I HATE The CELTICS BANDWAGON
*_____________________________*
(01) EastCoastJessie – Owner & Driver
(02) FEARLESS – Co/Driver
(03) LAKER TOM – CEO – Made an offer they couldn’t refuse
(02) Milo Rambaldi--Team Prophet.
(03) Mamba24 – East Coast Jessie’s BodyGuard
(04) LakerFaze – Taught KG how to Dunk
(05) TOAD – Once beat Larry Bird in a game of horse
(06) LakerMan420 – Told Red Auerbach where to put his cigar
(07) HmrHed – Blocked KG’s hook twice
(08) SIimLakerGirl – Reports directly to Jeannie Buss
(09) LakerLegacy – Made Red Auerbach bow down to 9Rings
(10) PigMiller– sent LARRY Bird back to French lick IND.
(11) JEFF - Was born hating the Celtics.
(12) #4 Not only born hating Celtics but will bequeath the hate to his heirs
(13) MarkyTheArky – Director of Mirrors and reflections
(14) JustAnotherMambaFan – Hates them
(15) THE_D – Thinks Celtics fans should go to AA meetings
(16) JON K. - Put the chokehold in the Celtics choking
(17) FLOYD – Fought with Jerry west over who hated Boston most
(18) NEMAIA FALETOGO - Fan of the Purple Hulk - No not K.G.
(19) KEIFO - Riding ShotGun
(20) CBuck - Played Horse with McHale and made him retire
(21) BZAR - Painted the Parquet floor Purple and Gold
(22) KOBESBAD - Put exploding cigars in Red Auebachs Humidor
(23) EDWIN GUECO – Shaved Danny Ainges hair while he was asleep
(24) JAMIE SWEET - Is not so sweet when it comes to Celtics
(26) JustAnotherMambafan - Cut Man
(27) LakerTom - Turned KG's roar into a Meow!
(28) Happy Camper – The reason KG talks to himself
(29) Erik True Laker Fan - Shaved KG’s head
(30) Janaya – put itching powder in KG’s shorts
(31) PsychedLakerGirl – Reason KG wanted to become a Laker
(32) Bozz – Convinced KG that he had a career as a Troll
(33) (17) MagicMan – Made the Big Ticket Punch himself
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Wow... Shaq said this...
"He should," said Shaquille O'Neal, reaching out to offer a few words about Bryant this past weekend. "He's been great all year. He was great in the playoffs and he's showing everyone what he's made of. He's on the verge of being the latest great one with four rings.
"He's come a long way. All I can say is, I'm happy for him. And I'm proud of him."
Posted by: keifo | June 03, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Luke Walton's dad is a straight up Kobe hater.
I use to respect the man, but no more.
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 10:52 AM
FROM PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
PHIL= THE MASTER
KOBE= THE GIFTED
PAUL= THE LUCK
SACHA= THE RAT
ARIZA= THE DIFFERENCE MAKER.
WE WANT PHIL GIVES TO ARIZA MORE MINUTES FOR THAT FINAL, I SENSE SOMETIHING NICE UNSCRIPTABLE WILL HAPPEN WITH HIM.
WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG ROSTER WITH THE INSTINCT KILLER OF KOBE AND GREAT STUDENTS OF PHIL JACKSON= WIN IT ALL=OUR YEAR, OUR TIME, OUR MVP, OUR COACH.
LOVE TO THE CELTICS, OUR TEAM AND TO ALL
SHEKOBE FOREVER
Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 03, 2008 at 10:52 AM
"I think he's finally going to play against one of the better defenses in all of the NBA to where I think we can be a little bit more physical with him, limit his easy opportunities on the break and just make him work a little bit more,"
Put this up on the board, fellas. As if San Antonio and Utah don't play good defense? Pierce is already saying the Celts are going to put bodies on him.
Do these guys really think it's February? I guess they've been busy taking their sweet time to get to the Finals they haven't been paying attention to the games.
I get the feeling they're underestimating the Lakers. Which is good.
Posted by: Peace | June 03, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Mamba24,
I know!
Dude, I saw a recent interview with Doc Rivers and his eyes were wild with terror and he was sweating slightly!
Either the guy is smoking crack as a means of "calming" himself down before the Finals or Phil has already got into his skull somehow.
Phil! This is not the time to be cuddly! Time to break out your best inner Hannibal Lecter and go to town on Doc Rivers!
I will, personally help you consume his liver with fava beans and a nice chianti!
Let the mindgames begin!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 03, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Mamba,
Going to give him? Come on Magic it's already started.
Duly noted señor. But, I think we can both agree that what he is going through now is nothing compared to what 9Rings is going to unleash once this thing FINALLY gets under way.
Please get me on that Punch the Ticket and the I Hate the Celtics bandwagon. Thanks Homie.
Posted by: | June 03, 2008 at 11:02 AM
East coast infiltrator. This blog puts the blog in my Boston Globe to shame, props to Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky. Seriously, you guys have it good out here. Good to see blowhards live on the west coast too, and in that vein let me declare the Celtics will win in 6. Gasol guarding Garnett?!? Are you freakin' kidding? I see Pau going off and dazzling young Perkins and Kobe scoring 30 a night, and the Celtics winning on an average score of 95-89 throughout. Print it.
Posted by: T-Rock | June 03, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Great excerpt of an entry over at
20secondtimeout.blogspot.com
It's about a 1984 Finals Game:
"...a series of miscues cost the Lakers a chance to take a commanding 2-0 lead. Magic misunderstood Coach Pat Riley's instructions and called a timeout after McHale's free throws; Riley had only wanted the Lakers to call a timeout if McHale had made them both. Now the Celtics had a chance to set up their defense for the inbounds play. Magic passed to Worthy, who looked like he was the last man on Earth who wanted to have the ball at that particular moment. Worthy lobbed a careless cross court pass that Gerald Henderson intercepted and converted into the tying layup. On the Lakers' next possession, Magic inexplicably dribbled the clock out, apparently unaware that the Lakers no longer had the lead. The Celtics took full advantage of their second chance and emerged with new life after a 124-121 overtime win. Bird had another subpar shooting game (8-22 from the field) but he led the Celtics with 27 points and 13 rebounds.
When you consider how that game ended--with gaffes committed by future Hall of Famers Magic and Worthy--it is amusing to hear commentators, many of whom played in the NBA and committed mistakes in big games, make sweeping declarations about what great players "always" or "never" do in clutch situations, as if great players always make the right play and never make mistakes. The reality is that over the course of his career, a great player will make many great plays and some not so great plays. No great player "always" comes through in the clutch and "always" makes the right play. Michael Jordan made a very profound point when he stated in a TV ad that he had failed thousands of times but that those failures were why he eventually succeeded; the great players learn from their mistakes, do not lose confidence and bounce back when they get another opportunity to perform in a critical moment."
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | June 03, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Mamba24, it is your time to apply for the job from Systems Analyst to Pistons Coach. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 03, 2008 at 11:08 AM
The difference maker in the NBA Championship starts with the Lakers Coach.
True Championship coaches know how to lead, instruct, and motivate.
Coach Phil Jackson has lead men to the Title 10 times and winning 9 of them.
Doc Rivers has lead his men to victory 0 times.
Watch the clip and tell me, who relates to Doc, and who relates to PJ.
Who gains the confidence in his men, and who causes his men to shiver in fear.
Who inspires his men to attack with purpose, and who leads his men to indecisiveness, and ultimately with defeat.
Both teams have some great warriors, but it is the leader that sets them apart.
http://tinyurl.com/6ztpf7
If you’ve seen the Celtics play much in the playoffs, this is how they react to steady pressure, and have wilted many times in the 4th quarter. They give their best shot and if it fails, they run and hide.
Doc becomes emotional and yells at the refs, offers weak substitutions, and starts to sweat.
PJ, ‘the been there, done that coach’ remains calm as a killer cucumber, stays focused, and quietly goes about the task at hand.
We win because of our leader, the true ‘Lord of the Rings’.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 03, 2008 at 11:08 AM
While I'm not one to bring up unpleasant subjects, this one needs to be addressed. Everyone always talk about Kobe cheating on his wife (reporters, haters, et al.) as if that's the reason he shouldn't be celebrated for being the best player in the league today and/or compared to Michael Jordan. Might I point out to those same people that Michael Jordan, apparently some sort of flawless god, also cheated on his wife, more than once, and to the point that multiple paternity tests were ordered by a judge to determine whether or not he was father to someone's child. Why is this little fact about him always omitted, but Kobe gets bashed over the head with Colorado?
Posted by: SoCalGal | June 03, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I am really expecting a Lakers championship victory. I know it won't be easy, but Kobe will not want to lose two championships in a row.
Props to Shaq-Fu for his comments on Kobe.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | June 03, 2008 at 11:09 AM
There's one thing that particularly stands out to me from the 12/30 matchup. Despite the fact that we were still looking for an identity at that point, the lopsided officiating still grates at me.
All game long all I can remember thinking was, why the hell are they (the celts) getting all the calls while Kobe couldn't get a whistle?
They shot more free throws at Staples. AB fouled out in 22 minutes.
It really felt like the league mandated the Celtics were winning the east and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
But it retrospect, the Celts had an whole new team that was relatively unscouted. No one knew what to expect from them. And their big three were playing loose, inspired basketball.
Then they all disappeared against weaker eastern conference foes. I'm convinced they would've lost to Detroit, who ironically, had the types of injuries they've relied on their opponents to have to make their championship runs.
Now the roles are reversed. The Lakers are the inspired ballclub playing their best ball. They're plowing through the competition like the steamroller that was the early season Celtics.
It'll still be fun to watch next year's Celtics to resemble this years Mavericks.
Posted by: htj | June 03, 2008 at 11:09 AM
What up Nation -- good to have you contributing again Snake24 --
OK -- I need an opinion on this -- I've done this before on games or series I'm emotionally involved in -- which is mostly B-Ball, ‘Cause I have no time for or interest in other sports -- anyway, here’s the proposal:
Bet money on the Celtics for the series -- now hear me out. I'm not talking huge money -- just a C note or something. Now when LA wins -- I'll be too jubilant to care about the hundy – but if the God awful unforseen happens, then my emotional state will get a little boost by collecting from Vegas. Hedging your bets so to speak.
Any thoughts on this plan?
[[HmrHed does not advocate wagering by those under 21 or through illegal means -hahaha]]
Posted by: HmrHed | June 03, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Lakers, win this Finals for Socks, he needs another leg to stand on.
You are almost there after passing the Nuggets, the Jazz, the Spurs and now the overconfident Celtics. The latter kept on hammering their defense, what defense? Letting the Hawks -.500 team win three games, what defense on Cavaliers? One superstar and a couple of little stars. Finally, letting Pistons win two more games and you call that Celtic Defense.....Argh! let the games begin.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 03, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Keifo:"Wow... Shaq said this..."
Yeah cause it's getting about that time where Shaq
know's where he wants his jersey to hang.
Posted by: Mamba | June 03, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Dan Patrick was talking about this list on his show this morning:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/2008/index.html?eref=T1
It combines salary plus endorsements and ranks the top 50 earning athletes. What's surprising on the list (other than Mickelson's endorsements number) is that the gold standard of sports leagues, the NFL, has only 6 or 7 athletes in the top 50. Perhaps they aren't as star-driven as basketball and baseball but you'd think that Madison Ave would embrace them a little more than that. I guess they're pouring their ad dollars into commercials rather than endorsements but, when basketball has 26 names on that list, which league is really the most valuable.
In truth, part of this rant is due to the fact that I hate all the coverage the NFL gets that supercedes hearing about other leagues. Especially in the off-season and especially on national media.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 03, 2008 at 11:19 AM
We don`t want the Lakers to be late for the game...so we`re setting the first hotel fire alarm, I mean "wake up call", for 3:17 AM Thursday morning.
Posted by: Red`s Love Child
Hey, desperate celtic fans do as desperate wives would do...cheat.
But it won't make a bit of difference.
Posted by: Zoilesque | June 03, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Thank you Mamba!!!! Thank you.
Stop hitting yourself KG. Stop hitting yourself KG. Stop hitting yourself KG. Stop hitting yourself KG.
I love it!!!
Posted by: magicman | June 03, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Mamba -- great point on Shaq.
Shaq won't win anither title and he's already blasted Riles -- Buss will probably forgive him and Kobe will sign off when it's all said and done.
Posted by: HmrHed | June 03, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Jon K.,
I'm usually with ya, man, but....
I will not stand by and and let you tarnish the Grateful Dead!!!!!
R.I.P. Jerry.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Lawrence Tanter's understudy | June 03, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Here are the latest comments from the Celtics Blog as they get their education of Lakers '08 101.edu from Kurt of Forum Blue and Gold. On the website of FBG, Jeff of the Celtics blog is providing the Celtics 101.
http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3275&Itemid=253#jc_writeComment
They are curious of the Machine. They have not heard of Mamba24, the creator of bandwagons. FBG website is OK but it's not the Lakers Blog. If the Celtics fans want to get real talks, get in to the Lakers Blog where PJ gets his ideas of coaching. The Blog that moves Laker players to action with precision or else, get an avalanche of criticisms. It may be a homer for the fanatics but not blind for the cynics.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 03, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Jon,
Great letter to Luke. I also especially loved the line about the Dead only sounding good when you’re stoned. I have a slightly different response – hearing the Dead makes me want to be stoned. LOL.
It will also be 3 years before Luke has bragging rights on rings as dad leads now 2-0, having won in Portland and Boston. Here’s an interesting piece of info on how Bill ended up with the Celtics rather than the Lakers due to Red outfoxing the Logo:
“After the 1984-85 campaign, Walton called on two of the league's premier teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. After several players on the Celtics said they liked the idea of having Walton as a teammate backing up Robert Parish and Kevin McHale, Red Auerbach made the deal happen. One anecdote that particularly illustrates Walton's decision to choose the Celtics over the Lakers is about Larry Bird, who happened to be in Auerbach's office when Walton called and said that if Walton felt healthy enough to play that it was good enough for him, as opposed to Lakers GM Jerry West, who was hedging his interest in Walton pending a doctor's report. Boston acquired Walton by sending popular forward Cedric Maxwell to the Clippers along with a first-round draft pick. Providing a reliable backup to McHale and Parish, Walton received the NBA Sixth Man Award that season in route to the NBA Championship, becoming the only player to have ever won an NBA Finals MVP, Sixth Man Award, and regular season MVP.” – from Wikipedia:
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 03, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Hmrhed:"Bet money on the Celtics for the series -- now hear me out. I'm not talking
huge money -- just a C note or something. Now when LA wins -- I'll be too jubilant to
care about the hundy – but if the God awful unforseen happens, then my emotional state
will get a little boost by collecting from Vegas. Hedging your bets so to speak."
HmrHed You diabolical genius you! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 11:34 AM
magicman:"Stop hitting yourself KG. Stop hitting yourself KG.
Stop hitting yourself KG. Stop hitting yourself KG."
Why do yiou think he's screaming so much on that Intro Celtics video.
By the way KG is seriously disturbed. Have you ever seen the boy
talking to himself and smacking himself upside the head. Wait to Turiaf
gets ahold of his @s.
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES. THE
TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY. THE
ONLY TEAM WITH 3 HOF COACHES. THE ONLY TEAM TO APPEAR IN
THE NBA FINALS IN EVERY DECADE OF THE NBA'S EXISTENCE. THE
TEAM WITH THE MOST PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF
ALL TIME LIST(8). THE HOME OF THE REIGNING AND FUTURE MVP
KOBE BRYANT. THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ,
MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY,
BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH THE LEGENDARY
SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER
PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON & OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS
DR. JERRY BUSS AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR
DIVIDE US IS US. LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 11:37 AM
*___________________________________*
Andrew the Beast Bynum We dedicate this
Championship Run to you - Bandwagon
*___________________________________*
(01) Edwin Gueco – Owner
(02) Laker Tom - Driver
(03) Milo Rambaldi – Team Prophet, Bynums personal Soothsayer
(04) Mamba24 – The Beasts Advance man.
(05) #4 – Director of WCF win number 4.
(06) Jon K. – Made Bynum get a second opinion.
(07) JustALakerFan – Was called in to consult on Dr. Choices
(08) Never – Told Bynum to have surgery immediately
(09) BronxLakerFan – suggested NY doctor for Bynum
(10) Bozz – Director of WCF win # 1.
(11) JustAnotherMambaFan - Director of WCF win #2.
(12) Caliphilosopher – Will participate in Socks Rehab
(13) Jay Jay – Purchased a Shaq punching bag for him
(14) PsychedLakerGirl – Director of WCF win # 3.
(15) Stockton Showtime _ believes Socks deserves more credit
(16) #4 - Director of WCF win #4
(17) Pig Miller – Will chauffeur “Beast” to the Victory Parade
(18) Rick Friedman – Personally found a Dr. for Socks
(19) SamLL – Director of Victory Parade
(20) KobesBad – made Kobe apologize to the Beast
(21) Hmrhed – Director of the confetti concession.
(22) Fearless – Will personally give Socks his championship ring
Posted by: | June 03, 2008 at 11:38 AM
T Rock,
Welcome, we still have a lot of bloggers in hibernation. Wait till the game thread and you will see how this Blog explodes. In fact, we are missing here our best basketball mind who decided to do a pastoral duties. He was replaced by the Supreme Optimist.
What made you think Celtics will win it in 6 games?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 03, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Pistons appoint assistant coach Michael Curry to be new coach
according to ESPN
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 03, 2008 at 11:42 AM
[Repost from last nights thread, in case it was missed]
PJ likes to show clips of movies to inspire the players.
Kobe has made his own video, in his efforts to clone the Lakers into killers. I understand he plans on showing it to the Lakers players on Thursday AM after the shoot around.
What will it take to win? Are you man enough for the task at hand?
No cowards allowed on this bandwagon!
Then GO, and kill some Orks, I mean Hunns, I mean Celts, aw they're all the same thing anyway!
Can you picture Kobe singing this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUmgc_5Oz0U
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 02, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 03, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Red`s Love Child,
Guess what, bro? We know all about the fire alarm thing. Let me put it this way. If it happens in Boston, it'll happen in Los Angeles.
We're in Boston for two games.
You'll be in Los Angeles for three (two games, God willing).
How would you like your Celtics to be unable to sleep for a full week? Cause that's what's going to happen if you guys start pulling the fire alarm crap in Boston.
You're team's not going to play too well after missing seven straight nights of sleep.
Don't mess with us.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 03, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I honestly think Kobe now sees the game rather like Neo sees the Matrix.
Questions of whether he will score or pass are wholly beside the point.
Posted by: The D | June 03, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Korey,
Not coincidentally, you and I are on the same page again at to the 2008 Finals matchups. Our analyses are almost identical. I agree Kobe will shut down and abuse Ray, Gasol’s length will bother KG, Odom and Fish will destroy Perkins and Rondo, and Vlade’s size will restrict Pierce. Kobe will elevate his game to a new level we have never seen before. Pau and Lamar will come up bigger than KG and Pierce. Fish will torment Rondo and relentlessly attack every time a Boston big puts the ball on the floor. Vlad and Sasha will rain 3’, Farmar will take Rondo to the hole, Trevor will show his lock-down defense, and Ronny will energize everybody. The series will start in Boston but end in LA. Lakers in 4 or 5. Kobe Finals MVP. Phil dumps the old ring from 03. The Fourth Dynasty begins.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 03, 2008 at 11:48 AM