sometimes the best team does not always win in a series - ie the 2004 finals where the Lakers were the better team but lost to the Pistons.

this year, the Celtics were the best team in the NBA and the best team won.

until October.... tschuess

Remember me?

Good series Laker fans, I am not here to rub it in.

If anyone is interested in a Boston critique:

Kobe..........is Kobe

I dont think Odom works on this team. He seems to need a coach that is going to push him more and that isnt PJ.

But at the same time I like Odom at 4 more than Gasol. Defensively speaking Paus' game is not physical enough - and if you move him to 3 he doesnt have enough speed.

So can Odom and Gasol co-exist in the starting lineup with Bynum at center???????

Vlad Rad - fish out of water! no D, and the Lakers have enough offense. They need to get a player that will play some D off the bench.

Fisher is past his prime, a good veteran presence from the bench and you all know how clutch he is.

Keep Sasha for his lone ability to add offense from the perimeter.

Luke Walton - I really dont see much there.

Ariza reminds me of Tony Allen - flashes of brilliance - good energy on both ends from the bench in the 3 and even the 2 position.

Farmar - wild card

It will be interesting to see if the return of Bynum will make that drastic an impact on the defensive end especially if gasol is at the 4 spot. I didnt see enough of him this season to tell you.

All in all the Lakers have some great chips to play with. However, this league is beginning to figure out how important defense is. With the Pistons championship a few years ago and the Celtics big win last night it will only become a bigger part of the game. The Lakers have enough to be a 55-58 win team but depending on matchups could be in the finals again or out in round 2. If the Lakers want to win it all in 2009 they will need to figure out what to do with Odom/Gasol and find some complementary bench role players that can provide some Defensive intensity.

I can take a a loss, I can handle being beat...but getting blown out, taking their classless bull is simply unacceptable.

It shows a lack of hunger, a lack of pride. Most of all it shows a lack of experience.

We're the Lakers...all we value are championships...all we care about are the playoffs...but this isn't really that black and white. We got here. We accomplished this much. It's not a guarantee of course (we have work to do), but think of what we can accomplish when we have the full set of weapons. They did. We didn't.

Throughout the game, a blowout game ouch...I kept on looking at their players and ours. We're just that young. Youth is not an excuse, but inexperience is. We got outplayed, outhustled, and out rebounded that is simply unacceptable and that has nothing to do with youth...but the momentum changes, the mental breakdowns, the body language. That's all experience. You learn as you go a long how big those are. How much they matter. We gave up too many momentum changing plays. We showed incapability of holding on a big lead. We have shown inconsistency on defense. That hurts the most. These are the things you learn with age that makes all the difference. They're big 3 has gone through these kind of battles...first finals, yes, but not the first time they got past several rounds. We can't say the same. Their bench is a veteran bench. Our bench is extremely young. With youth comes trial and error. We had error unfortunately. We lacked the Robert Horry from the bench that made all the difference. They had an Horry in Posey. That makes a difference. Sasha got us 1 game though.

I'm not guaranteeing we will be back. But I don't see why not if we put in the work, and we learn from this. Rick Fox had a good line last night.."you don't want the players to be still stuck on this 4 years from now, what you want is for them to learn from it, to use it as motivation and let it go."

I know we're all about championships...but we mustn't overlook what we have accomplished this season. It's been a fairy tale season. It just has "to be continued" after this chapter.

Go Lakers! Keep your head up laker fans. Have faith.

Charles,

While I'm disappointed that our guys didn't show some pride out there (how else do you explain a 40 pt loss?)... if they were to lose, go ahead and lose getting blown out.

Maybe some of the players will take that taste and use to improve over the summer.

Charles,

Yeah. This hurts, but it's been a wonderful season with a hell of a lot more joy than sorrow.

Kobe's staying.

Bynum has become the player we hoped he would be.

Gone is Kwame Brown, here is Pau Gasol.

Odom has marketly improved.

We'll be stronger next year.

The future is bright, even if today sucks.

GO LAKERS!

3rd point:

A lot of you bought into to media notions of what was suppose to happen -- the players and coaches on the team buy in because they are in the moment -- but the media doesn't really know what they are talking about.

My motto is: The media is dumber than you.

So remember when you read all the stories today, it's the same people who were completely on the other side two weeks ago.

I'll say it again: The Lakers over achieved folks – they got to the 6th game of the finals with NO center.

A simple detached evaluation would tell you that what happened was suppose to happen.

That doesn't mean you lose heart. Next season will be outstanding.

Lastly,

Can some please answer this:

Which LA Times writer wrote the following quotes?

>>>>The Celtics won ugly Tuesday night They muscled and fought and hammered their way to an NBA championship.>>>In the end, as the last seconds ran off the clock to Find their place in Celtics history, it wasn't the ghosts of Celtics past that haunted the Lakers as much as an old skeleton rattling around in their closet.<<<<

This isn't random, there is a point.

Hey Charles,
Grow up and suck it up....lakers were the worst team to make it to the NBA finals....they never had a chance....you see Charles to win a NBA title one must play defense....the lakers don't know the concept of that word hence they lose!!!....now go cry in mommies basement and try to type something you sissy laker fan....Celtics dynasty....17 titles how do you like them apples Charlie!!!!!!! best franchise ever....have a miserable summer lala land.

The future is bright.

Thanks Kobe for your effort.

Good Morning Mamba24, Good Morning Charles, Good Morning Laker Nation.

Charles, I'm with ya bro..........don't quite know what to type except.............

Humiliating.

whoa...sad day in Lakers town...oh well, we need to go to Home Depot, get us some wood, build a bridge and GET OVER IT!... you have to fail first in order to succeed...next season starts now...

Good Morning All...

Allow me a moment on my Soapbox please....

I expected last nights live game thread to be overran by Boston fans and Laker Haters. I mean, DUH If you had a team that for the most part, hasnt done squat in 22 years, or a Team thats been BOUNCED by LA, wouldnt you be elated as well? Unless you've spent time in the New England area, you wouldnt understand the level of obnoxiousness those people have. Its a regional thing I suppose, therefore, I scrolled right past each and every one of their posts because trying to equate "Class" to Bostonians is akin to trying to convince those in the Deep South that Education, Not Skin Color, is the only way to combat ignorance in our society. Good Luck with That.....

What appalled me wasnt the EXPECTED Stupidity following the game, It was the Unexpected stupidity from Lakers "fans" ? Fire Phil Jackson, Trade Lamar, Trade Kobe, Trade soft ass Pau... OMG.. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, just dont use "Fan" when posting those retarded "opinions" please. Real FANS take the bad with the good, the highs and the lows. We proudly wear Purple and Gold in victory as well as in defeat. To all of a sudden turn on your own team, yea, the SAME TEAM that wasnt even supposed to have an MVP caliber player like Kobe Bryant( I wanna play in Chicago), let alone, make ANY Noise in the uber competitive Westren Conference ( How soon we forget WHO actually WON that Conference) For many of you, including the so called " original bloggers" i.e Mike T, to come out of the woodworks and slam the team or start in with the "I Told Ya So's" after not having the spine,guts or decency to show your cowardly ass during the the remarkable season this young team put together, is just amazing to me.

I could only shake my head and wonder, WTF? You mean to tell me, you're that much of a Puss, you WAIT until they FINALLY lose, IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP granted, only ONE of TWO Still PLAYING THIS LATE in the season. To decide to come back and attack? lol Dude, I could give a rats ass how many people on here like you... F- YOU !! You're Pathetic in my book and on permanate ignore as far as Im concerned. I hope now that Gay Marriage is legal, you and Kwame live happily ever after!!!

For the rest, you know, the ones that want to gut the team because of a complete and total TEAM collapse. HELLO?? What part of NOT READY TO BE CHAMPIONS did you not understand when I posted it after the game 4 loss? Sure, you can hold on to faith, believe in the team til the end, line up, hold hands and sing We Are The World or break into a chorus of I'd Like To Teach the World to Sing blah blah blah but the bitter truth of the matter is.. A Team that lost a 20 point lead, during an NBA FINALS game, WASNT READY to become Champions just yet. Sure, the talent is there, thats obvious, it was the Mental Focus that did our guys in or lack thereof. So save all the get rid of B.S...... After game 4, if any of you are being honest with yourselves and are TRUE Laker fans, the writing was on the wall, this WASNT the Year!!! Albeit, it was a Great Year !! Thats why I'm so pissed off at all the "Hindsight" experts coming out now trying to ring the alarm. Instead of looking at how far this team has come from say.. ummmmmmmm I dunno, LAST YEAR!!!! Instead of Thanking Andy and Brian for keeping us all informed on topics the mainstream media could care less about, Instead of Thanking Mamba24 for continually maintaining ALL the Bandwagons throughout the course of the year, Instead of Thanking so many people that contribute links to obscure interviews or live gameday feeds.. the best you can do is SLAM a coach and a Team that has allowed you to brag about the NBA well into summer? I spit on all you bastards.. you can kiss my ass!!!

I'm a Laker for Life!!! Not just when we win Banners..

mike t,...continuing to show the idiot that he is. Where have you been? Ironing Kwame's underwear. Getting cake off of his lapel?

Great Year. We will be better next year and with a healthy Kobe and AB, should bowl through the league.

It has been a joy throughout the blogging season and I look forward to much interesting talk once I've had a chance to take a little break away from all sports.

Much Love to Laker Nation, including all you old timers and Mamba.

Chris Renn

Kobesbaaaaad (and he still is)

----Repost from last thread----

Hey TRUE fans -

What an awsome season!! Not a finish that I would want, but who EXPECTED to be in the FINALS????

THIS was GREAT EXPERIENCE for our YOUNG SQUAD with a SOLID FUTURE.

Now some people are calling for heads. I say we try to get a defender (I would welcome Brown back for WAY LESS, he has made some great money so why not).

Some forget how we made it here. It was with Odom, Gasol and others that made this season possible. If anyone gets TRADED it should be the FAIR WEATHERED FANS THAT JUMP SHIP AS SOON AS IT GETS TOUGH!!

I feel GOOD about our team. I know we will be BACK in the FINALS next year. Remember, WE ARE THE LAKERS!!

If you feel that YOU NEED to discuss trade options - THERE IS ALWAYS THE CLIPPERS BLOG!!!

Congrats to KG, PIERCE, and RAY RAY. They Deserve what the EARNED. SEE YOU GUYS NEXT YEAR!!!
LAKERS vs CELTICS II - THE REVENGE DUE FOR RELEASE JUNE 2009.

AK/BK - What can be said? You guys have united a LAKER NATION!! You guys taught me:

1. I am not the only one capable to clear a room with my yelling at a TV
2. Remote controls EVERYWHERE live in PERIL
3. I am NEVER alone in my victories and defeats

Thank you guys!! Thank you Mamba, Faith, Charles and all TRUE bloggers that ARE TRUE to the Lakers!!

MARK MY WORDS - WE WILL BE BACK!!!

GO LAKERS!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTT!!!!!!!

janaya

There is a hole in my heart and a tear in my eye. I sat in stunned silence for almost the entire second half as I watched grown ballers perform at Boys Club level.

What are the reasons for the egg that was laid last night?

Fatigue?
Spirit?
Talent?

None of the above. It was the crowd. Our home crowd sucks. Really sucks. We have to get excited fans in the arena for our boys to feel like we got their backs. We, as a fan base, have to stop dissing every team out of the East. They may play in the weaker conference, but you still have to win the games. The Celtics (and it hurts to write this) deserved that win. As much as I feel we were ripped off in Game 2, blew it big time in Game 4, we came out with zero moxie and less focus in Game 6.

A friend of mine, Phil Van Hest (philvanhest.com) has a stand up routine that he takes to comedy shows, in it he explains how events like concerts and big parties are fueled by a deeper connection than booze and laughs. It's the water in our bodies and last night, every single fan in that lame-assed named arena was focused on one thing: Beat L.A. And so it happened, it was willed by the collective, as it were. That's what makes a home crowd that is pumped such an ally, and a fairweather crowd, like ours, almost a liablility.

By the by, don't believe me about the water, that's fine, I don't believe we'll have the same team we ended the year with at the start of next years. Bye-bye Sasha, Lamar, and maybe Luke. I could see all three packaged in a sign and trade for Gilbert Arenas. Move Kobe to the three and draft a young 3 or 4. I love Lamar, but he faded big time on the biggest stage and he's in the final year of a monster contract, so i don't expect him to stick around. So look for a team with cap room to clear. I love Sasha, but in order for him to truly excel, he needs to start. I see him as a starter on either San Antonio or Atlanta, both teams were hurt by a lack of offense (particulary San Antonio in the WCF) and Atlanta just needs a couple of guys that can fill it up from distance. I can't believe that the Machine wants to warm the bench his whole career and I think at least one team will offer him more money than the Lakers feel comfortable shelling out for a guy who was almost a non-factor in the Finals (except Game 3). I wouldn't be surprised to see Mihm back, with a small contract and backing up Bynum and Ronny( if he re-signs with the Lakers) will back up Gasol. I think that Luke will be traded in the off season, probably for a draft pick(s) and cash. I've had his back since he was a rookie, but I don't see a solid place in the rotation for him if Ariza stays with the team. Farmar will still be the PG of the future, Newble will sign with another team and hopefully continue his extremely charitable work, Fish will retire a laker after next year and become an assistant after a year or so off to spend time with the family. Lastly, my (least) favorite martian. He will be the first 3 off the bench next year and will be traded before the All-Star break. He was healthy most of the year and was still a non-factor except for the odd game or two. He can be deadly, but mostly he's an albatross on defence. I wouldn't be surprised if he got traded to a team like Atlanta or New York where they need lots of O, maybe we could do a sign and trade for David Lee with Walton and Vlad Rad...except Donnie Walsh isn't that desparate...yet. maybe before the All-Star break we'll see Vlad and his contract traded as well.

All in all a great season, we have got an MVP for Kobe, a trip to the Finals and the emrgence of several young guys. Too bad they are contract years and we might see our deep bench thinned considerably come October. Good job, Lakers, it was a great run that ended in a slow pummeling on my couch, but I'll take it over a first round exit anytime.

GO LAKERS!!!!!

I feel your pain, Charles, and fellow bloggers. I've read your pain on this blog in the droves of calls for Phil Jackson's head, as well as various players'. It's totally understandable, but as the initial shock and rage wears off, I hope we can take a step back and take the big picture into account.

1) Though the last game was a blow-out, it was the only one. This series was within reach, which bodes well for our future. With young players, early success is crucial. Game 1 was so winnable, and had we pulled that off, we may well have pulled off the whole series.

2) Though it may not have seemed like it, we were very banged up. It seems that those who are bashing Kobe are forgetting what a serious injury he played through ON HIS SHOOTING HAND!!! Our starting, near all-star caliber center, didn't get to play at all in the finals. Next year, that figures to be different.

3) We totally exceeded expectations from the beginning of the year. For those of you bashing Phil for some of his moves in the finals, ask yourself what other coach with our roster, our banged up roster, would have done any better against the Celtics.

4) Not only are there lots of great free-agents available this summer, but we have lots of attractive pieces to put together a trade. Notice how nobody's bashing Mitch? He did a great job this year, and I'll bet he'll improve our team's personel over the next several months. Ironically, Boston made his job easier by exposing our weaknesses so he can pinpoint exactly what we need.

5) We'll be more experienced and hungrier next year. Did you watch the Celtics celebration at all? KG's release of all those years of pent up passion was remarkable and inspiring. Boston's older, frustrated players had so much of that on their side. You can't just manufacture that. They had been through the wars over the years and lost, which was what it took to get that unquenchable thirst. We'll have a lot more of that next year.

I want to close with a snipet from an article BK linked:

"Once upon a time, Magic Johnson's Lakers lost a Finals series to Larry Bird's Celtics, and Johnson would later say how that 1984 team had to learn how to be mentally tougher. Tough enough to come back and beat Boston twice in the Finals the next three seasons."

Laker Kev

P.S. Was glad to see you back on the blog, Mike T!!!

The Celtics just had too many weapons. Defensively, they had the weapons.

You can thank two people for that

Clay Bennett
Kevin McHale

** REPOST from other thread**

Good "mourning" LAL faithful friends!

Well, I too am sad but all is not lost. I am GHF and see the bright future. I am not bummed out about the team because this is a team. I felt much worse in 2004 knowing that the collection of talent and personnel would never be together again. But remember - they didn't want to be together either. This TEAM truly likes each other!

This group learned about team this year which is far more vital and important for the long-haul. They experienced this loss together. For the good of the franchise MVP didn't take over (not that he really could have).

But we know essentially all of the pieces that got us to this place will be back again. I agree with Faith and others - a few tweaks - here and there and hopefully good things will follow. It might be good for the team to be the favorite next year because with that will come increased focus on the things that need to change - DEFENSE!

I see really good things ahead and can't wait the 105 days until training camp. And like East Coast Jessie said - we can enjoy the Olympics. Because we know that a couple months after that begins a new season for this Lakers TEAM!

I look forward to a Summer of trade discussion and Laker gossip with all of you!!

Thanks AK/BK - your insight, viewpoints and love of both the Lakers and the game have been really amazing!! And to all the bloggers for making this a really great community.

Mamba24 - love and will miss the roll call. Utz - the prayers were uplifting. Thanks to all the girls on the blog - its been fun knowing there are other women fans as crazed about the purple & gold as I am!!! Thanks Charles, Rick F., LakerTom, Bozz and other regulars too numerous to list - you guys have been great. Lastly, thanks to the trolls - I have no doubt we will hear from you again at some point next season.

GO LAKERS - still believe!!!

****
Wed. June 18, 2008 - The Force is balance in anticipation of the Dynasties start
Laker Nation STAND TALL. Tomorrow The Dynasty begins!
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER – We await your prayer sir.
Good Morning, Morning Crew: JohnnyP. Bozz, Toad, “Pig” Miller, Fearless,
JustAnotherMambaFan, Edwin Gueco, EastCoastJessie, PsychedLakerGirl,
SemiLakerGirl, LakerTom, Tim-4-Show, LakerMan420, Karynar, UbuntuKillers
Welcome: Ron Gray, charlotte Laker Fan, Ace, H.Chen, Drefdeezy, Hen1040,JoJo

D@MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!
D@MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!
@##@$%^^^&^^%$$###@@@@@#$%F*C^%%$##*^^%$#*))@@%$^**(

I hurt like hell, how about you? You do? Good! Then feel and remember it.
Remember how you felt as the score became more and more lopsided. You feel
That pain? Does it hurt? GOOD! Now let that pain infuse your entire body
From the tip of your head to the soles of your feet. Bathe in it and just when you
Almost can’t stand it anymore imagine rolling it up starting from your feet to
Your head. Now that it is a tight little ball take it and press it against your
Heart and then forget about it. Now when training camp comes and every
Time you begin to slack off in your training that little ball of pain and memory
of defeat will erupt and spur you on in your training. In the regular season
Once again if you begin to get lazy in a game or fall behind in a game this
Pain and memory will flare out and enable you to overcome. Finally
In the beginning of the playoffs consciously release this energy and let
It flow throught out your body. Then go ahead and plow thru the
3 rounds UNDEFEATED. Next In the FINALS consciously release
this energy and just soak in all the pain and hurt of this loss
Then go out there and UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY DESTROY
WHATEVER MF OPPONENT STANDS BEFORE YOU IN A 4
GAME SWEEP. Win each game not by any 5 or 10 points,
BUT BY 20 AND 30. FINALLY As you receive your 2009
NBA CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY go into that place inside one
More time. Take that hate, feel it one last time then THROW IT AS FAR
AWAY AS POSSIBLE. Then THANK GOD for your victory and repeat
THE FOLLOWING:

WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS WINNERS OF (15 )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 10 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (10RINGS) 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

And so at last the time has come to bid this season adieu.
I think we had a hell of a run I hope you feel that too.
The second youngest in the league that’s what The Lakers is
And yet we were only inches away from taking care of the Biz
A man with a shooting hand with a finger cut to the bone
Who should have had surgery, but would not leave his team alone
No wheelchairs to help him through, no taking off the season for he
And then what happened, I’ll be damn he won the MVP
And after that he won 3 rounds against some pretty good teams
This season performance folks, is greater than it seems
Tiger played 1 tournament with a leg recently healed
And commentators all hailed him with such great zeal
Michael Jordan played ONE game with the stomach flu
And once again, the commentators praised his performance too.
Yet Kobe Bryant played a season with a damage SHOOTING HAND
Won a MVP and a conference tile and by critics still was panned
After that performance he’s no MJ, these stupid @sses said
If they played 1 game with the same injury, the fools would drop dead.
What other team in history got to a championship this way
Their number 1 Blocker and rebounder and number 2 scorer taken away
No other team that I know would have even made the playoffs
And yet we make it to the finals and are booed for 1 freakin loss
So Thank you Mitch we appreciate for the Lakers all you do.
And Dr Jerry Buss the Owner, we’d like to thank you too.
Machine don’t let them get you down, you became a starter this year
And Pau Gasol add 10 more pounds and all the league will fear
Jordan Farmer you’re all grown up, one game does not define
Next year they’ll compare you to CP3 it’s just a matter of time
LO, my friend I have to say, your versatility is good
Just take your time, make up your mind and you’ll be supergood
DFish I know that you are the one who held this ship together
For that alone my brother, I’ll be grateful to you forever
Bynum you gave us half a year and a star began to glow
Come back next year and help us win the entire Show
Laker Blog your energy, did help the team go on tear.
The greatest Blog on the earth, can only be found here
Kambrothers AK BK, you got skills other writers can’t touch
Thank you guys for everything, We love and appreciate you much
Well that’s it Laker Family I’ll just say a few more words and I’m thru
You helped me through the Darkest of Nights, for that God Bless You
Appreciate your team and family, take time and smell the Roses.
The ultimate meaning of happiness is right beneath your noses
Always remember it’s only a game, Next year a new title comes due
So enjoy the summer, Love your family and may God take care of you.

That’s it! It’s been a blast. One last time this season:
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL RON GRAY
(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
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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, RON GRAY
CHARLOTTE_LAKER_FAN, ACE, H.CHEN, DREFDEEZY, HEN1040, JOJO

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

Hey Laker fans. Show a little humility with you? A few points for you to chew on.

Kobe = A-Rod.

Celtics all-time record in Finals, 17-3.
Lakes all-time record in Finals, 14-15.

Celtics vs Lakers in Finals, all-time: 9-2.

The worl d is rightside up again.

You have to hand it to the Celtics, the executed their game plan to make anybody but Kobe beat them, and the Lakers had nobody that could. They swarmed, held and grabbed Kobe for 6 games, and none of the rest of the Lakers stepped up. The Lakers were due to start a slump, and it started against the Spurs in the WCF - Boston got hot around the same time, so it just wasn't meant to be. Phil always says you have to peak at the right time, the Lakers peaked a week too early, Boston got their Mojo back at the right time.

On the positive side (of which there is a lot), the Lakers weren't even supposed to be in the Finals this year, so it's not at all bad news for us. Sure we didn't get the trophy, but we far exceeded expectations all around, and I think everyone knew after Game 4 that this series was over, so last night's outcome was hardly a shocker. Only game 4 hurt, last night was pretty much expected by everyone I watch the games with.

I expect Lamar to be traded during the off-season. His contract is very large, and very expiring, and that's very attractive to a lot of teams that want to get into the LeBron/D.Wade sweepstakes in a year. Plus, he'll be the odd guy out once Bynum is back and Pau is at the PF spot - and he's just clearly not made for this system or team.

Other than that, hopefully VRad will be moved too (can you believe we made it to the FINALS with Vlad in the STARTING LINEUP!! INCREDIBLE!!) and we can pick up another athletic swingman defender and another veteran or too. The Lakers basically lost this series because unlike Boston, they had zero experience they could turn to on the bench when the young guys started to struggle, but the positive side is that our entire young roster just got a fistful of playoff and finals experience. There's about 27 other teams in the league that would've loved to get that experience for their guys, so we can take heart that even though we're one of the youngest teams in the league, we also now have one of the most experienced teams in the league.

AK/BK,

Do you know whether the Lakers plan on celebrating this team and this amazing season? I know we didn't get the ultimate prize, but I think our players deserve a lot of support and love for the way they turned things around this past year. I wouldn't expect a parade or anything, but just some way to show our appreciation for an inspiring run?

And, just my two cents on the Finals. Game 6 definitely was embarassing, pride-crushing, and exposed the Lakers for their weaknesses, while suffocating their strengths. But, to be perfectly honest, I think it serves the team better to have lost in the fashion that they did than if it were a closer contest. There's no hiding behind the fact that they have a lot to work on going into next season. And, I know that Kobe, Fisher, Pau, Lamar, Farmar, and Sasha will take those lessons to heart. Unfortunately, I'm not so sure the same can be said for Radmanovic or Walton. I think it's a matter of competitive desire and physical talent. But, with Bynum back in the fold, I like our chances for another shot at the title next year.

All you can hope for as a fan is to be in the mix year in and year out. We finally have the sort of team we've been wanting. If, at the end of the next five years, we have won one or two titles, I think that would have to be considered a success. And, I think the Lakers have a better shot at that than anyone else in the league.

complex brotha - that was CHOICE!

p.s. - i think the K-bros deserve a bandwagon - they have rocked the blog with much good writing and admirable restraint... (like riding herd on errant pre-schoolers much of the time, haha).

Pmac,

It’s great to know that your comprehension is spewing at a child’s level. First of all HmrHed put in a question mark about your Funky Bunch leader “there's this guy Donny Wallberg (?)” which clearly shows he does acknowledges the uncertainty of the person and spelling. Then you reply with “you're clueless, the guy you're talking about is Donny Wahlberg” which is the person that he wrote in his entry. I am happy you are so proud to be a part of the “Boston Funky Bunch.” Feel it feel it.

Secondly, exhelodrvr made a valid point; which showed your lack of comprehension. When you win, and keep repeating with enough titles for the majority of a Decade, then you will be considered a Dynasty again. In the meantime, while your superior team that was supposed to sweep us, has not. Repeat first then talk about the start claiming Dynasty.

Now I for one don’t think of the Lakers as a good defensive team either. But thanks for playing Captain obvious.

We do need a banger in the inside to help with grit. But he is injured and we are playing at a high level without him. We also need a SF perimeter stopper (That goes on an entirely different thread)

If you are such a tough guy, why did you have the capacity to use Sissy four times in an entry towards one of the posters? You are reminiscent of the multi-posting user that claimed to be a Tough guy from Philly a few days back. I don’t know to many Heavy Hitters that use the term Metro Sexual in a threat either.

You are definitely the epitome of being classless. Nice of you to show up now for the duration of the Finals. You are the Nouveau Riche, counting your money and spending without the assurance in front of people. You are the “Pimp My Ride” generation of bloggers. (The poorly dressed upscale vehicle)

You call my team and fellow bloggers Sissies, but we have to beat you twice in this series. If you were so dominant, we shouldn’t have won a single game? Your entries have no substance, and very fortunate the Host’s of this blog allow your verbatim. Look at how you type in our blog? Unlike the Boston Blog Host's, cowardice upon challenge from opposing team bloggers.

There is no doubt that the Celtics are respected with the 17 trophies. But just like Red Auerbach, you are sour because there are other superior talented teams and coaches in the league. And in the same retort of Phil Jackson to Red’s poor statement about Phil’s 9 nine rings; “I am Lucky.”

I am a real fan of the Lakers. I WILL FOREVER BELIEVE!

Now go find Jimmy Hoffa bright guy. See you in 22 years.

Starve from here on.

Congratulations are in order.

Congrats to the bloggers here who stuck with th Lakers through all the controversey.

Congrats to the Celtics on a tough series victory won fair and square. It takes a good villain to make a good hero.

Congrats to the Lakers for a great run in the season and post season (except for that last game).

On to next year!