Lakers 118, Rockets 78: Dear David... Take that! Sincerely, Goliath
By the way, the Staples Center crew guy screaming off camera was doing what was presumably his impression of David Lee Roth, having earlier warbled a few verses of Van Halen's "Running with the Devil."
If he's eventually discovered by the Atomic Punks, remember, you heard it here first.
Breakdown below.
The Lakers were up 94-54 after three. It is, more or less by definition, all good. Everyone in uniform scored, just about everyone played well (I did mention they were up 40 after three, right?), and as a team the Lakers did all sorts of really attractive stuff that wasn't there on Sunday. (Which helps explain why they were up 40 after three. Good rule of thumb: When the lead is greater than the number of minutes played, to harp on the negative seems a little like bitching about the taxes paid after winning the big Powerball jackpot.)
Unlike their attempt on Sunday to make mothers across the Southland cry, the Lakers came out of the gate with purpose Tuesday night. Even early, when the Rockets were actually ahead- seriously- you could tell the Lakers had a far better approach to the game. Their first bucket came on a nice interior pass to Andrew Bynum from Pau Gasol. Bynum scored again with a bank shot thirty seconds later, then again on a putback at the 8:53 mark. Kobe Bryant was sharp from the perimeter early, but more importantly got inside for two layups. When the first 12 minu Call it the beginning of the end for David's dreams of taking a 3-2 lead on Goliath. The Lakers were large and in charge, but (and this is sure to warm a Laker fan's heart) kept the lead foot in the second quarter. With Kobe on the bench, the Lakers started with an 8-0 run to take a 19 point lead. Later in the quarter, they pushed it to 29 with a 12-2 burst. Overall, the Lakers piled up eight steals and six blocks by the half, held the Rockets to 31.1% shooting, outscored them in the paint by a 30-18 margin and on the break by 19-7. Put it all together, and it's 64-39 good guys at the half. A 30-15 third for the Lakers only made things more lopsided. As for the fourth... well, who cares? Did you see the score after three? Ignoring for a moment that the Rockets were undeniably cold from the floor, costing them some points and a more aesthetically pleasing loss, the Lakers did well to adjust to Houston's little ball game. Aggressive defense helped push the Rockets out deeper on the perimeter, making it tougher for them to initiate their offense and giving the Lakers more time to help when Houston did manage to start thier sets. They limited penetration, in no small part by containing Aaron Brooks (2-7, two dimes in the first half). On the other end, the Lakers took smart shots, pushing pace when it was there, taking care of the ball (a reasonable five first half TOs), and consistently reminding the Rockets that they were undersized, getting the ball into the interior via the pass and penetration. Meaning they played smart, and to their advantages. I find it impressive that the Lakers hung 118 points on the Houston, but only took 13 triples, making six. Aside from typically solid games from Kobe (10-19 for 26 points), Gasol (16/13/3, plus three blocks), and a very strong game from a sore-to-the-point-he-needed-a-shot-of-pain-medication-in-the rear-to-play Lamar Odom (10 points, six boards, +31 in only 18:30 of burn) the Lakers had other notable contributions: Negatives are hard to come by, but did exist. First, Derek Fisher. Honestly, people will harp on defensive sequences against Brooks, but I thought on that end he and his teammates were fine, and how effective the Lakers were trip to trip on Brooks depended more on what the team did as a unit rather than which defender happened to be on him at any given time (not that Fisher on Brooks like the proverbial white on rice, just noting that if quick guards get space off a screen or don't encounter help as they penetrate, it's bad news). Instead, I was concerned about Fisher's offensive contributions. There were a couple questionable shots and drives to the hoop into traffic that did nobody any favors en route to a 1-6 shooting night. When Fisher isn't performing his role in the offense, it makes it harder to work with his defensive shortcomings. Next, Sasha Vujacic was 1-5, and managed to miss a few of the four by a fairly wide margin. Worse, he picked up three personals in only 14:24 of burn, running his FG/PF ratio for the postseason to 13/22. I'm no basketballamagenius, but that can't be good. A couple final notes: BK QUOTE MACHINE: Kobe, on Game 6: You've just got to stay focused and understand that the effort that we did tonight is not going to be enough Thursday. It's just not. So you got to pick it up and bring more energy, bring more effort, because that's what the playoffs are about. Each game, you have to raise your level." Rockets coach Rick Adelman, on how things played out early: "We were trying to play the same way we did last game. We didn't do that, we got to the middle of the lane, we turned it over, we forced plays. We were trying to force the issue, and they got their hands on the ball and into the open court. I think they had almost 20 points at halftime from fast breaks. And we said it (coming in), if we turn it over against this team we're going to be in trouble, and that's exactly what we did." PJ, on starting Bynum: "Well, I just watched Lamar a little bit, about how he was moving and his reactions (in pregame warmups). Little bit of how he went through the warm ups and after he got out there on the floor. I felt he was pretty ginger, still. Obviously, we wanted to have that big lineup on there to take advantage of their smaller players that they ahve right now without Yao on the floor." Note: Asked that Q again (reporters arrive at the pressers at different times, so sometimes Q's get repeated), PJ noted that the he wanted to make sure the Lakers started with energy, and worried a hobbled Odom might not be up to it. Luke Walton, on what changed between Games 4 and 5: "As competitors and as a team, I don't know if waking us up is the
right phrase but we were a lot more energized and focused coming into
tonight's game. We don't like getting smacked like that, so we wanted
to make a stand tonight adn take control of the series again. It
wasn't just effort, it was execution. Effort only gets you so far.
Execution was a hundred times better tonight, effort was a lot better
tonight. You put all those things together and that's when you win by
big margins. We didn't put any of it together (Sunday), and that's why
they smacked us on their home court."tes were over, the Lakers had 16 points in the paint, already had two fouls on Chuck Hayes, and six free throw attempts. Over the final 5:22 of the opening quarter, the Lakers poured on the defensive pressure, forcing five Houston TOs and helping the Lakers to a 17-6 run over that stretch.
minutes. Defensively, he was more aggressive contesting shots and showing on the perimeter, and perhaps best of all only picked up two fouls. Phil Jackson said he started Bynum because LO looked a little gimpy and he figured the Lakers would need a fast start, overflowing with energy. Bynum helped provide that.
VIDEO:
After a win, players are often asked if it's possible to "carry that momentum" into the next game. Having heard Kobe Bryant insist that Game 5's effort wouldn't be enough to win Game 6, I asked if it's just better to assume that whatever the team discovered during this victory wouldn't be there, so there becomes an onus to rediscover that formula. Yep. Bryant doesn't believe in momentum. You create good fortune from game to game, and it's always tougher the further you go.
Along these same lines, after praising Andrew Bynum's performance, Kobe Bryant talks about the message he'd pass along to Drew, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar and his other young teammates. Basically, be prepared to step it up again. Note the ominous response when asked if the pups finally "get" what the playoffs are about.
Phil Jackson talks about why he started Andrew Bynum over Lamar Odom (contradicting hints previously dropped) and the lineup he plans to use from here on out. PJ is reserving the right to change his mind, but likes having Bynum and Pau Gasol together. He also shares thoughts on how well Aaron Brooks was defended.
Phil Jackson shares the keys to winning so big on the heels of losing so big. In a nutshell, better "You name it."
AK
Seriously, Spanked would have been just the perfect title lol.
Posted by: Faith | May 13, 2009 at 01:04 AM
Sweet redemption.
The only game my boss has watched in this series was game 4. I told him (mostly seriously) that he was not allowed to watch any more games in the series.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 13, 2009 at 01:15 AM
A THANK YOU NOTE…
Thanks, Lakers…for giving this Lakerholic the perfect fix for his addiction, a truly thrilling dose of Lakers basketball in a 48-minute dominating 40-point thrashing of the Rockets. Mrs. LakerTom thanks you as do all of the Joneses riding the backs of all Lakerholics. Nothing like the biggest winning point margin of the year to get Lakers fans rocking.
Thanks, Phil…for redeeming my faith in you as a great coach by coming to your senses and finally deciding to start Drew and go big making the Rockets have to match up with us. This team was built to punish small ball teams with old-school power basketball. This is our formula. Playing power basketball, the Lakers outshoot Rockets 51%-32% from the field, 46% to 17% from downtown and win the boards 49-42 and free throws 36-16.
Thanks, Kobe…for attacking the rim aggressively and showing great leadership and trust of your teammates. We know and you know that this is still your year and your league. Especially loved watching you counsel Drew on the bench and Josh on the floor. Not only are you the heart and soul of this team but your leadership gives them their confidence.
Thanks, Drew…for rewarding Phil for his faith in you and hopefully for starting to get your game together. 14 points, 6 boards, 0 turnovers, and only 2 fouls in 18 minutes is a start. Great to see you more active on the offensive boards. We’re going to need more defense from you in the upcoming series so keep improving and focus on blocking shots.
Thanks, Pau…for showing everybody the “real” Pau Gasol and finally taking advantage of your height and length versus the shorter Rockets. Anybody who wonders why I was so critical of Pau earlier just has to look at what this guy can do when he attacks. 16 points, 13 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, and 0 turnovers in 32 minutes. Best PF in NBA.
Thanks, Lamar…for proving again what a warrior and godsend you are for this team. 10 points (including 5 of 6 from the foul line), 6 boards (including 3 offensive), 1 assist, and 1 steal in 18 minutes despite being in severe pain. LO grabbing the board and leading a coast-to-coast fast break in purple and gold will be something we’ll see for years.
Thanks, Jordan…for once again showing that you can reign in your game and play smart and under control. 12 points on 4-7 shooting including 2 of 2 from downtown, 2 rebounds, a team leading 6 assists, 1 steal, and only 1 turnover in 22 minutes. And once again a much more energetic and hustling effort on defense. Way to fight your way back.
Thanks, Trevor…for getting the balance back in your game and taking the ball to the basket instead of launching 3-pointers. 13 points, 2 boards, 3 steals, and 3 dimes in 24 minutes. Mitch was smiling in the stands as he watched you and Brian Cook perform.
Thanks, Shannon…for continuing to play great basketball. 7 points of 3-7 shooting plus 4 boards, 2 steals, 1 block, and 0 turnovers in 15 minutes. Another guy who was making Mitch smile in the stands. This kid deserves to be re-signed next year. He gives us the missing link at point, a guard who can play tough defense against bigger guards.
Finally, Thanks, Fish…for continuing to be the classy veteran who I saw cheering and rooting on both Jordan and Shannon when they were in the game. We still expect you to regain your shooting touch and make some big shots for the Lakers before these playoffs are over. In the meantime, we all know what you mean to this team and love you.
Man, now my Lakers Jones has gotten so big that I expect this kind of performance or better every night – starting with this Thursday night. No blown lead tonight, bloggers. Sleep well. Mrs. LakerTom said she is going to take a phone camera shot of me smiling in my sleep tonight as I relive my Lakers addiction and its sweet fix in my dreams.
My name is Tom and I am a Lakerholic.
Posted by: LakerTom | May 13, 2009 at 01:16 AM
Most excellent performance, let's see some supreme focus in Game 6 to close this out.
Every possession is the championship now, every bounce of that ball is only renewed focus.
Posted by: Critical Beatdown | May 13, 2009 at 01:23 AM
we will see thursday which lakers will play and rocket still had a lot of open jumpers in this game that they did not make
Posted by: omega | May 13, 2009 at 01:27 AM
Some Thoughts.....I had to work so i just finished watching the replay....That bigger line up worked well.It also helps when the Lakers bring the right energy into the game..The Rockets looked a little tired as well..Lets hope for the same in game 6..It would be nice for the Mavs to get at least 1 more game from the Nuggets...Go to Houston and put a little more pressure around the neck with the foot...Finish it....
As for the Celtics..Man they compete very well...They dont stop..And Rondo is slowly moving ahead of the little guy from the Hornets..The Celtics miss KG but the Magic really need Nelson for this series...
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 13, 2009 at 01:40 AM
i've done the wave at a playoff game at the Forum...
the sleeve instead of the brace really seemed to help Bynum. i knew he really felt a lot better when i saw balls near him get sucked up with two hands like a giant vacuum cleaner. lately, he's looked more like Kwame than himself. i hope that the knee feels better and better...
Posted by: mud | May 13, 2009 at 01:46 AM
Lakers finally give a play-off intensity performance. Cheers Lakers & fans. Throttle forward!
To win the next two rounds Lakers need re-bounding intensity. Effort is needed to track the flight and speed of the shot, adjust position for the rebound and like Rodman secure the ball even against one's chest. Bynum & Pau can avoid being stripped if they watch Cavs, Celtics, Magic & Denver rebound. Lakers should know that defensive intensity like tonight should be there for the full 48 min. every game. Best way to compensate for inevitable offensive dry spells......which call for drives to the basket not more 3s! Laker guards need to emulate Cavs & Celtics, particularly Davis, Perkins, & Rondo's sustained rebounding & defensive intensity entire game.
Posted by: ross | May 13, 2009 at 03:22 AM
hey! i saw Jack Nicholson do the wave too! lmao awesome!
Posted by: bijou | May 13, 2009 at 03:58 AM
Are people going to make a big deal about Flea's National Anthem? I hope not.
Posted by: SteelMohawk | May 13, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Go Lakers!! I will be at Game 6 on Thursday!! Lakers will close out Houston on Thursday Night!! Go Lakers!!
Posted by: Wesley Allen | May 13, 2009 at 05:10 AM
Turnovers made it easy. Artest must be the worst passer off the dribble in the league. Gotta like how they extended that halftime lead from 25 to above 30 early in the 3rd and eventually to 40 and kept it that margin till the end.
Posted by: md | May 13, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Lakers...yeah. I'm waiting for the Celt/Cav series. Celts have been coming back from the brink on everybody, and the Cavs have been running away with it on everybody. Cavs/Celts is going to be the series to watch.
Posted by: troy | May 13, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Great game by the Lakers. We did to Houston what they did to us. Bizarro world, indeed.
How cool was the "wave" at Staples?
Very happy in every aspect of this game. They set out to do what they wanted, and we creamed 'em. It was satisfying and fun to watch. Doubt we'll have any trolls in here today, but if we do, what the heck could they possibly say?
On a side note, I think I'm done with the TNT crew. They have been bugging the crap outta me for a while now, and after watching the postgame last night I am not a fan. I'd rather watch CWebb and The Glove on NBA TV than the other guys. EJ is always great, but Kenny and Chuck have gotten old and stale to me.
Thursday should do it folks!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | May 13, 2009 at 06:28 AM
The guys responded just as I thought they would......My favorite Laker (Andrew Bynum) finally got a REAL opportunity to get his confidence back.....this is certainly something for Andrew to build on.....Phil mentioned keeping him in the starting lineup ....... Eventually Andrew will be trusted to play 30+ mins and I really think he could yield 15/8/2 in big games for the Lake Show......I keep saying ...Kobe will be Kobe but Andrew will be that third option that will step up in games where LO or Pau are affected by Physical play OR a hostile environment.........Good job Phil .....Great job Lakers......Kobe will get off to a fast start like he did in game 4 of the Utah series and the Lakers will finish Houston off on Thursday.........
Lakers 2009 NBA Champs
PL
Posted by: PL | May 13, 2009 at 06:48 AM
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh that's more like it.
Nothing more needs to be said than THANK YOU Lakers!
These are the real Lakers! Let's wrap this up boys.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 13, 2009 at 06:49 AM
Well, obviously a great game with almost everyone stepping up. It was fun to watch.
Good to see Bynum play so well. Good to see better team defense. Good to see Kobe come out and go to the rack instead of settling for jumpers against an undersized team. Good to see Ariza play well, Farmar play well, Brown play well.
Of course, as Kobe said before the game, it is just one playoff win, and game 6 is a whole new thing. The Rockets played exceptionally well at home, and exceptionlly poorly at Staples. Expect a better effort from them tomorrow. You don't beat a team by 40 without them helping.
The Lakers need to bring some of their home court success to Houston, they will need good games again from the role players and from the young players who sometimes struggle on the road. Houston will be much better in game 6.
There is no such thing as a knockout blow, except for a fourth win.
Much is made of the Lakers having the "most talent" in these playoffs, making every loss a failure of character. It is not really true. The Lakers have plenty of talent, no question, but so do a lot of other teams in these playoffs. And like any team the Lakers have plenty of holes. They have been starting a center, Gasol, with no bulk. Several key players are young and inconsistent - Ariza, Farmar, Sasha. Bynum is recovering from an injury and really still learning to play in the NBA. Fisher is on the back side of his great career. Walton is unathletic and not a great shooter. They are long and lanky and therefore vulnerable to quickness and physicality. Kobe can try to do too much on his own.
When the Lakers lose, these weaknesses come to the fore. When they win, they empasize their length and skills and out execute the other team. Yes Sunday's loss was heinous, but Laker fans need to learn to live with 5 and 6 game series. These are the playoffs. The teams have talent. The road is tough. Sometimes you will just get outplayed on a given night.
Last night they came out and established the inside game and played some defense. They need to do it again tomorrow.
If one thing disappointed me it was that, at the start of the second half, they didn't immediately go down and take advahtage of those inside match ups again, score down low, and get more fouls on Scolca and Hayes. I hope they go back to that game in game 6, early and often.
I liked Phil staying big instead of matching up to Houston. Pound those little mothers inside.
Great game, another step on a long, tough road. They don't hand out championship trophies. You have to dig deep and fight for them. You have to bounce back from losses.
7 down. 9 to go.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | May 13, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Posted by: LakerTom | May 12, 2009 at 12:35 PM
********
FROM BEAST TO BEAST OF BURDEN…
If Phil Jackson decides to start Josh Powell instead of Andrew Bynum tonight against the Rockets, I will be seriously disappointed and concerned. While the primary reason Drew has been struggling has to be put on to the player, starting Josh Powell in lieu of Drew if the injured Lamar cannot play would be the same as throwing Drew under the bus and writing him off as the Lakers Beast of Burden rather than the Beast he was supposed to be. It would be a monumental error of judgment that could seriously reduce the Lakers chance of wining the championship this year and undermine the confidence of their young center. Hopefully, Phil will wake up and realize this before we lose everything.
What happened to the Lakers philosophy of making teams playing small ball match up with the Lakers rather than the other way around? Since when do we go small just because other teams are going small? Phil says Drew can’t cover a smaller player but the flip side is that the smaller player cannot cover Drew. In today’s small-ball NBA, this team was built to have a huge advantage in height and length over other teams. We used to laugh at all of the teams turning to small ball, knowing that they were playing right into our hands with our imposing trio of tall and long front court players. Let them try and stop us in the paint. We will pound the ball and the boards and show them they cannot play with us.
As a longtime Phil Jackson supporter, I have chaffed at times over how he handled players such as Kwame Brown and Smush Parker, never understanding what Phil actually saw in these guys or why he favored them so much when most fans could see that neither player had the character, demeanor, or talent to be a Lakers starter. When Phil decided to move Lamar Odom back into the starting lineup, I reluctantly accepted that because I know how valuable and important Lamar is and while I would have preferred him to stick with Drew, I was confident that Lamar would play well as a starter. But Josh Powell over Drew? Give me a break. Josh has an excellent mid-range jumper and no fear of shooting it but, like Ronny Turiaf, he cannot finish near the rim or basket and has no back-to-the-basket post up moves. And unlike Ronny, he is a poor rebounder and defender.
Last year we saw how the Lakers played in the Finals without Andrew Bynum. All year long we talked about how Drew would be the difference. Nobody knows for sure when he will suddenly break out like he has done in the past but we all know that there is zero chance he will break out on the bench. And if you have been really watching this series and the last three weeks of play by Pau Gasol, you should be really worried right now because Pau is looking much more like the soft center who played in last year’s Finals. Everybody wants to jump on Kobe for his performance but the Laker who is playing well below his capability is Pau Gasol. We cannot win with no Drew and a subpar Pau.
Take away the points Pau scored in garbage time on Sunday and you have a player who cannot hit his midrange shot or foul shots, throws up too many weenie shots in the paint, and allows too many dunks and layups on defense. He could not stop the taller Yao or the shorter Scola. The Lakers should stop screwing around and put Drew in the starting lineup if Lamar cannot go tonight. Given more playing time, I think he will start to right the ship. One way or another, we need to get Drew going or our chances to win a championship this year are going to seriously diminish. We need Drew to be a Beast, not a Beast of Burden. Phil Jackson better realize this. We need both Drew and Pau to win it all.
As for the starting point guard, I have no problem staying with Fish but would bring in Jordan or Shannon immediately if Fish is not hitting or if Brooks starts to get going. Fish still deserves to be the starter but Phil needs to keep him on a short leash as long as he continues to struggle both offensively and defensively. Same with every other starter, including Drew should Phil wake up and start him. This is a must win game that Phil needs to not screw around not calling timeouts or staying with players who are not producing. In other words, the coach should be on his own short leash.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 13, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Great win and great way to respond. In my view, basketball, particularly playoff basketball, is about matchups and adjustments. Phil did not prepare for Game 4, but course corrected for Game 5. I am ecstatic that Bynum started if for no other reason than to send Houston the message that they have to adjust to "large ball."
I've seen lots of playoff losses over the years -- even some embarrassing ones under Kareem/Magic and Kobe/Shaq, so it is always the response that really matters. I believe this team can win this year, but I also understand how hard it is to win a championship. A lot has to go right for the Lakers and wrong for the other guys. I think this series will help a lot.
Posted by: teamn | May 13, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Hey, guys! I've been busy to blog much lately but I wanted to let the Lakersblog fam know that your guy X turned 23 today. And after a 40 point beat down of the Rockets its definitely going to be a good day.
Posted by: Xodus | May 13, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Dear Lakers fans attending home games,
Please stay for the entire game! I understand yesterday's win was a blowout and you want to avoid traffic. However, as fans we need to keep cheering on the team throughout the game since we are in the playoffs. It's already bad enough that the team is sometimes nonchalant but we don't have to be the same. So many people, including myself, are envious that you can attend these games so it wouldn't be such a big favor if you stay the entire game.
Posted by: never | May 13, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Championship caliber performance.
Excellent defense and efficient offense.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 13, 2009 at 07:36 AM
From poster Bill Bridges on FB&G:
"Even Brian Cook, for the first time in his career made key contributions to a Laker playoff victory."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 13, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Good morning,
Nothing to say. Gonna bask in the happiness of watching the Lakers play like, well, the Lakers. Peace out! Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 13, 2009 at 07:50 AM
BK - First, Derek Fisher. Honestly, people will harp on defensive sequences against Brooks, but I thought on that end he and his teammates were fine, and how effective the Lakers were trip to trip on Brooks depended more on what the team did as a unit rather than which defender happened to be on him at any given time (not that Fisher on Brooks like the proverbial white on rice, just noting that if quick guards get space off a screen or don't encounter help as they penetrate, it's bad news).
---
Great great stuff BK but you are wrong w-r-o-n-g DEAD WRONG about Fish. And if PJ believes Fish-on-Brooks will not and cannot hurt the Lakers again? Might as well prelabel Game 6 Fatal Attraction Redux.
First and last, the whole point of manning up to contain Brooks in relation to Laker help rotations demands just that: MORE of the former, LESS of the latter.
Exposing your bigs to early foul trouble just because Fish "funnels" as designed is *not* good defense, *not* good for LA's offense, though *very* good for Brooks, Rocket spacing, Rocket read-and-react movement, Rocket perimeter players waiting for drive-and-kick open Js, Rocket life support for a Game 7.
Funneling is what teams do when individual players *cannot* handle individual assignments. Yes, no one individual plays sticky-rice man D for 48 mins. in the NBA. Yes, Farmar, and to a lesser degree Brown, has been 200% more effective than Fish in containing Brooks and, as a result, SPARING LAKER BIGS FROM *EARLY* and *UNNECESSARY* FOUL EXPOSURE.
Ask Chron beatwriters. Or Brooks himself. This isn't Rocket science. Cut off the head, the body dies. Houston was unable to establish and maintain any offensive rhythm AFTER Farmar replaced Fish in Q1 *and* Q3 -- which means, AFTER Brooks was unable to penetrate at will, unable to (easily) rub Farmar off screens, unable to create enough separation for kickouts or dumpoffs to Rocket teammates. Ditto Game 3. Unlike Game 4. And if PJ refuses to believe his own eyes, Game 6.
Posted by: latopia | May 13, 2009 at 07:51 AM
While Fisher wasn't all that great defensively or shooting the ball, I think the Lakers discovered something they will use in Game 6. Fisher can post up on Aaron Brooks all day. He's taller and much stronger and I think Fisher is quick enough to avoid a flop/charge from Brooks while backing him down.
Posted by: dominic | May 13, 2009 at 08:11 AM
THE POWER OF THE LUCKY BARSTOOL COMPELS YOU!
THE POWER OF THE LUCKY BARSTOOL COMPELS YOU!
Sunday: Rockets 98-Lakers 86. No barstool.
Tuesday: Lakers 118-Rockets 78. Barstool activated.
I'm just sayin'.
And I wasn't able to sit on the barstool all night.
Some LeBroniac got to the barstool before me and started chanting "Go Rockets!" at the start of the game. He told me, "I'm going to sit on this barstool all night!"
I turned to him and said flatly, "Well, that would be extremely passive-aggressive of you. I feel sorry for you. You must feel very sad and powerless deep down inside."
Silence.
Ten minutes later he and his friends got up and left without a word to me.
The score?
Rockets 18-Lakers 12.
Within 60 seconds the score was Lakers 18-Rockets 18. It was the beginning of a 20-4 Lakers run.
I'm just sayin'.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Yes. That is pure Rock and Roll.
When are we going to have the Rock and Roll bracket? Next year's final four?
I see Van Halen going up against Boston for the western conference championship and the right to meet the winner of the Sabbath / Zeppelin series for the world’s title.
I can here the cries now, "Things would be different if AC/DC were in the west..."
Crybabies. They still don't get past Zeppelin. No one does.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 13, 2009 at 08:12 AM
This was a strong game by the lakers they need to close them out in game six so they won't have to play a game 7 also strong performance by Kobe Bryant ... GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: ruben | May 13, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Morning Laker blog family.
Ah yes, the taste of a sweet Laker "W"!!!
And you guys know I am as psyched as anyone.
However, I just have to hold back because it was a huge win at home - great execution, good teamwork and total effort start to finish.
So, it's on to HOU for tomorrow's game. Like Kobe, I am taking the same serious and "one day/game at a time" attitude. They have to bring more intensity, focus and effort to G6, they just do. There is no coasting to the Finals like last year...there just isn't.
GO LAKERS - 9 more... a slow count down.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | May 13, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone....
these close nail biting victories have got to stop, my doctor says my heart can't take any more excessive palpitations and stress...
it really comes down to if the Lakers want to play smart i.e. playing to their strengths, which are numerous and dominant ---even the moronic Barkley says "it's just common damn sense"...
why the ball doesn't go into Pau, Bynum, Lamar, Kobe, the towell boy, anybody and everybody in the low post EVERY time doesn't make any "common damn sense" to me---KEEP PLAYING TO OUR STRENGTHS !!!
and did I mention the pick and roll? run it till it hurts...
hope we saved some points (and focus and energy) for Thursday...
is it Thursday yet?
"the deeper you go, the higher you fly, the higher you fly, the deeper you go, so come on...."
"And now...a letter...a hotel registration book...and a series of photographs...which could add up to divorce, premature retirement, and possible criminal proceedings for a company director in Bromsgrove. He's a Freemason, and a prospective Tory MP...that's Mr. S. of Bromsgrove....3000 pounds......to stop us revealing your name, the name of the three other people involved, the youth organization to which they belong, and the shop where you bought the equipment."
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 13, 2009 at 08:29 AM
as do all of the Joneses riding the backs of all Lakerholics. My name is Tom and I am a Lakerholic.
~~thanks also for your display of an exemplary on a euphoric victory. Hope there is a cure for that addiction mentioned if things don't work out as planned. Everyone in the City of LA and the Laker Nation or World loves parade & Championship in LA whether they're 100% or 75%; 50% and 25% part-time fans.
One obsessed fan never came back to our blog after his ideas were resented, I consider him also a Laker fan at heart addicted to his ideas, whose ultimate happiness is synonymous to us. as we all ride on the backs of royal blood Laker fans referred as Lakerholics.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Good Morning, Laker Nation!
It's time for...
Jon K.'s Early Thoughts That He Has Not Put Too Much Thought Into Yet:
1. WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!
2. Happy.
3. Did I mention the lucky barstool?
4. Kobe in those video clips looks like he wants to kill someone! Good. No More Mister Nice Guy! He's focused and as long as Kobe's killer instinct is focused The Youth Movement will play focused because they are simply too scared of having Kobe scream at them like a frenzied Zulu warrior!
5. The Beast is Back! It was so good to watch Andrew Bynum play like Andrew Bynum again. He's gotten out of his slump. His Bio-Chrono is about momentum. So, he's established positive momentum with this game. We should not expect inconsistency out of him. We should expect consistency. That's reasonable of Bynum. So, I expect him to play another good game on Thursday. Good!
6. Josh Powell played really well. His scorer's instinct came back! These kind of things excite me because our lesser-used weapons make a huge difference in screwing up the opposition. The Rockets aren't building their game plan around Josh Powell. They're building it around responding to Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum... So when a player like Josh Powell or Shannon Brown or Luke Walton steps up and gives the Rockets a good old fashioned shanking, well, it really disrupts the Rockets game plan, because they're not going to know how to effeciently respond. Awesome.
7. All you Luke Walton haters out there! LUKE WALTON PLAYED FRICKEN GOOD DEFENSE LAST NIGHT! REALLY GOOD DEFENSE! We were better when he was on the court. He still needs to work on his shot, but his defense has really improved and he remains a great facilitator.
8. Who doesn't love seeing DJ Mbenga on the court? I love seeing DJ Mbenga on the court. He always plays hard and usually plays smart. I am, personally, petitioning for consistent minutes for DJ Mbenga. I like the lineup with Mbenga at center and Powell at power forward, Luke Walton at SF, Shannon Brown at SG and Jordan Farmar at PG. It seems to work at least for a good five minutes.
9. Man! We forced a lot of turnovers last night. We totally have given the Rockets hope and then took it away. Mindgames in full effect!
10. Obviously the game in Houston will be a bit different, but, one thing is clear: We need to win the first quarter. We win the first quarter by 4 or more and I think the last vestiges of hope will leave the Rockets and their fans.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Critical Beatdown,
"Every possession is the championship now, every bounce of that ball is only renewed focus."
I like this.
Phil Jackson should post this over every Laker's locker.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 08:36 AM
I anticipate a relatively Troll-free day.
A day without Trolls is like an early Spring stroll through the Santa Monica Mountains with the sun out, green grasses flowing, flowers blooming, birds chirping, and a light breeze streaming off the ocean.
Ahhhh!
Another beautiful day.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 08:39 AM
This is going out to "Our" Lakers!
http://tinyurl.com/525fpl
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: ChicNstu | May 13, 2009 at 08:40 AM
That was a pretty quiet 14 points by Andrew. It looks like Farmar and Bynum are slowly getting the needle to the groove. Keep spinning that vinyl plate.
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2009 at 08:41 AM
By the way, fans do the wave at Staples, not spectators.
We're going to need fans, not spectators through these playoffs.
Be a fan.
It's fun.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Strong game after losing game 4 especially with a 40 point statement Kobe strong game... They'll néed to close the series in game six especially with Yao Ming out for Houston... GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: ruben | May 13, 2009 at 08:45 AM
What a boring game!
It's funny how long it takes the lakers to understand their advantages. With a bigger team, they should have no trouble with the rockets.
I thought HOU came out strong last night, but they quickly lost their fire. Terrible shooting nights from battier, scola, brooks, artest. They had wide open looks, so I wouldn't count on an automatic "W" in HOU.
Posted by: BUTLER | May 13, 2009 at 08:48 AM
AK/BK ... clever heading ...
Posted by: Taliq | May 13, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Laker Tom,
I like the thank you note.
As I was standing (yes, often standing, not sitting) on my lucky barstool during the fourth quarter, I often screamed at the television things to the extent, "GET THAT BALL, JOSH!" and "MBENGA!!!! WHOOO!!!!!"
And the Clevelanders and LeBroniacs looked at me with puzzlement. Several times people said to me, "The Lakers are up by 40. You're going to win," not understanding my enthusiasm.
I turned to them and said, "It's not just about winning! It's about playing with heart every possession! It's about never giving up! THAT'S the beauty of the game!"
Everyone in the bar looked at me with complete confusion.
That's why this city hasn't one a championship in 61 years. They don't get it.
And Laker Nation does.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 08:49 AM
more thoughts seemingly,
thank you Lakert Tom ! by the way my name is Floyd and I am a Lakerholic....
when Pau and Bynum really learn to work together, we may only have to put two guys on the court...
TNT makes me want to disembowel myself---it's sheer torture to have to sit thru their running crap (no wonder I think every penny for my DVR is money well spent---but sometimes i have to watch watch the games live or so)--
fortunately, they blast the music so loud that we can't hear half of the loose excrement they are spewing...
-the only guy besides Ernie that I can half way tolerate is Kevin Harland (and of course Magic when he's on there)---seriously it's time for Barkley and Kenny "the jerk" to just simply go away---far away...
that gal from that show that they advertise to death for no apparently good reason was either drunk or really stupid...at least Kevin Bacon (and eggs) was almost coherent..
is it Thursday yet?
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | May 13, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Good Job Lakers. Now we gotta keep the focus, effort, smart playing and great execution for game 6 and for the rest of the playoffs. Im a Lakerholic too. Good night sleep everyone!
PS: where the F are the haters now?! just wonderin....
Posted by: domz | May 13, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Goliath rocks.
Can anyone tell me why LO was playing in the 2nd half with a bad back and a 40 point lead?
Posted by: Laker | May 13, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Does Broderick Turner not realize that Lamar Odom doesn't play center for the Los Angeles Lakers?
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 09:02 AM
>>>the sleeve instead of the brace really seemed to help Bynum.
Actually, it was the sleeve OVER the brace.
The Rocket players complained that his brace was sharp and
was cutting them up so the league said Bynum had to wear a sleeve
over it. (insert joke about "safe basketball" here).
This wasn't about the brace, this was about Bynum going
out there and trying a lot harder. In some of the previous
games, I've seen Bynum stand and watch Landry or Scola
go get a rebound without Drew even trying. Last night, he was
trying. He didn't always look completely fluid, and he fumbled
a few rebounds that he could have had, but he was markedly
improved.
The most promising sign I saw out of Bynum was on a couple
of missed shots, when he got the rebound and stuffed it right
back in. Against a shorter team, he should be able to do that
consistently. And if he does, it's like increasing the size of
the rim by a foot, because if you're a little off, the Bynumator 2009
will make sure the shot goes down.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 13, 2009 at 09:11 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Xodus...what a great way to celebrate your birthday. Enjoy the rest of your day!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | May 13, 2009 at 09:11 AM
"Dear Lakers fans attending home games,
Please stay for the entire game! I understand yesterday's win was a blowout and you want to avoid traffic. However, as fans we need to keep cheering on the team throughout the game since we are in the playoffs. It's already bad enough that the team is sometimes nonchalant but we don't have to be the same. So many people, including myself, are envious that you can attend these games so it wouldn't be such a big favor if you stay the entire game."
Especially those with court side seats. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??
And Kyra Sedgewick obviously knows NOTHING about the Lakers. Why the heck did they waste those seats on her? Grrrrrrrrr
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | May 13, 2009 at 09:16 AM
great win last night, i stayed out for the whole game, even though it was getting rather late over here on the east coast.
i love the fact that kobe and co. are focused on the next game and closing out the series. at least that's what they say. i'm sure kobe, fish, and phil will remind everyone today and tomorrow (to bring the energy and commitment).
i'm also glad that Bynum finally got on track last night. hopefully his play will improve throughout the playoffs. i was worried after Yao went down that Phil would no longer go with Bynum, because of match-up issues. but i guess Lamar's injury really gave him few options: 1. start a gimpy Odom. 2. start Bynum 3. start Luke at PF, Gasol at C 4. start Powell.... it sounds pretty reasonable that starting Bynum is the smartest option out of all of those.
LakerTom, glad to see you on here, and posting early today!
Go Lakers! Thursday night: Give the Rockets 1 more butt-whuppin'. Demoralize them on their home floor, crush their championship dreams, make Yao stare at his broken foot (and wonder what could've been), and as Kenny "the Jet" Smith would say, "It's time to go fishing!" as Kobe has said in the past, "Today is gonna be your last day of work." (i believe to Scottie Pippen, when Lakers were playing... the Rockets!) (or it went something like that)
Posted by: leonardbast | May 13, 2009 at 09:21 AM
This David says thank you Goliath and may I please have another. And then eight more.
Posted by: dave in hillsboro | May 13, 2009 at 09:22 AM
upon further research, Pippen could've been playing with the Blazers when Kobe said that (to the media, not directly to Scottie).
Posted by: leonardbast | May 13, 2009 at 09:27 AM
good game! I still think Vujacic needs to step it up even MORE.yes, I am the only girl in L.A who will say it. I know my friends were mad at me for saying it last night . HA. Oh well, I guess I am just a mean-y hater....
I enjoyed this game!!
Posted by: miroslava | May 13, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Great win but let's not ignore the obvious. Phil will start fisher unless he ask him not to,kobe still left battier open the whole game,we all know about fisher and sasha. I knew they was gonna blow out the rockets and they will win and I expect a championship this year seeing how we match up to the remaining teams (orlando is the only team who poses a threat,seriously). But back to my initial problem,why would phil ignore obvious mismatches and why is kobe leaving his matchup with 15 feet breathing room. We will see if this will adjust thursday but seeing this whole series I doubt it will. Nevertheless we will win. Thanks lakers for a good night!
Posted by: freddyP | May 13, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Great win but let's not ignore the obvious. Phil will start fisher unless he ask him not to,kobe still left battier open the whole game,we all know about fisher and sasha. I knew they was gonna blow out the rockets and they will win and I expect a championship this year seeing how we match up to the remaining teams (orlando is the only team who poses a threat,seriously). But back to my initial problem,why would phil ignore obvious mismatches and why is kobe leaving his matchup with 15 feet breathing room. We will see if this will adjust thursday but seeing this whole series I doubt it will. Nevertheless we will win. Thanks lakers for a good night!
Posted by: freddyP | May 13, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Did I mention that the lucky barstool is 42-3?
Did I mention that?
Because... ummm... I'm not sure if I mentioned that or not.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 09:35 AM
PS: where the F are the haters now?! just wonderin....
Posted by: domz | May 13, 2009 at 08:50 AM
PRESENT!!!!
Laker fan ... In case you missed it. Here is another of your "classy" former players ...
HAMILTON, Ohio -- Former NBA player and University of Cincinnati star Corie Blount was sentenced to one year in prison on Wednesday in a plea arrangement resulting from drug charges.
What an appropriate last name!
Posted by: 131-92 | May 13, 2009 at 09:40 AM
Dear Lakers fans attending home games,
"Please stay for the entire game! I understand yesterday's win was a blowout and you want to avoid traffic. However, as fans we need to keep cheering on the team throughout the game since we are in the playoffs. It's already bad enough that the team is sometimes nonchalant but we don't have to be the same. So many people, including myself, are envious that you can attend these games so it wouldn't be such a big favor if you stay the entire game."
I soooo agree!! Sit your asses down!! Do these people have any idea what other that are less fortunate would do for Laker playoff tickets?!?!
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: lakalova | May 13, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Sweet! Sweet!! Very Sweet!!!
Posted by: DesiGuy | May 13, 2009 at 09:46 AM
>>>And Kyra Sedgewick obviously knows NOTHING about
>>>the Lakers. Why the heck did they waste those seats on her?
Advertizing. She was there purely to do a plug for her series.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 13, 2009 at 09:56 AM
When Ron-Ron went into the stands for a rebound in the second
half, I thought he was trying to reduce his Kevin Bacon number
to 0. But he missed and ran over Leo DiCaprio instead.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 13, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Butler is bored with the win of 40 pts. He wants blood.
"Terrible shooting nights from battier, scola, brooks, artest. They had wide open looks, so I wouldn't count on an automatic "W" in HOU."
If the Phoenix fan is bored, what more on the Phoenix players who are now in Europe or sun bathing at the swine flu beaches. Shaq (the pride of Butler and KL) must be dying in envy, "wish I'm still with the Lakers, they will be writing stories about me."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Say what you want, but the best adjustment of the night was leaving Fisher on the bench for the entire 2nd quarter.
Posted by: Magia32 | May 13, 2009 at 09:57 AM
BTW, I wasn't on the interactive blog thing so I didn't get to join
in on the Brian Cook baiting. Here's my belated entry:
Brian Cook not only can't guard the post, he can't guard A post.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 13, 2009 at 09:57 AM
131, that Blount guy only played with the Lakers for 1 season, maybe 2. he's not really a Laker, but a Bull, in my opinion.
and i agree about the Kyra Sedgewick (sp?) comments. when she was interviewed, it felt like such a TNT marketing ploy. like: Kyra is a Lakers fan, so all Lakers fans should watch her show! b.s.
jon k, thanks for all the exhuberent posts. i'm starting to believe there's something to this lucky barstool.
i hate to say anything negative right now about the Lakers, but i'm wondering about the future of Sasha on this team. i feel that the back-up duo of Famar and Brown is much better than Farmar and Sasha or Brown and Sasha. what you guys think?
we should trade Sasha or start grooming another young, athletic 2 guard (draft). that way Jordan or Shannon can replace DF (after he retires).
Posted by: leonardbast | May 13, 2009 at 09:59 AM
>>>Laker fan ... In case you missed it. Here is another of
>>>your "classy" former players ...
>>>
>>>HAMILTON, Ohio -- Former NBA player and University
>>>of Cincinnati star Corie Blount was sentenced to one
>>>year in prison on Wednesday in a plea arrangement
>>>resulting from drug charges.
Wait, is this a Boston fan mocking the Lakers over a player
drug issue? Sure you don't want to mention Lamar while
you're on that topic.
Because you KNOW I'm going to bring up Len Bias, tacky
as that may be. At least Laker recruits don't drug themselves
to death.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM
131-92,
>>>What an appropriate last name!
BTW, I made the same joke when I heard he was arrested.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 13, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Every place I go nowadays, there are Laker paraphernalia's on sale from street hawkers in downtown LA to corner vendors in both Valleys (San Fernando and San Gabriel), even at Fry's Electronics, there are lots of Laker maniacs the husband, wife and toddler all wearing 24 jerseys with two black Laker flags on their suv. I went to 7 Eleven store to buy this week Lotto, I saw Laker goods for sale. It has really captivated the town after the Mannywood meltdown, the only game in town are the Lakers from our Southern California latest fire victims in Santa Barbara to the sizzling desert heat Palm Springs in the East to the south of the border in San Diego and all the way to Las Vegas strip that is how big the market of the Lakers. I doubt if the Idols ratings could dislodge the Lakers in these areas.
I hope in the next few games whether in this series or advance to the next one, our team will play with heart consistently just like what they displayed it last night. A million laker fans are riding on their backs and dreaming of another parade in Figueroa, tho' people are still figuring whether this is this team that will deliver it. From the onset of the season, it was the team, then it ended with just a whimper losing games to Bobcats & Blazers, it was not the team. Before the playoffs began, the media world prematurely crowned the Lakers, and after suffering initial setback in Utah plus the stunning defeats to the depleted Rockets, they prematurely declared the other night that it was not the team. However, after last night convincing victory of 40 pts. (specially dedicated and systematically allocated for Houston Brags: 10 pts for Artests, the schemer; another 10 pts for Battier, the newly declared Kobe stopper; another 10 points for Brooks, the lilliputian pride of the Rockets and finally, the last 10 pts to the NBA Argentinian brute, Scola.) I wonder what will be the writer's spin? Was it a pyrrhic victory? No, Lakers are winning the series and may be looking forward to Denver at WCF. What is it then? Well, there is always something to write about LA and the Lakers that East Coast people are fascinated with. Their playoff performance may not fit the definition of a moribund team or a team with a mission. Undoutedly, they follow the traditions of the California Missions, they loved charities given enough pts. to their opponents with much resentment from their die hard fans.
From the roars of the crowd last night, their favorite is Mbenga, the unadulterated DJ Mbenga who came in with one mission - to deliver the famous Laker tacos. We missed the other Lakers too, who contributed little things during the season like Sun Yue, Vlad Rad and Adam Morrisson. If Adam and Sun could play competitively and show their expertise that they were noted for, that would be the perfect setting of the future.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM
LAKERS, VICTORY GAME 6. Don't even bother coming back if you don't. Time for the death blow Lakers! We've got some more work to do. LETS GET THIS DONE LAKERS!
Posted by: Laker Justice | May 13, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Corie Blount?
How about Ricky Davis, Sam Cassell and Tony Battie?(All ex Celtics) Lot's of ex players from different teams have made their mistakes and run in's with the law.
It's like a lot of ex Users on this blog that have been ridiculed and self exiled, and now using new handles in an attempt to receive attention. Just use your old user name and stick to your opinion guns.
Posted by: Charles | May 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
131...you'd think that any fan that complains about Len Bias passing away due to a drug overdose and then blames the Celtics 20 year absence from the play-offs on it would be more understanding of this hiddious society wide problem.
Posted by: BRUZER | May 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Sorry...hideous...I new it looked wrong.
Posted by: BRUZER | May 13, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Does anybody know if TJ Simers asked Adelman if he was embarrassed?
Posted by: Moat | May 13, 2009 at 10:37 AM
good work by the Lakers - showing that they answered the wake-up call.
Here's me hopping that with 9 wins left to the Championship, it doesn't take 8 more wake-up calls to get there! (of course, I would still take the Championship, gladly!)
Posted by: Dwntwn Atty | May 13, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Floyd,
Your post totally made me laugh.
I agree. Self-disembowelment is a rational coping mechanism for dealing with the horror that is TNT's game time announcers.
God, I miss Chick Hearn.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Simply put:
"Fans" who leave a game early are lesser quality fans than those who stay until the final second of the game.
Leaving early, especially in the playoffs, is shameful.
No excuses.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 10:52 AM
If Coach Adelman continue to play the ex Lakers: Cook and VW, they have no chance of winning games. When these two players are on the floor, Lakers control the tempo as if there are 7 Lakers playing on the floor. PJ have scouted the talents of these players from their infancy in NBA, we just own them lock, stock and barrel.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2009 at 10:53 AM
fa
Posted by: Lil Dezy | May 13, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Tom Daniels -- great post!
Posted by: teamn | May 13, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Fantastic bounce back game yesterday, but that is now yesterday's news and it is time to move forward Laker Fans. Lets support are team from the beginning to the end and not turn on them on a flip of a dime when they play a horrible game or underachieve for a day. I believe we will remained focused this time around and come to the game with the sense of urgency needed to close it out in Houston on Thursday. Remember we have a pretty decent record in close-out games over the last 2 post seasons. TURN IT UP ANOTHER NOTCH ON THURSDAY END THIS SERIES AND SILENCE THE WANNA BE FANS AND DOUBTERS.
Posted by: Lil Dezy | May 13, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I doubt if anybody will ever change the habits of Laker fans or the pseudo-holics on attending ball games. They pay a hefty amount for those tickets anywhere in Staples yet they come in late, take a lot of breaks eating their dinner on those McDonald, Carls Jr stands as they watched the game on TV monitors along corridors then, get ready to be first in line avoid crowds at the rest rooms Back to their seats on the 2nd half as they play with their black berry and make few calls and announce that they are at the Staples. At the start of the 4th Q, if the margin is too large not only with the Lakers but on both teams, these very fans will leave early to avoid crowds on the way to the parking lots and in getting to the freeway, drive a distance of 30 to 70 miles or 150 miles to SD or PS be on time for bed and be ready for the next daily gridlock. Los Angelenos are accustomed to the crawl and lots of them in every freeway, they're more sensitive to their inconveniences than their fandome. I guess they are willing to pay the price of going to the ballgame, some not so concern on the results, some don't even understand it (like my wife) but more so, they are unanimous in declaring during office talks or in socials - "I was there at the Staples". LMAO!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 13, 2009 at 11:19 AM
What's up, Lakerville!
Great game last night. They finally showed they cared {rolls eyes}. They should always bring maximum effort... more of that please and close this series out on Thursday. PJ fooled some people, huh, saying he wouldn't start Bynum, etc... LOL! In this day and age of digital media, strategies have to be kept close to the vest. I agree that they shouldn't tip their hand to their opponents.
Order has finally been restored.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | May 13, 2009 at 11:21 AM
New Post
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | May 13, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Most,
Awesome. I listened to the Logo on the DP show this morning and alluded to Simers liking to rib coaches and that begin the reason for the question he asked PJ.
Simers=troll.
Posted by: Pig | May 13, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I was watching the game last night with a Shmendrick Perkins scowl from the opening tip til the final buzzer.
I was not going to be satisfied unless the we completely pulverized the Sprockets.
I was actually starting to get incensed right near the end that we might no actually win the game by 40 points. When that last layup attempt missed, I exhaled.
I hate the Lakers for their insistant negative effect on me when they lose.
I love the Lakers
Go lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: lakalova | May 13, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Did anyone else want to smack Doug Collins in the face during his useless 5 minute response regarding some story involving a possible job with the Sixers?
For the most part I think I keep up with the latest sports news; even more so on NBA news....
Maybe I've been oblivious, but I hadn't heard one thing about that story until Doug Collins told me. Why on earth would this require a 5 minute refute on national TV?
Whatever, I guess...
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: lakalova | May 13, 2009 at 12:17 PM
It's amazing how short our memory spans are. Jordan Farmar played well in game 3 and people forgot how selfishly he played the whole year. Fisher gets beat by a fast point guard (who also abused Farmar and Brown in this series), and they want to bench him. Now everyone is down on Sasha. While it's true he is not shooting well, he has dedicated himself to become a better defensive player, passes first, takes occasional forays to the rim, and even crashes the boards. He has consistently gotten steals, deflected passes, and run more than any other Laker trying to chase spot up shooters.
But PJ is still playing him, based on match ups, because Sasha is coachable, and works as hard as anybody on the team who isn't named Kobe.
Thank God fans are not GMs. With all these fair weather fans, the Lakers wouild probably look like the Clippers right now.
By the way, did anyone see the replay last night when Sasha picked up his second foul under the Houston basket? Scola "set" a pick a la Fisher. He literally took a step sideways and lowered his shoulder into Sasha, who then fell into Von Wafer. They should have called a flagrant 1 on Scola, but Sasha picked up the foul.
Posted by: DaTruthSetsUFree | May 13, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Jon. K,
ENOUGH of the stupid BAR STOOL news!!
I suggest you should try sitting on it with legs facing up especially when the Lakers are down, might bring some joy and luck.
Posted by: Ladies Man | May 13, 2009 at 12:27 PM
love the lucky bar stool Jon K. Keep it up dude. When we win the championship we have to dip that in bronze.
Is it me or does the Lakers give you ulcers? That's bad for my drinking haha, jk.
Great victory, great company! Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | May 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM
131...you'd think that any fan that complains about Len Bias passing away due to a drug overdose and then blames the Celtics 20 year absence from the play-offs on it would be more understanding of this hiddious society wide problem.
Posted by: BRUZER | May 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Bruzer,
When did I complain about Bias? I just like to point out that this "hiddious" society wide problem is not just a Celitc problem. Thats all. What players do is not my business. They all do it. Thats why I laugh when Laker fan thinks they are above everybody when it comes to these issues. Just like I call out Kobe for being a cheap shot artist. Im not sayn the Celtics dont commit cheap shots just pointing out that the Lakers are "thugs" as well.
BTW we did make it to the playoffs in the 20 years. We just had not won a title in 20 years. Why cant Laker fan ever write a post with facts when it comes to the Celtics. Is it that it hurts you to do it or you just dont have the knowledge?
I bet if it was a former Celtic that got busted .... Laker fan would be calling him a thug, a scum and those other things Laker fan likes to call the Celtics.
Though tragic ... Bias did it to himself. He may have hurt the Celtic franchise but he hurt himself and his family a lot more.
Posted by: 131-92 | May 13, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Jon K.,
Keep up the barstool news. I for one enjoy your reports from behind enemy lines.
In other news! LOL
I was down on Sunday because I knew everybody would be down on the Lakers. Everybody was kicking them while they were down. And in some ways rightly so, but like some have said, most of our guys are still young and it shows in their inconsistent play.
Watching TNT last night I wanted to kick Kenny Smith with his the Lakers are arrogant comment, but then I remembered we're playing the Houston Rockets and Ron Artest is one of his guys and the Lakers had just stomped Houston. I then took Kenny's comments as a compliment because I knew he had to say something negative cause we did our job so thoroughly in demolishing the Rockets. So I just turned the TV off with a smile.
I've come to realized that until the Lakers get a little more seasoning (everyone besides Phil, Kobe, & Fish) they will play inconsistently. That's what young players do, it's not just simply a matter of turning it off and on as so many have said, it's about learning how to win when your jumper ain't falling, when your defense is lacking on a series of plays, when you aren't getting the touches you think you need. It's learning how to do the little things that add up to big wins but which might not show up on Sportscenter highlights (all the young ones want to be a Sportscenter highlight). Each player doing the little things is how and why we won in 2000, 2001, 2002 because everybody did whatever they had to do to win (Shaq & Kobe didn't do it by themselves), but most of the people on the team were veterans who understood how to win. It's adversity that builds character. The young members on the Lakers team are learning how to build championship character, they are learning how to win. Which only comes with humiliating games like Sunday's game and game 4 and 6 in last year's finals. They're learning what it's like to have most of the basketball world laughing, ribbing, and pointing at the train wreck and that train wreck is you after a humiliating lost to a team you're supposed to crush.
I know we will win this series. I hope it will happen Thursday night, but if we don't I'll remember our young'uns are learning on the fly. All of this is working for their good. They will be battled tested and ready to bring it in the finals!
They are not only going to the finals, they're going to win. Be it an easy 4-5 games or a hard fought 6-7 games!
And unlike Charles Barkley's prediction, never mind, whatever Barkley says one should almost always know the opposite is going to happen. LOL!!!!!
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | May 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM
As an active participant of the wave at the game, I noticed that this time period seemed to be one of the few times when the Lakers strung together a few mistakes in a row ... now it could be because I, like most of Staples, was not really paying attention to the game at this point and so I just imagined these mistakes, but I have a second theory ... it was sort of the one time that the crowd wasn't really in the game, I thought the rest of the night Staples had a really high and constant level of energy which isn't always the case in blowouts.
Here it is, just as I said it would be:
Hail purple and gold
Dominate in hearts and game
Always Be Closing
Finally, I can't get over how high UPS can jump. I mean I see it every game, but *seriously* it is insane. I hope someday to see a "chest block" wherein Shannon jumps to block a three, and jumps SO HIGH that it bounces off his chest rather than his hands. I believe it can be done, but will it?
Posted by: kt | May 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM
The Lakers need to end this tomorrow night because this Denver matchup is going to be INTENSE!
http://balmer.typepad.com/jester/
The Dark Clown of Comedy
Posted by: keith | May 13, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Ladies Man,
Dude, if you don't like my posts, don't read them.
What makes you think I'm going to change my ways for a person who can barely write a sentence?
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 13, 2009 at 02:43 PM
i have to admit, as a laker fan i was starting to get worried about our title hopes. But that was just what i needed to reassure me that the lakers are still the lakers.
Posted by: letsgolakers | May 13, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Dearest Goliath, Nice article however.....Take that ....More sincerely, David
Posted by: lakerfaker | May 15, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Dear Goliath,....Take that , back at you
Sincerely,
David
P.S. How do you like the taste of your own blood?
Posted by: frank Houston | May 15, 2009 at 09:03 AM