The morning after
Yes, it happened.
There are certain types of history to which teams want their names attached, and types to which they don't. For the Lakers, Thursday night's 97-91 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals put them squarely in the latter category. It was, quite literally, the biggest collapse in Finals history (or as much history as the NBA has records to confirm). At one point in the second quarter, the purple and gold were up by 24 points. At halftime, they had an 18 point advantage. By the end of the third, it was all but gone, as Boston closed out the quarter with a 21-3 run. In the fourth, Boston took control, grabbing the lead on an Eddie House jumper from the wing. From there, it was all Celtics down the stretch.
What looked like a 2-2 series with LA holding home court for Sunday's Game 5 became a 3-1 Celtics lead, and some very discouraging math for the Lakers. 28 times a team has fallen behind 3-1 in the Finals, and not one of the 28 was able to overcome the deficit to win the Larry O. Of course, no team had ever blown a 24 point lead, either, so technically anything is possible, right?
Only if the Lakers get a more consistent effort from Kobe and his supporting cast. After a red-hot start from Lamar Odom helped push LA to a 21 point lead to end the first, the Lakers offense began to dry up. Kobe finished the first half without a field goal (but with six dimes and four pilfers), and never really got going, as Paul Pierce stepped up in the third quarter to mark 24. The Celtics started hitting shots while the Lakers began overdribbling, made some questionable decisions, and generally fell apart.
The storylines emerging from the game are plentiful, and none really favor LA. How the Celtics defense is proving again that it's that side of the ball that wins titles. Pierce out-MVPing the MVP. What can be learned from comparing Pau Gasol to Kevin Garnett. How Doc Rivers is pushing all the right buttons- going small by inserting Eddie House and James Posey, sticking Pierce on Kobe, once again setting up his squad to dominate the third quarter- while PJ is coming up short (and lacking in enough buttons to push). A devastating dribble drive from Ray Allen late in the fourth against Sasha Vujacic, with Pau Gasol late to rotate. The Celtics bench continuing to thrive.
It was a tough pill for Sasha to swallow.
Grandchildren will hear about Thursday's game, but it won't be ones in LA. Rather the game will become a staple of Celtics lore. The impossible proved otherwise. Just don't call it a choke, says Bill Plaschke. It can't be a choke when the better team wins. (TJ Simers might disagree.) For some, it was just a bad flashback to bad results against the C's back in the days of yore.
Kendrick Perkins is a question mark for Sunday.
If the Lakers are indeed cooked- and again, history (along with the results of the first four games) says they are- fans have a lot to be thankful for in what has been a remarkable season.
True Hoop takes a look at last night's game.
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****
Friday June 13, 2008 - The Force will become balanced when the Jedhi Returns
Laker Nation STAND TALL. BE STRONG A loss is for NOW. A Legacy is FOREVER.
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – a prayer to strengthen us please.
Good Morning, Morning Crew: JohnnyP. Bozz, Toad, “Pig” Miller, Fearless,
JustAnotherMambaFan, Edwin Gueco, EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl,
SemiLakerGirl, LakerTom, Tha_Show, Tim-4-Show, LakerMan420, Karynar
Welcome: VA.LakerGirl, NovoLaker, ThePsychologist, , UBUNTU KILLERS
In_The_Zen_Master_We_Trust
@TIM-4-SHOW “We have two choices We can sit here and cry about what could
have been (and from game 2's officiating to last night's nightmare, there's a lot to
cry about) OR OR We can realize that we have three more bullets to take them out.
Three more spins of russian roulette... we just have to take out our big gun. What's it
going to be? Die and Cry? Or Will and kill?? If you're like me, I'm not thinking about
winning the series anymore, I'm just thinking about punishing them as much as
possible. And if we do that, you never know what might happen.... just ask Kobe
& PJ when they were up 3-1 against the Suns (on a miracle last second shot).”
Like Dirty Harry, Kobe will look at Boston and ask, "do you feel lucky?"
@AMAZING HAPPENS
”I don't know what to say really. 2 DAYS to the biggest battle of our
professional lives all comes down to SUNDAY. Either we play as a team
or we are going to crumble. Inch by inch play by play till we're finished.
We are in hell right now, gentlemen believe me and we can stay here and
get the sh*t kicked out of us or we can fight our way back into the light.
We can climb out of hell. One inch at a time. Now I can't do it for you.
I'm too old. I look around and I see these young faces and I think I mean
I made every wrong choice a middle age man could make. I uh....I pissed
away all my money believe it or not. I chased off anyone who has ever
loved me. And lately, I can't even stand the face I see in the mirror. You
know when you get old in life things get taken from you. That's, that's
part of life. But, you only learn that when you start losing stuff. You find
out that life is just a game of inches. So is basketball. Because in either
game, life or basketball The margin for error is so small. One half step
too late or to early you don't quite make it. One half second too slow
or too fast and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are
everywhere around us. They are in every break of the game every minute,
every second. On this team, we fight for that inch On this team, we tear
ourselves, and everyone around us to pieces for that inch. We CLAW with
our finger nails for that inch. Cause we know when we add up all those inches
that's going to make the difference between WINNING and LOSING between
LIVING and DYING. I'll tell you this in any fight it is the guy who IS WILLING
TO DIE who is going to win that inch. And I know if I am going to have any life
Anymore it is because I am still willing to fight and die for that inch because that
is what LIVING is. THE 6 INCHES IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE.. Now I can't make
you do it. You gotta look at the guy next to you. Look into his eyes. Now I think you
are going to see a guy who will go that inch with you. You are going to see a guy
who will sacrifice himself for this team because he knows when it comes down
to it, you are gonna do the same thing for him. That's a team, gentlemen
and either WE HEAL NOW, AS A TEAM, or we will die as individuals.
That's basketball guys. That's all it is. Now, WHATTAYA GONNA DO!!”
The Lord gives & The Lord takes away
That’s what THE BANNER HOLDER’s prayers say.
The Largest lead in history, yes indeed we had it,
But instead of thanking God, We took all the Credit.
Pride Laker Nation, is what brought us low
To show us from whom, All Blessings Flow
Now instead of pride, Some are feeling blue
I still feel we’ll win, because I believe in you
I believe you just have to ask, & it will surely occur
So Lord I ask, please manifest, 3 wins for The Lakers
Ask it, feel it, & believe it in your Heart
Thursday June 19th, the 4th Dynasty will start
Belief is what makes all exist, this please understand
The Universe, a 4th Dynasty, It’s all in God’s hand
Believe we win the next three games, it’s easy to do.
Believe in God, 9Rings & Kobe & the ENTIRE TEAM too!
All things including the Lakers, have a purpose for man to see
I believe the Laker’s purpose, includes a 4th DYNASTY
If true then next Thursday, our 15th title will be won
I know it’s true and I say to you, IT’S ALREADY DONE
So Laker Nation I LOVE YOU ALL & THANK GOD YOU PASSED MY WAY
Loses don’t define you, A great legacy is behind you , ONE LAST TIME THIS I SAY:
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
(1) Faith, Bob, Keifo, Vman. Jay Jay, CHARLES, Edwin Gueco, TSIRY, FATTY, AngryLaker
Tha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, Pig Miller, Toad, Taliq, LakerTruth
WesJoeNixon, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, Nemia Faletogo, Elle, HmrHed
ComptonsFinest, FlagrantFowl LakerLegacy, EXHELODRVR, Laker Tom, Rick Friedman ,
RDLEE, PurpleHeart, Allan-Brazil, Andrew Z. HugoBoss, CORNER J. BayWood, NEVER
The OUTLAW, Tsphere, Jon Kavulic, WeaveMan, SixOneZero, FEARLESS, CBuck, MAN
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, JANAYA, EASTCOASTJessie, JMAN, HTJ
BackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba,
JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, Mamba#5, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, LALFan, KOBE24
Greek Dude, KB8THWONDER, Original Ken, Original J J, LAKERMAN_420, SAMLL
Purple&Gold_REIN, ZEN, Ando, Brylle, MOKO, JOHNNY P., DAVE ROSENZWEIG
LakerGurl, SFLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, LakerGirl1980, VALakerGirl
HoustonLakerGirl, BocaLakerGirl, LAKERLASS, SheKOBE, LakersRydeOrDie, SloGal,
DrewPauKobe, GoKobeGo, KobesBad, KobeRocks, Laker/KobeFan, NIK KANNAN
MrBarneryDangles, JESTERGURU, SmoothD, JCOOL, Jeff, David Whang, ISSANG,
KIWI, Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, LakersMR, LakersSTH, HobbitMage, KOREY
HAVA98, StrangerInTheNight, MBENGA_FAN, RIZZO, TWOODY, XODUS, WOW
Herb Stempel, TROY, T_Sensei, BerkleyLaker, Dave M. Dascilla, MARKYTheARKY
Stars_R_Aligned, Cscoot, The_Dude_Abides, Johnny Laker, The HEAD-MBENGA
MagicMan, SALTLAKER, Todd, WWKBD, Puddle, Sambosola, GREENPAZ, SEAN P.
L.A. Watcher, Fuego32, EHomp, KCHW, MichiganLaker, XTRO,LAKERFAZE,
Complex Brotha, WondahBap, Derek, BENJAMIN, Cyrus(Ventrilquist), S.TAN, CHE
HappyCamper, HappyDaze, HappyGilmore, CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, BZAR,
AMAZING HAPPENS, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real,
CooLHAIR, The_COOL BOBIE, SpokanLakerFan, Duma, Shum, ManSlayer, EEVEE
LAKERFAN BMAC, FRANK FRIZZO, LakerZeigeist, Playa, FatSam, Anthony Johnson
AKR68, GIANTSQUID, BotSoy, CALIPHILOSOPHER, JLuv, CDUB0512, LAKERBODHI
LAKERFAN, IndianLaker, LakerAngolaN, LakerFanCanada, ValleyLaker, DOCTOR D.
Bruzer, Peanut_Butter_Spread, LAKERKEV, Lakers_Sparks_Fan, Trio, Reality_Check
DANCAT, LakerBandit, TwoForOne7, HAWAIID,Chick4Ever, MIKE DILLS, LAURIA
You Ever Notice? MARKYTHEARKY, Justin Leonard, Linda Pineda, Kidwell, Mel, AJAX
BronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker, USCLaker
LakerNorth, LakerinBC, ROMY R, Earth_Wind_&_Fire, FKIllah, TEEJ, VIOLATER
AA Los, Wizo, Caeser, Maxximo, Wolf, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen, Man, Jeff Grotke
Lakers4Realz, Gino, Gabe, Floyd, Vincent, ROBYN, Khang, Old Scholol, JANDRO
EDDIE BROCK, PAUL LEE, Mitchell, DAVID IN SPAIN, J_Doubter, Guy,AFROJOE
Playa, Franky_J., Daryl, LakerDawg, DK,JC, The Dropper, Afro Joe, STAN DARSH
MobWagoneer, PK-in-the-MESA, Andy B, HUBBIT, Jamie SWEET, LAKER_LARRY
THE HAMMER Benny Blanca, MEL, AdamKiley, JUSTIN, CHRIS H, LADIESMAN, TP
Linda Pineda, CaliKing, Thirty2, Aime Williams, Chucky .L.Ohno, Look Lonely, Kyle
LakerHolic, GDChild, Dion Centralk, Staples24, Robyn, Lakers08, Mel, J.D. Hastings
Laker_Fan, True Laker Fan, Passionate Laker Fan, LT Laker_Fan, Grail, DAXMDD
JHLANNERY, BOCALakerGIRL, Cameron, EMMA, Thomas, LAKAFOO, PurpleMagic
Lakerfan24, SeanDouglas, StocktonShowtime, JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), Revmaxxx
40YearFan, KillerEight, LOTEC9, Todd Battles, ASM, MikeAz, LakaLover, Bynumite,
CS, LakerHopeful, Bobie, MARCO64, Drew, PURPLE&GOLD_4EVA, Tajluck, Waterboy
B4Hoops, HeWhoHoops, Jorema, Xtro, MCGarnagle, GUGY, Laker4Life, MARTY,
Pince Akrasian, EAGLEBOY, JR., BLKTHGHT06, SighBrandon C. Tully Moxness,
LakerBake, Sean74, Sead94, LongLiveChick , Kinglakernidas, RespectMyAuthorith,
Hariyahu, Alexinh017, NESTROS BISTRO, LiveLakers, Blaze1Bx, phred, Swettual,
KIKOS DAD, RicoTico, SocalSpider , BigGameJames, LAKERSNZ , Karynanr*
BlingBling, Rob_D, MELOS, Lakers_Heart, SevenFacesOfDrLau Janet, LakerBodhi
JHNLannery, Adrian Palomar, SUPERSA, BH, SAGA, FrancesW, Onaoman, Lent
CHERIE JOHNSON, LAKER_1959, LAKER_HOPEFUL, Dalton, JV, Glenn, T-ROCK
VA_LAKERGIRL, JERMAINE_KOBEFAN, NOVO_LAKER, THE PSYCHOLOGIST,
UBUNTU KILLERS,IN_THE_ZEN_MASTER_WE_TRUST
ALL TOGETHER NOW, LET THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE SEE HOW A TRUE
WARRIOR DEALS WITH VICTORY AND DEFEAT:
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, MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR, THE LOGO(JERRY WEST),
SHAQ, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, BOB MCADOO, "BIG SHOT ROB HORRY"
GAIL GOODRICH THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER CHICK HEARN COACHED
BY 9 TIME – SOON TO BE 10 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 – GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 13, 2008 at 10:50 AM
devastated. let down.
Posted by: tp | June 13, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Repost
No time for talk about trading players or changing coaches. That will come once the series is over.
We still have Game 5 and these Lakers should play for RESPECT. I don’t care at this point about pointing fingers; I just care about Game 5.
Last night’s game:
No Perkins, No Rondo, 24 point lead lost. The better Team won. I do have gripes about the lack of playing time and substitution patterns of PJ but that’s another entry.
In regards to the Celtic bloggers: some of them represent the Rings they have won in the past, and some of them represent the sour taste since it’s been over two decades. The Nouveau Riche posters are the ones who are sour in the face of grace; plain and simply do not get it. You can’t hit them with a 10-foot pole.
Just like some of the other trolling posters from San Antonio, some will be classy and have a Sports Conversation Exchange, some will talk as if they are on the court and it’s Gary Payton Time, and some will just be tasteless.
I just hope you Non-Laker Fan posters appreciate this Blog, the Host’s and the Community at large. I have tried posting on the Celtic and Jazz blogs and the moderators there are pretty unfair. I have attempted to post ONLY in a diplomatic-respectful manner in both blogs and they host’s didn’t even bother. You can gloat on this blog, but just so you know I understand that it is the nature of sports-competition and blogging. This is a great blog and hope you insipid and groomed posters appreciate it.
Feeling half full, half empty, and angry; it is time to take an emotional exhale.
I love my team and love this blog. LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT ALONE.
I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Amen, Mamba24. Amen.
Thank God I'm a Lakers Fan.
Posted by: CBuck | June 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I hope they lose Sunday. It's already over anyway. Let the Celtics win here in LA by themselves instead of our boys being humiliated in front of all those rabid Boston fans.
Kobe not going to ask for a trade now, is he?
Posted by: Andy B | June 13, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Since the middle of the year I thought it would be tough for the Lakers to beat Boston without Bynum..
This is the first time most of the guys have gotten past the first round. No matter what happens, it's been a successful year for the Lakers.
If they lose, the Lakers will be extra motivated next year...Especially with Bynum coming back...
Posted by: zen | June 13, 2008 at 11:05 AM
tp,
I feel devastated and let down, too. But that feeling is slowly fading away. What's replacing it is a feeling of hope. Sunday begins the long uphill climb to the most miraculous, lauded championship season in the history of the NBA. Win Sunday, and then look to Tuesday. Win Tuesday, and then all bets are off. We can do it. I believe in this team.
I've been believing all season long.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 13, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Question for the family, what kind of game do we want game five to be?:
A) Pound the rock inside, ex. LO, Pau, Ronny/DJ
B) Get our 3 shooters out, ex. Vlad, Sasha, 24, Fish/Farmar
C) Speed, ex. 24, Sasha, Farmar, LO, Pau
D) Triangle O
E) Let Kobe go off and hope for another 81
F) Anything else?
Just wondering...
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | June 13, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Man, don't give up Laker fans!
It ain't over!
We can still win in 7. Look at our domination in late game 2, winning game 3, and almost holding game 4!
We need to root on our Lakers like never before.
Go to the game and ROOT!!!
GO LAKERS!
GO KOBE!!!
GO PAU!
And taunt the Celtics:
Pierce: WHEELCHAIR!
Rondo: WHEELCHAIR!
Kg: SISSY!
Come on, we can make a difference! Celtics just got lucky man!
Posted by: Lakers_Unstoppable | June 13, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Well, you have to give it to Paul Pierce for honesty. He even admitted he was trying to foul Kobe in the 2nd half but the refs weren't blowing the whistles.
Posted by: Absolute Truth | June 13, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Time to dust off and get back off-the-mat and behind our team.
We did get knocked down. Our nose is bloody. one of our eyes is shut down.
But the count is not 10 yet.
This team is providing us a lesson in life's ups and downs.
From has-beens we got to the Finals. What a lot of Joy they brought us.
On to Sunday, limping but not out yet!
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | June 13, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Just another reminder of the big picture:
http://www.nba.com/history/finals/champions.html
Yes, no team since 1971, the year they started keeping such minute details, has ever lost as big a lead as the Lakers did last night...
...At this same, no team since 1971 have won as many championships either.
Proud citizen of Laker nation
Posted by: Soundwave | June 13, 2008 at 11:15 AM
*__________________________*
I STILL BELIEVE - BANDWAGON
*__________________________*
(01) CHARLES - I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!!
(02) LAKER_TRUTH - "In a season of the improbable, the impossible WILL happen"
Keep hope alive.
(03) LAKERTOM - WILL FIGHT TO THE END
(04) EASTCOASTJESSIE - JUST MADE HER STRONGER. LAKERS DON’T GIVE UP!!
(05) LAKERFAN24 - Just will make victory sweeter - I STILL BELIEVE
(06) JOHNNY - LAKERS FOREVERr!
(07) KOBE_BEST - YES HE IIS!.
(08) MAMBA – GO OUT WITH YOUR GUNS BLAZZING KOBE!!!
(09) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - NEVER GIVE UP!
(10) MAGICMAN - NEVER SAY DIE!
(11) JANAYA - NOTHING & NO ONE CAN BREAK MY BELIEF
(12) TOAD – I STILL BELIEVE, DO YOU?
(13) TIM-4-SHOW - We have 1 weapon, they have 3. IT'S TIME FOR 81!
(14) AMAZING HAPPENS - LETS ROLL!
(15) EMMOS – I’LL NEVER GIVE UP
(16) JOHN_IN_HOUSTON – NEVER! EVER GIVE UP!
(17) HOPE – HOPE & FAITH!!
(18) DPK – BELIEVE!!!! ONE GAME A T A TIME
(19) BOZZ - No way I, nor our Lakers and their TRUE fans, will roll over, no matter what.!!!!
(20) MAMBA24FAN4LIFE – LAKER FOR LIFE!!!
(21) #4 - WE’RE STILL STANDING, I ALWAYS BELIEVED
(22) DO_YOU_SEE_WHAT_I_SEE – YOU MUST HATE IN ORDER TO WIN, CLASS MY @SS!!
(23) BOCALAKERGIRL – HARD PILL TO SWALLOW BUT I STILL BELIEVE!
(24) LARRY OF LA - GREAT SEASON NO MATTER WHAT
(25) FEARLESS - GO DOWN WITH BEST WEAPON
(26) ETERNAL_OPTIMIST - LAKERS WILL STAGE EVEN GREATER COMEBACK
(27) JON K - LET THE DYNASTY BEGIN - DON'T FEED THE TROLLS
(28) FIRE32 - WE MUST GO ON Laker colors STILL -FLYING HIGH OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.
I don't know, but for some strange reason I still feel like it's going to 7 games.
(29) KOREY - until that final curtain call, I wont give up on my team. It's really just time
to unleash Kobe.
(29) BAYWOOD - It's hard to do but we all know that these are Our Lakers. We love them
and they do bring us a lot of joy and life lessons (good and bad as always)
(30) RICHTOWN - I love the lakers. Always have always will - but the only way they live this
down is to win the whole thing in boston
(31) HMRHED - I don't know if they can pull it out -- likely the answer is no, but if they lose it will
hurt like '84. It won't hurt like '04. In '84 you knew the Lakers were just starting. But in '04 you
knew it was ending. This is just starting --- enjoy the precess of the making of a dynasty.
(32) CBUCK - RALLY THE POSSE AND GET READY FOR A FIGHT
(33) ZEN - No matter what happens, it's been a successful year for the Lakers.
(34) THE OUTLAW - I HAVE BEEN BELIEVING ALL SEASON
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 13, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Just another reminder of the big picture:
http://www.nba.com/history/finals/champions.html
Yes, no team since 1971, the year they started keeping such minute details, has ever lost as big a lead as the Lakers did last night...
...At the same time, no team since 1971 has won as many championships either.
Proud citizen of Laker nation
Posted by: Soundwave | June 13, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Just another reminder of the big picture:
http://www.nba.com/history/finals/champions.html
Yes, no team since 1971, the year they started keeping such minute details, has ever lost as big a lead as the Lakers did last night...
...At the same time, no team since 1971 has won as many championships either.
Proud citizen of Laker nation
Posted by: Soundwave | June 13, 2008 at 11:18 AM
WOW, Mamba, I feel better already.
Posted by: billy in slo | June 13, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I think the majority of Lakers fans are showing extreme class. Out here (maine) we've got a few, and the older ones)like me) don't rub anybodies noses in it beecause we know we could be on the other end tomorrow. You keep the faith, and stay classy. But dump Spike Lee
Posted by: jay | June 13, 2008 at 11:19 AM
AK's beatdown of pfunk at 10:47am in the "Collapse" thread is incredible. A few other posters need to take the same message to heart.
Posted by: Lakers sK | June 13, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I am really amazed at how horrible I feel today.
It's bad.
Thank God we're playing on Sunday, not tomorrow.
I have every confidence that we'll win on Sunday.
Game Six at Boston will be tricky. Got to get past that. Because Game Seven favors us strongly in terms of Bio-Chrono cycles.
God, please get us to Game Seven.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 13, 2008 at 11:22 AM
At this point, I just want the Lakers to compete to the best of their ability. A Western Conference Title is more than what I expected for this season. I expect more for the next season.
Because if we lose one more game, the season is over and this blog will be in hibernation, so for the last time, I like to raise the question to all the 9-ring idol worshippers, what will you say to Phil Johnson in the exit interview?
If it is for me, I will ask these -
(1) His philosophy of team defense. Should we hire a special assistant coach to teach the Lakers team defense, like boxing out people, cutting off passing lane, when and who need help defense, defense without fouling, how to gauge a rebound. Most of the time, I don't see the Lakers understanding the fundamental?
(2) Explain his rotation, particularly in the 3rd quarter. Why the players that were effective earlier in the game had to sit on the bench?
(3) Explain his last 5 minutes end-plays. Most of the time in a tight game, I can't figure out what he was trying to achieve?
(3) His unnatural love affair with Luke Walton. Why he keeps using Luke when he was giving away our possessions one after another? If Luke to Phil is like an open bottle to an alcoholic, should the Lakers trade him so Luke will become unavailable like taking the bottles away from an alcoholic?
(4) If he feels that his coaching job is done before a game, should the Management just let him stay at home during the game since he doesn't have to anything during the game?
(5) Should the Management save some money to downsize to 10 players since his rotation does not go beyond 10 players? Why bother to pay Newbie, Mihm, Coby and Mbenga if he has no intention to use them? Not that Dr Buss does not have money, we don't want Buss to have excuses to trade away key players!
(6) Since Phil did not win a championship with 4 hall of famers and threw away the efforts of Kareem and Kupchek, should the Lakers get 5 hall of famers in order to win a championship? (P.S.: no one in the world, including you and me, lost a championship with 4 hall of famers in a basketball team, so none of us sucks as bad as Phil!)
So, let hear it from the 9-ring worshippers, what will the report card on Phil Jackson be like?
Posted by: PJ doubter | June 13, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Bill Plaschke sucks ass.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 13, 2008 at 11:23 AM
AK/BK,
By the way, great video clip to open the blog.
I'm going to throw Bill Plaschke in a vat of acid and then stab him with a harpoon, theoretically speaking.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 13, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Well it's time for this long-time lurker to say goodbye to the sometimes thoughtful, sometimes wacky wacky postings on this blog and thank the K Bros for doing such a great job.
This series is effectively over and Laker fans should give props to the Cs. A lot of hate has been directed at the Big 3 on this blog, but to me, KG, Allen and Pierce have long paid their dues in hard work and quality play and fully deserve a Championship. The "never give up" attitude and hustle the Cs gave last night was admirable. They simply wanted a Title more than any other team this year, and my congrats to them for deserving it.
I predicted the Cs to win from the beginning (though they'll likely do it less than the 7 I thought) for a simple reason: The Lakers have no center, and a team without the toughness of a center will lose to a better defensive team, no matter how great their offense is. If I recall correctly, the Magic-Kareem and Kobe-Shaq teams were never the top defensive teams in their years, but won championships because the center provided the foundation (in interior defense, interior offense, and rebounding) that the brilliance of Magic and Kobe could build upon. Gasol isn't a center and it's unfair to blame him for failing to be one. The Big Hole at the center of the Lakers was evident last night--Cs streaking into the paint and putting up easy shots and layups, or kicking it out to open shots because too many defenders had to help in the paint--and the Lakers failure to do the same on the other end. The Celtics exposed the Big Hole in a way this year's tired-and-hurt Spurs should have done, but couldn't do.
In short, the Lakers need to be Almond Joy to be Champions. Right now they're just Mounds.
Bynum, of course, changes this next year. But beyond that, the Lakers are a young team and young teams get easily rattled and blow big leads, something they've done throughout this year. They usually got away with it, but against a Championship-calibur defensive team they finally choked. The best lessons are the most painful ones, because you learn so they don't happen again. This young Lakers squad need to look up to the Spurs and--yes--this year's Cs as a model of how to ratchet up the defensive intensity and hold on to a lead.
At this point, the Lakers don't need to rebuild, but rather learn and toughen up. The biggest thing is that Bynum and Ariza need to be fully integrated into the team throughout the entire season, especially to shore up the defensive end of things.
I thought either the Celtics or the Pistons would beat the Lakers this year because of the Big Hole. But provided Bynum fulfills his potential, Kobe maintains faith in his team, and (most importantly) everyone stays free of injuries, the Lakers should return next year as the hungrier team (as opposed to the "So happy to be here" team) with extended playoff experience under their belts. That plus Bynum means they should have the advantage next year. We'll see.
Posted by: Scott | June 13, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Ahem. You Lakers can bring out every celebrity on the planet and the Celts will still beat you like an old rug. Be honest about it - that team won 66 games for a reason , and the Lakers are quickly finding out what that reason is.
And a special note to Mamba24: Psst, God loves the Lakers but he loves the Celtics more.
Posted by: Harry O"Celtic | June 13, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Did Kobe really leave the court before the game was over?
I once saw the Sun Devils down 5 with 2.8 seconds left and win the game (three from corner to 0.8 seconds left, steal at midcourt on the inbound and halfcourt shot to win) and saw the Oregon Ducks down 4 with 5.6 seconds left and win (three from side to 2.2 seconds, inbound pass sails high and out-of-bounds, three from up top to win). Not to mention the things that Reggie Miller, McGrady, and even Kobe himself have down. If Kobe left the game with more than 4 seconds left, that's just inexcusable.
Posted by: Lakers sK | June 13, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I don't think a loss has hurt this bad since the Spurs knocked us out of the playoffs in 2003 and Kobe cried after the game.
However, crazier things have happened. Some no name is winning the US Open right now so whos to say we can't be the green monsters? Boston sucks and we don't haha.
LAKERS YESERDAY, LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS TOMORROW, LAKERS ALWAYS
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 13, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Ready to give it our all on Sunday. I'll be at the game complements of the BIG BOSS. Can't believe the seats, truly once in a lifetime.
Posted by: lakerfaze | June 13, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Insult to injury perhaps? I just got a press release from the NBA revealing the top jersey sales for the season... KG takes the top spot from Kobe.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | June 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM
LAKER NATION:
Have faith in PJ and his pupils.. The series is not over yet so STOP feeling that it is... MARK MY WORD: Lakers will create NEW HISTORY by winning this series. We have to win on Sunday, one game at a time.
LAKER WILL MAKE YET ANOTHER HISTORY AND IT WILL READ:
THE BIGGEST COMEBACK EVER:
i truly believe..
Posted by: i truly believe.. | June 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM
lakerfaze
did u get the release party invite?
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Kobe guaranteed that a Boston team would win when he said 'Go Yanks' in response to Curt Schilling. What a foolish, foolish man. Face it Lakers - You're Done!! Your team is the big turkey that Boston is 1 game away from putting you in the oven.
Posted by: Harry Onara | June 13, 2008 at 11:42 AM
*__________________________*
I STILL BELIEVE - BANDWAGON
*__________________________*
(01) CHARLES - I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!!
(02) LAKER_TRUTH - "In a season of the improbable, the impossible WILL happen"
Keep hope alive.
(03) LAKERTOM - WILL FIGHT TO THE END
(04) EASTCOASTJESSIE - JUST MADE HER STRONGER. LAKERS DON’T GIVE UP!!
(05) LAKERFAN24 - Just will make victory sweeter - I STILL BELIEVE
(06) JOHNNY - LAKERS FOREVERr!
(07) KOBE_BEST - YES HE IIS!.
(08) MAMBA – GO OUT WITH YOUR GUNS BLAZZING KOBE!!!
(09) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - NEVER GIVE UP!
(10) MAGICMAN - NEVER SAY DIE!
(11) JANAYA - NOTHING & NO ONE CAN BREAK MY BELIEF
(12) TOAD – I STILL BELIEVE, DO YOU?
(13) TIM-4-SHOW - We have 1 weapon, they have 3. IT'S TIME FOR 81!
(14) AMAZING HAPPENS - LETS ROLL!
(15) EMMOS – I’LL NEVER GIVE UP
(16) JOHN_IN_HOUSTON – NEVER! EVER GIVE UP!
(17) HOPE – HOPE & FAITH!!
(18) DPK – BELIEVE!!!! ONE GAME A T A TIME
(19) BOZZ - No way I, nor our Lakers and their TRUE fans, will roll over, no matter what.!!!!
(20) MAMBA24FAN4LIFE – LAKER FOR LIFE!!!
(21) #4 - WE’RE STILL STANDING, I ALWAYS BELIEVED
(22) DO_YOU_SEE_WHAT_I_SEE – YOU MUST HATE IN ORDER TO WIN, CLASS MY @SS!!
(23) BOCALAKERGIRL – HARD PILL TO SWALLOW BUT I STILL BELIEVE!
(24) LARRY OF LA - GREAT SEASON NO MATTER WHAT
(25) FEARLESS - GO DOWN WITH BEST WEAPON
(26) ETERNAL_OPTIMIST - LAKERS WILL STAGE EVEN GREATER COMEBACK
(27) JON K - LET THE DYNASTY BEGIN - DON'T FEED THE TROLLS
(28) FIRE32 - WE MUST GO ON Laker colors STILL -FLYING HIGH OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.
I don't know, but for some strange reason I still feel like it's going to 7 games.
(29) KOREY - until that final curtain call, I wont give up on my team. It's really just time
to unleash Kobe.
(29) BAYWOOD - It's hard to do but we all know that these are Our Lakers. We love them
and they do bring us a lot of joy and life lessons (good and bad as always)
(30) RICHTOWN - I love the lakers. Always have always will - but the only way they live this
down is to win the whole thing in boston
(31) HMRHED - I don't know if they can pull it out -- likely the answer is no, but if they lose it will
hurt like '84. It won't hurt like '04. In '84 you knew the Lakers were just starting. But in '04 you
knew it was ending. This is just starting --- enjoy the precess of the making of a dynasty.
(32) CBUCK - RALLY THE POSSE AND GET READY FOR A FIGHT
(33) ZEN - No matter what happens, it's been a successful year for the Lakers.
(34) THE OUTLAW - I HAVE BEEN BELIEVING ALL SEASON
(35) LAKERS UNSTOPPABLE - Come on, we can make a difference! Celtics just got lucky man!
IT AINT OVER
(36) BILLY IN SLO - I FEEL BETTER ALREADY
(37) SOUNDWAVE - PROUD CITIZEN OF LAKER NATION
(38) LAKERFA ZE - Ready to give it our all on Sunday.
(39) MRBARNEYDANGLES - LAKERS YESERDAY, LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS TOMORROW,
LAKERS ALWAYS
(40)
Posted by: | June 13, 2008 at 11:47 AM
mrbarneydangles,
Im frustrated like the 2004 Finals series. Especially because we can win.
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Mamba24, load me in the "I still believe" bandwagon please!
Lakers, we can do this! It is possible and we have the pieces to do it. The first quarter showed it with defense and offense.
All together now!
Posted by: lakersmr | June 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Kobe has the distinction of being the most over rated player ever in professional sports. This happened to sell tickets even though he is a ray pissed.
The really uninformed media is always surprised like the Patriots and Lakers. Any real b-ball guy knows that DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!! Not girlie type Kobe and the Flakers run and jock ball.
Stern fixed the San Antonio/Lakers series to get the bigger media market for revenue. And then he got a long term mess in that Kobe will nevr again be compared to MJ. What an insult to MJ. And he is no Duane Wade. He probably doesn't even belong in the top 50. Sadly he is a George Gervin style run and shoot I don't know the game because I skipped college sissy girl player.
Posted by: JeromeM | June 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Bynum? What a joke. You traded the wrong guy. Shoulda kept Shaq and sent Kobe the loser packin.
Posted by: JeromeM | June 13, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Insult to injury perhaps? I just got a press release from the NBA revealing the top jersey sales for the season... KG takes the top spot from Kobe.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | June 13, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and the New Edition members purchased them all.
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 11:59 AM
After we came back from 20 down to beat San Antonio, D-Fish commented that wins like these are prone to make chest hair grow like crazy.
After last night's loss, I say that LOSSES LIKE THESE are what will either break a man or define him in the future.
This was not a loss...but a STATEMENT.
We trusted and believed by faith that Kobe, LO, AB (pre-injury), Pau (post-AB injury) and this team of perceived misfits, no names, and rejects could - and would - ascend to the Promised Land. After last night, I don't know. I could pray a prayer of great faith or call down fire from the Heavens to wreck and torment Boston's mind, body and energy. That would surely spark the fire and energy back to LA Times Laker Blog!
But I'm not going to do that.
Many Sundays I sit through sermons in which God empowers and encourages me.
But there are other sermons in which God REBUKES me.
And the key that determines whether or not I climb to the next level of blessing in God is how I handle the times and seasons of REBUKE, LOSS and FAILURE.
Brothers and sisters, we are in that time right now. Strip me of my "Chaplain" role if you wish. Dismiss me as one who has left the bandwagon. Butler, feel free to berate and belittle me all you'd like. But I have to share the truth. Because the truth shall make us free.
As time rolled off the clock, the chorus of one of my favorite songs from Alicia Keys's latest album played in my mind:
"Yes, I was burned, but I call it a LESSON LEARNED
Mistake, overturned, but I call it a LESSON LEARNED
My soul has returned so I call it a LESSON LEARNED
Another LESSON LEARNED..."
We are a young team. Tons of talent. Lots of fire. Not too much playoff experience. This entire playoff series has been a series of LESSONS LEARNED by Kobe and the guys. The biggest lesson we have learned: WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CHAMPION.
LO, Vlad Rad, Luke, Jordan, Sasha, Ronny, Trevor and Pau have all been thrust into the fire for the first time in their careers. God has answered my Game Day Prayer for each of them. He has shown them that the opposing teams, the refs, David Stern, opposing fans, nobody - NO BODY - is going sit back and GIVE THEM THIS CHAMPIONSHIP. The (Laker) kingdom suffereth violence, and the violent must TAKE IT BY FORCE! And all the finesse, skill, weenie shots, 3 pointers and raw talent in the world ain't gonna help you. YOU HAVE TO GRAB IT BY THE THROAT.
That's how the green guys were able to erase a 24 point lead. They didn't just erase it...they TOOK IT BY THE THROAT. We have seen 4 games. All 4 games, Boston took it by the throat. They walked with a killer instinct. Injured knees, twisted ankles, old age and lack of Finals experience would not stop them. Boston TOOK THESE GAMES. PERIOD.
Kobe has learned the greatest lesson of all. You can go for 81 every game. You can drop consecutive 40-50 point outbursts all day and all night. But to take the GRAND PRIZE, YOU NEED A TEAM! Kobe can't do it by himself. Absolutely can't.
LOSSES LIKE THESE will make a man or BREAK A MAN.
My prayer - my HONEST PRAYER - is that this loss will BREAK THEM NOW...and MAKE THEM LATER!
Dear God, I pray You would haunt every member of the Los Angeles Lakers with memories of the Game 4 Failure during Game 5, 6 & 7 (if we get that far) and throughout the entire summer. I pray for sleepless nights. I pray for cringing hearts and spirits whenever they see the color green. I pray for vomit on their popcorn boxes when they see "The Incredible Hulk!"
i pray that each team member would not hide behind excuses and blaming refs and David Stern and this and that but, instead, would look in the mirror at themselves. And feel the sting of failure, the despair of a loss, THE AGONY OF DEFEAT...
...and when Training Camp rolls around in October, those who remain members of the Purple & Gold would take that energy and transfer it into a TRUE KILLER INSTINCT that would lay waste to every team in the NBA. May Andrew channel that pain into MONSTER DUNKS and POWERFUL REBOUNDS. May Pau Gasol transfer that energy to pounding weights in the gym and pickup games with his NBA cohorts that we would return as a towering, fearsome beast who will pound the rock down the throat of every man on the court not donning Laker colors.
May Luke feel the sting of his daddy's insults and translate that to extra work to strengthen his knees and ankles that we would no longer suffer through another ridiculous plethora of injuries.
May this be the catalyst that causes LO to emerge from the shadows of doubt and fear in his own mind and MAKES HIM decide to MAN UP and to do his job on the court for 48 MINUTES in 82 GAMES and beyond in 2008-09. May the guilt of his disappearance haunt him, and, instead of turning to weed and strip clubs, may he find YOU instead, Lord, to be his STRENGTH, HIS STRONG TOWER OF REFUGE AND POWER!
May Jordan spend his days in the gym taking shot after shot until his skills are PERFECTED - that he would TAKE THE MANTLE of the starting PG from D-Fish - not in a spirit of anger, but as a student learning lessons from the master and being ready to wage war himself.
And, yes, may Kobe be tormented by his chorus of haters who claim he will never win another ring without Shaq. You have used failure in his life to restore him. You have used failure in his life to humble him. As we who follow You know, Your work to humble us is NEVER DONE. Everytime we think we've made it, You knock us off our lofty perches and cause us hunger and thirst in the desert. Then, when You restore us, we are STRONGER, WISER, BETTER. Kobe is the best player in the NBA...but he can be BETTER! He can still be WISER. He can still be STRONGER.
And keep D-Fish as our rock, our voice of reason. May he pass his mantle of faith and sportsmanship to Jordan or anyone else who would receive it.
To those who's season with us may come to an end with this series, bless them with grace and traveling mercies as they join their new teams.
And we ask You, Lord, to expose every bandwagonner in our midst. Seperate the wheat from the tear, the chaff from the grain. Those who are true Laker fans who will dwell with us in this, another dark time and dark hour from those who only ride with us when the win-loss column is favorable. Remove those impostors from among us - the folks who scream that we should trade players who have shooting slumps. Those who's faith in the Purple & Gold can be broken and removed after 1 loss.
Use us, the Blog Patriarchs to help restore their faith and/or expose their lack of faith. Bless Mamba's Roll Call, Jon K's faith, Faith's encouragement, our Laker Gurls in Simi, Boca and the Psyched one, too. Bless Rick F & Laker Tom's analysis. Bless Edwin Gueco's insight. Bless Fatty & Charles's humor. To anyone that I've missed who has stood with us from the horrors of the Phoenix letdown to this point, they are true fans. Bless them in accoardance to their faith.
We thank You for answered prayer and we thank You for all of Your blessings. For we know You turn GREAT FAILURES into GREAT WINNERS in the end...
AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | June 13, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Anyone that saw the game knows that Kobe is a loser who is blaming everyone else. He should take his pink jocj and stuff it with 'bunnies'.
Posted by: JeromeM | June 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM
*__________________________*
I STILL BELIEVE - BANDWAGON
*__________________________*
(01) CHARLES - I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!!
(02) LAKER_TRUTH - "In a season of the improbable, the impossible WILL happen"
Keep hope alive.
(03) LAKERTOM - WILL FIGHT TO THE END
(04) EASTCOASTJESSIE - JUST MADE HER STRONGER. LAKERS DON’T GIVE UP!!
(05) LAKERFAN24 - Just will make victory sweeter - I STILL BELIEVE
(06) JOHNNY - LAKERS FOREVERr!
(07) KOBE_BEST - YES HE IIS!.
(08) MAMBA – GO OUT WITH YOUR GUNS BLAZZING KOBE!!!
(09) JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - NEVER GIVE UP!
(10) MAGICMAN - NEVER SAY DIE!
(11) JANAYA - NOTHING & NO ONE CAN BREAK MY BELIEF
(12) TOAD – I STILL BELIEVE, DO YOU?
(13) TIM-4-SHOW - We have 1 weapon, they have 3. IT'S TIME FOR 81!
(14) AMAZING HAPPENS - LETS ROLL!
(15) EMMOS – I’LL NEVER GIVE UP
(16) JOHN_IN_HOUSTON – NEVER! EVER GIVE UP!
(17) HOPE – HOPE & FAITH!!
(18) DPK – BELIEVE!!!! ONE GAME A T A TIME
(19) BOZZ - No way I, nor our Lakers and their TRUE fans, will roll over, no matter what.!!!!
(20) MAMBA24FAN4LIFE – LAKER FOR LIFE!!!
(21) #4 - WE’RE STILL STANDING, I ALWAYS BELIEVED
(22) DO_YOU_SEE_WHAT_I_SEE – YOU MUST HATE IN ORDER TO WIN, CLASS MY @SS!!
(23) BOCALAKERGIRL – HARD PILL TO SWALLOW BUT I STILL BELIEVE!
(24) LARRY OF LA - GREAT SEASON NO MATTER WHAT
(25) FEARLESS - GO DOWN WITH BEST WEAPON
(26) ETERNAL_OPTIMIST - LAKERS WILL STAGE EVEN GREATER COMEBACK
(27) JON K - LET THE DYNASTY BEGIN - DON'T FEED THE TROLLS
(28) FIRE32 - WE MUST GO ON Laker colors STILL -FLYING HIGH OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.
I don't know, but for some strange reason I still feel like it's going to 7 games.
(29) KOREY - until that final curtain call, I wont give up on my team. It's really just time
to unleash Kobe.
(29) BAYWOOD - It's hard to do but we all know that these are Our Lakers. We love them
and they do bring us a lot of joy and life lessons (good and bad as always)
(30) RICHTOWN - I love the lakers. Always have always will - but the only way they live this
down is to win the whole thing in boston
(31) HMRHED - I don't know if they can pull it out -- likely the answer is no, but if they lose it will
hurt like '84. It won't hurt like '04. In '84 you knew the Lakers were just starting. But in '04 you
knew it was ending. This is just starting --- enjoy the precess of the making of a dynasty.
(32) CBUCK - RALLY THE POSSE AND GET READY FOR A FIGHT
(33) ZEN - No matter what happens, it's been a successful year for the Lakers.
(34) THE OUTLAW - I HAVE BEEN BELIEVING ALL SEASON
(35) LAKERS UNSTOPPABLE - Come on, we can make a difference! Celtics just got lucky man!
IT AINT OVER
(36) BILLY IN SLO - I FEEL BETTER ALREADY
(37) SOUNDWAVE - PROUD CITIZEN OF LAKER NATION
(38) LAKERFA ZE - Ready to give it our all on Sunday.
(39) MRBARNEYDANGLES - LAKERS YESERDAY, LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS TOMORROW,
LAKERS ALWAYS
(40) LAKER_SMR - Lakers, we can do this! It is possible and we have the pieces to do it.
The first quarter showed it with defense and offense. All together now!
(41) TRULY_BELIEVE - Have faith in PJ and his pupils.. The series is not over yet so
STOP feeling that it is... MARK MY WORD: Lakers will create NEW HISTORY by winning this
series. We have to win on Sunday, one game at a time. LAKER WILL MAKE YET ANOTHER
HISTORY AND IT WILL READ: THE BIGGEST COMEBACK EVER: i truly believe..
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM
As a long-time Laker fan, that last loss was a bitter pill to swallow. This Lakers squad lack the mental toughness necessary to win. During the 3rd quarter, it was obvious the team was completely scared out of its wits, and nobody wanted the ball besides kobe. But then Kobe played right into Boston's hands to taking tough outside jumpers, and for soe reason tried to post up a bigger Paul Pierce.
I will always root for the Lakers, but I'm finding it harder and harder to root for a bunch of tissue-paper soft millionaires.
Posted by: PC | June 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM
They made history. Now it's our turn.
-Ajax
Posted by: ajax | June 13, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Utz
Thanks for the mention.
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Mamba: add me please.............I STILL BELIEVE!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 13, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Harry O Celtic,
"And a special note to Mamba24: Psst, God loves the Lakers but he loves the Celtics more."
God NEVER dished the Lakers a 24 win season.....so you may want to revise that. Also, see you guys Sunday and NEXT YEAR.
janaya
Posted by: janaya | June 13, 2008 at 12:14 PM
I haven't had a chance to read many posts but... I would assUme everybody now knows that Bynum, Gasol, Odom for next year was completely exposed last night. You have to have a 3 point shooter out there to balance out the 2 post players, Bynum in the low post, Gasol in the high post.
I presume Odom is the one that will have to go since we just got Gasol and Odom has proven he does not fit in our offense nor want to be the #2 scorer...
Ariza showed some promise. If he can develop his 3 pointer over the summer, he and Radmanovic can rotate the SF position next year. I don't know what to say about Luke Walton, the guy has just... vanished...
Makes for some interesting trade ideas though, do you trade Odom for a high draft pick? Russell Westbrook anyone? Would Kobe go berserk? It would take one season to burn Westbrook in but the payoff would come in his second season where we could run a trio of Farmar, Fisher and Westbrook at teams... just a thought...
Posted by: TaosHum | June 13, 2008 at 12:15 PM
"As a long-time Laker fan, that last loss was a bitter pill to swallow. This Lakers squad lack the mental toughness necessary to win."
Posted by: Charles | June 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Good afternoon, Blog Fam.
It's a downer for sure but there is still hope. As sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, there is always hope. The series is not over. There are still 3 games left to play. Who's to say the Lakers won't be the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the title? As I always say, the ball is round... it can bounce wherever you want it to go. Remember 4 the hard way? Well, this is it, folks! It's now down to 3 and we have to win all of them. How's that for a hard way, huh?
Mamba24, pls. add me to the I STILL BELIEVE - BANDWAGON.
3 to 15... Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | June 13, 2008 at 12:19 PM
FROM PALM BEACH, FL
BONSOIR GUYS,
I CANNOT BELIEVE IT LAST NIGHT BUT I STILL BELIEVE IF WE LEARNT FROM THOSE MISTAKES OF THE LAST 4 GAMES, WE STILL CAN DO IT.
SUNDAY GAME IS THE LAST GAME, THE LAST BATTLE: WIN OR STAY HOME! ONLY PHIL WILL HAVE THE ANSWER.
I STILL BELIEVE BECAUSE OF MY MAN.
LOVE TO ALL
SHEKOBE FOREVER
Posted by: SHEKOBE | June 13, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Charles,
I'm not frustrated like 2004.
I'm grateful.
I'm grateful for what is about to begin. The Dynasty begins now. Championship this year or not.
The Dynasty begins now.
We are the better team.
If the Celtics can beat us two games in a row, we can beat them three games in a row.
Now is not the time for fear, but for hope.
I love this team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 13, 2008 at 12:20 PM