Orlando hoping home truly is a Magic Kingdom
A play on words, what with Florida's automatic association with everything Disney: Mouse ears. "It's a Small World." Electrical parades (not to be confused with an Electric Light Orchestra). And on down the line. But in the most literal of senses, Dwight Howard and the gang need this evening's Game 3 to take place in a "Magic Kingdom," a place where their squad rules with enough of an iron fist to avoid tumbling into a hole down a trio of contests.
Superman in particular has struggled during these Finals, unable to create even the semblance of his 40 point "Hasta Manana" to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hell, dude's barely been able to dunk the ball against the Lakers. Howard has operated way outside his comfort zone the last two games, despite his ability to draw fouls against Andrew Bynum. That's led to Pau Gasol sliding over to the center spot, a scenario regarded as a potential purple and gold pitfall heading into the series. Well, that's why the games aren't played on paper, as the saying goes. "Gangly" has thus far won out over "muscular," and El Spaniard has made strides towards shedding a not-so-fond nickname.
According to Derek Fisher, it's high time people took notice that reputation and reality aren't on the same page.
Howard's plight represents a microcosm of Orlando's bigger issue, an offense largely out of whack. Whether that the result of a brand new guard rotation or simply too many options for Stan Van Gundy to make up his mind, the Magic need to find some answers and ASAFP. For what it's worth, Fox's Charley Rosen has a few suggestions. Among them, an approach on the defensive side...
On several plays, Kobe and Derek Fisher were able to drive and easily drop interior passes to either Gasol or Lamar Odom for unimpeded layups. For sure, Kobe's penetrations always require the presence of swarming defensive helpers, but yielding so many easy baskets is a recipe for defeat.
LESSON: Whenever Kobe carries the ball
to the hoop, at least one of the Magic's perimeter defenders must run
into the lane and get between Gasol/Odom and Kobe.
For their part, the Lakers are maintaining a business-like attitude, aware that Orlando's not push a tail between its legs. Thus, even the slightest degree of slippage could make the difference between allowing the Magic some hope and celebrating an O'Brien in their house. The latter being the goal, it's full steam ahead, eyes in blinders.
Finally, Steve Nash will begin moonlighting for Dave Letterman as an NBA correspondent. Say whatever you will about the Phoenician's undeserved two-time MVP status, but he's a pretty funny guy with a dry wit similar to Letterman's. I could see them working well together.
AK
Tue. June 9, 2009...Lakers 2. Magic 0…The Force & Laker Nation have Brooms out!!!
Good Morning: Sir Charles(The Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning: Mom Kamenetzky(Blog Mom)
Good Morning: Morning Crew( The Heart & Soul of Laker Nation)
Good Morning SBPimp & the SBPimp Twins.,The Outlaw & Baby Outlaw,
Good Morning: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, Mini Banner Holder & Holderette
Good Morning: Laker Nation (Rulers of the NBA! The 4th Dynasty has Started!!!!!)
WELCOME TO: Mel, Hamlet, Rob D., Tolindoy, Ash, EnjoyTheRide, Scott, TS
Lefty, ChrisMihmFan, Jeanette, Mandingo, Big Al, Eliezer, Nobleman76
KUDOS TO :The Double Trophy Award Winning KamBrothers(Blog gods)
*
THE 4TH DYNASTY BEGINS NOW!!! @ THE FORCE
*
IIN G.O.B. WE TRUST (Gasol - Odom - Bryant ) @ ChrisMihmFan
*
MAKE THEM PAY @ Mike T.
*
WE GOT THIS!!! ! @ JustAnotherMambaFan
*
WHAT DO WE PLAY FOR, RINGS!!! @ Jon K.*
*
WE RISE!!! @ utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
*
DONT GET COCKY
Don’t get cocky that’s what they say, even if it’ll be over in a few more days
We played sloppy and still we won, I’m sorry but this thing is just about done
Even when we win we don’t get our due, that’s fine cause we don’t play for you
We play for only one single solitary thing, Hit it Jon K. “ we play for the Rings
When the Lakers are on they cannot miss, JAMambaFan says “ We got this”
So stop & enjoy cause it’s almost through, once the season over what you gon do
Once the title awarded and the confetti is gone, only the memories will linger on
For these final games wear Laker Gear with Pride, No need to duck, no need to hide
OK Dave M. get that game faces on, 2 more to go let’s close out strong
Laker Tom get those drumsticks ready to go, this is the beginnining of Dynasty “FO”
9Rings the greatest coach in history, now becomes 10Rings what you say BD
Kobe Bryant your 4th Ring is yours in a few days, then you can say F@###%MJ.
Laker Nation stand up & give yourself a hand, Your team now rules Freakin NBA Land
So NBA do we get our due, we're The Freakin LA Lakers who the Hell are you
*
And Now Your Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
At Forward, Number (3) – TREVOR ARRIZA
At Guard Number (2) - DEREK FISHER
At Forward Number (16) - PAUL GASOL
At Center…..ANDREWWW “The Beast” BYNUMMMMMM!!!!!!
And At Guard The Reinging MVP.. KOBEE (The Black Mamba) BRYANTTTT!!!!!
The Laker Coach 9 Time Title Winner PHIL(10Rings) JACKSONNNNNN!!!!
*
Tossing the ceremonial jump ball.. NUMBER 21…..MICHAEL COOOOOPERr!!
*
X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, 2, 1 ------> Parade Time!! ---Hit it LAKER TOM
*
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLL:
FAITH, LakerTOM, Keifo, Charles, Edwin Gueco, FATTY, TP, JON-K. #4, TALIQ, Pig Miller
WesJoeNixon, Xodus, SBPimp_&Twins, EastCoastJESSIE, Dice8UP, RDLee, VMan,BD, JJ
utzworld_THEBANNERHOLDER, AmazingHappens, SixOneZERO,THE_D. FEARLess, EJK
The-OUTLAW, Baby-OUTLAW, Christopher-Blake, EXHELODRVR, JustAnotherMambaFan
BronxLakerFan, ISANG, OUCHHH, David_WHANG, DAVID in SPAIN, LAKER_Larry,OTIS
phred, Korey, Never, Troy, LakerMan420, ZEN, TOAD, BOZZ, KEN, ELLE, Leonard_BAST
ThaSHOW, Tim-4-SHOW, The-LAKE-SHOW, LakerBANDIT, KobeBLITZ, JESTER-GURU
FKILLAH, RickFRIEDMAN, KIWI, HrmHed, GENERIC-ONE, MIKE-T., ERIC-M, LAKERGurl
BOB, STARGAZIN, LOLO, LAKER_STH, PS-LAKER-Fan, YOU-EVER-NOTICE, TSPHERE,
JamieSweet, ZAKEE, FLOYD, JOHNNYP, P-ANG, MagicMan, TCB247, HUGO-BOSS, BD
Comptons_FINEST CaliPHILOSOPHER, CHRIS_H, JUSTIN, CBUCK, WEAVEMAN, LAILA
AngryLAKER, LakerJUSTICE, LakerTRUTH, PFUNK36, LakersRydeOrDie, MEL, DAVE-M
SFLAKERGirl, PsychedLAKERrGirl, SimiLAKERGirl, BocaLakerGirl, MrBARNEY_Dangles
LAKERGirl1980, Houston_LAKERGirl, LAKERLass, VA-Laker_Girl, CarlosDeeP, TWoodY
Purple&GOLD-Rein, Purple&GOLD-Forever, Laker-In-BC, SAMLL, BENJAMIN, FREDDYP
Baywood MAGIA32, Adrian-Palomar, Puddle, COMPLEX-BROTHA, NAJA aka BONUS
HELLRAISER(certifiedmambafan), Complex_BROTha, COACH-D, SHE_KOBE, RIZZO
LONGTime-LAKERFAN, MAYOR-Of-KOBE-Town,,JANAYA, HARIYAHU, WOLF, ISANG
RICO-OF_ NY LovesLALakers, BLUESKY, DXTER, New_Sc2, BRUZER, JMAN, TSIRY
Sleepless-In-Vegas, HOBBITMAGE, ANNA-in-BONDI,.WILL in Seattle, MIKE&MIKE
Hugo-SPAIN, Allan-BRAZIL,DARK-AngelSK, CAMERON, JANDRO, JELLO-JIGGLIN
Brown_Mamba24, White_Mamba24, Black_Mamba24, FanOfMamba, PAUL LEE, KAT
MAMBA24_FAN_4LIFE, JUSTALAKERFan, T-MELT, MrNANO, Bobie, MIKE, OMEGA
LONGTIime_LAKERLover, MD, Laker-FAZE, WOLF, EPIC-Mess, MCC, GABE, GRAIL
CUTUREIST, NEMIA_FALETOGO, LAKER_GURU_From_INDIA, CHINA-LAKE, MUD
HYACINTH, CONER_J, MCGARNAGLE, SHARPER, RESPECT-MY-AUTHORITH
Laker-DAWG, In-The-ZEN-MASTER-We-TRUST, GINO, BZAR, GDCHILD, ROLLO
WOLF-DOGG, ROLLO, DION, WARREN with(those) Butter Knives, 15th-Comming
LakerLEGACY, CHUCK23, TEEJ, Adrian PALOMAR, LakerHOLIC, TIKI, RAFANICO
DUB0512, Rhon SALMON, Tru_LAKER_FAN, VIOLATER,, BONEZ, TINIDOR$, VOR
PASSIONATE_LAKER_Fan, LAKER-Hopeful, LakerBAKE, XTRO, TOMY, TOM-K
LAKERFAN 24/7 CACTUS_BERRY, LETS_GO_L’S, SEAN_P, LONE_Star_Laker_Fan
SLO_GAL , High-CHEESE, ERIC YIP, MIGUEL, TITEJT, FOURTYTWO, RUDY, ZEE
46TH-ST-BALLER, COACH-D, BIJOU, SNAKE, S_TAN, BRANDON,GERCAT,CINZ
MICHIGAN_Laker, T, HAROLD, DION, Bad-FINGER, STEVENV., OUTSIDER_GUA
STAPLES24, DAN_THE _MAN, The 5% Nation(canibus hog) , HappyGilmore BROID
JONINin_JAPAN(InCanada), BEN, THIRTY2, CHUAHUGO, HTP, HAWAIID, HBMatt
JAX_ONUS, MACE08, KEEN_Observer, OMEGA, DARA, ZLAKEShow, Steel_Mohawk
DESILKY, TODD, GUARDIOLA, MARTY, MITCHELL, Stay_THIRSTY_MY_FRIENDS,
CHI_TOWN_LAKER, Big_LAKER_FAN3408, XTRO, ALEXHIN017, ECAT124, OLF
Vi_Laker_Fan, 1978, LAKER_North, , LAKER_FAN24, Jason-GRAVES, DEBBIE_M.
LEBANESE_MIKE, DK, IN_THE_ZEN_MASTER_WE_TRUST, LAKER_PHIL,SoopaFly
BYNUM_Believer, , FRANCESCO, BIG_Fence_Defense, Bronx_Laker_Fan, TMELT
Lakers_4_REALZ, 130, EHOMP, Greek_Dude, ZOPPI, Trojan, Boink, Luke
CHI_LAKER_FAN, LAKER_FAN_IN_NY, EVIL_CARTman, TULLY MOXNESS,
DARLEEN MCCUTCHEON, THI, BIG_DAWG, S01285, CANNIBUS-HOG, BMAC
DAVE ROSENZWEIG, CALI_KING, ,MACHIAVELLY, QS, GIANT-SQUID, JCC79
Dan_the_Man, HUBBIT, DORKIS, KENE_SLOW, LAKAFOO, BILLY IN SLO, Chad
ONPAROLE, ROB, KOBE Fan in Cupertino, ANA Gil, BoBo, SaltLaker, WALLACE
Dan in ChiTown, MinBS, Bopper, JC GARCIA, SCION KAI, 70’s LAKER_FAN, KT
Loi_Reyes_LANDICHO, LAKERS_World, Marky_The_ARKY, LAKERS#1,
DrewPauKobe, KobesBad, JCOOL, LAKALOVER, AFRO_JOE, LAKERS-WORLD
BLAZE1BX, EAST_NYBOER, ChickN Stu, CHICK_4EVER, LONG_LIVE-CHICK
MASTUDA, ATL_LAKER_FAN, FRANK FRIZZO, PEDRO-BRAZILLIAN-LAKER
DOC4daLakeShow, SEAD94, KARYNANAR, BRAD, BLKTHGHT06, SEAN714
StrangerInTheNight, BYNUMITE, USC_LAKER, GO_LAKE_SHOW, Purple_Heart
T_SENSEI, BerkleyLaker, LAKERS WORLD, S01285, SMOOTH_D, CINZ, Ninoy
HEAD-MBENGA, LAL_FAN, LookLONELY, LOTECH8, KIKOS_DAD, SKELETOR
SALTLAKER, LAKER_DAWG, EAGLE_BOY, PK-IN-the-MESSA, DYMANDAVE
RYAN_DUNLAP, VALLEY_LAKER, JOREMA, JHLANNERY, MR_in_Cupertino
WondahBap,Cyrus(Ventrilquist), LINDA_PINEDA, NESTROS_BISTROS, SIMON
CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, AALOOS, RICO_TICO, MIKE-FLOSS, MOBSTA
TELLitLIKEitIS , Lakers4Lyfe, He_Who_HOOPS, B4_HOOPS, DawnWickWare,
The Don Miguel, Pipoy, Vegas Troy, Dallas Raines’ Hair, Andrew AndreKopoulos
Stockton_SHOWTIME, Reality_CHECK, Mob_Wagoneer, A-TRAIN, BOPPER
Houston_Laker_Fan, BrazillianLaker, Texas-LAKER, LakerFANCANADA, SAVEIT
Trojan, Boink, DT, LG, TIWAN-LAKER-FAN, SUGAR_HILL, MONEY-DEZ, RAZOR
The Don Miguel, Brian Aufderheide, Saul, LARON The Prophet of Doom, HEN1040
OOKBOY24,Craig88USC, lurker, Raymond Long, Winston Wallace, Jac, Casey
W, RC, rick bred, Showtime818lal, drturk,Rus Poole, Sheri, I_luv_LA, chann, latopia,
Ron, J.diddy. Cincy kid, larryobone, JQ, kt, Kelley811, David Cadia, KMAC, Jeremy,
Sheed, James in SB, Mase, Don Ricardo, lazNirv, shin, miroslava, TMNT mask,
liamoi, AZK, Don Hammack, mHS, LakersFan 1001, Big Boss, barry, dimo, Zingaro,
Veejay Orange County, AH, M Alam, laker fan India, Fred Flinstone, Brian,Archie
Miller, MrClutch4ever, rawr, DwntwnAtty, Nobody But me, Ivan, DRBob512,
Joon, Monaco, EEVEE, Tiger, Argos, Scott, SpiffJohnson LakeShowSam,
RoseBowlKid, Alistair, Brittney, Razdizzle, PL, RVang, OtownFace, Aisen, MJR
Eli, LARuckus, JE, AKCAY, LadyB, Ram, LakersDudeSince82, David Dorras,
- Serbia, Janeen, Robert Kirchner, blh, Steve, bcb, Jerry Ferro, Michael Dills
Yellow Fever,CInz, TITEJT, Hamlet, Rob D., Tolindoy, ASH, EnjoyTheRide
Scott, TS, Lefty, ChrisMihmFAN, ELIEZER, Nobleman76
Eli, FVBruin, Eddie Lopez, LCC, TUMANUT, JEFF, LOGAN, LTV
SKY-TIME-JONES, BUDDY-MONK, PHIL-IS-THE-LORD-OF- THE RINGS
MICHAEL COOPER => RETIRE HIS JERSEY NOW !!!!!!! PLEASE
(YOU_EVER_NOTICE.…>Holding The Line Against CHAOS) MAMBA24
*
ALL TOGETHER NOW
We’re the Freaking LA Lakers , we’ve won 14 Rings
10 of the 50 Greatest players played under our wings
We’ve had 3 Laker Dynasties, but who’s keeping score
That’s 2 better than any team & we’re working on #4
The best Winning Percentage in History, yeah that’s true
You want Hall of Fame Coaches, Check it, we’ve got two.
We got the current and future MVP in Kobe Bryant
The list of Laker greats starts with the great George Mikan
We Claim Shaq, Magic, Wilt, Elgin & Kareem
Worthty, Goodrich & Big shot Horry, we take only the cream
We Claim a Glove, A Mailman, A Logo, and a Beast
We’re coached by a 9 time Title Winner who learned Zen in the East
Chick Hearn the Legend, Broadcasted our Lakers Games
Now he’s Broadcasting from Heaven & is in the Hall of Fame
We got Sports Winningest and Best Owner in Dr. Jerry Buss
And The only one that can beat the Freakin La Lakers is us
That’s just a summary of our Resume, we don’t talk we Do.
WE’RE THE FREAKING LA LAKERS WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!!
*
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 09, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Deer...
Headlights...
Lakers in TWO!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | June 09, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Orlando thinks that going home is going to make things easier
for them tonight, but I think they have a big surprise coming.
Tonight, the Lakers will attack them like a raging herd of Yeti's
and give them everything they bargained for and then some.
It will take a monumental effort on the part of Orlando to have
any chance to win.
And if they go down 3-1, any hope of a championship will go
out of their minds, and they will lie down like lambs in game 4.
I respect Orlando enough that I think they could tough it out
tonight and win, but if they get comfortable about being at
home and let their guard down even a little, Kobe will put the
sword in and twist. And then the fat lady will be warming up
her voice.
Go Lakers
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 09, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I've been trying to hold this in, but I'm getting tired of hearing about the Celtics in any way shape or form. This year is the Lakers year. Yet, I keep hearing about what happened last year.
Man, I wish KG was healthy so we could close the deal on those 1 year wonders. There's no doubt in my mind that this year's Laker team is better than last year's Celtic team.
This is a great time to be a Lakerfan. This feels incomplete though. Vengeance must be had against the Celtics.
F the Celtics!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | June 09, 2009 at 10:27 AM
GAME DAY!!!
Nothing is better except a big "W" in the land of Mickey and friends!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 09, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I'd like to see a concerted effort tonight to TAKE THE BALL TO THE BASKET. No transition threes. No quick pull-ups. Get the ball in the post, and THEN decide what to do with it. That's the recipe for success tonight.
By the way, I believe that the Lakers win Game 3. And then the Lakers win Game 4.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | June 09, 2009 at 10:47 AM
As we travel like a hungry pack of wolves in the "other" horde's territory.
http://tinyurl.com/ktfj69
Posted by: Charles | June 09, 2009 at 10:48 AM
THANK GOD IT’S GAME DAY…
Game Day for me is like Christmas is for kids. There is nothing I hate more than waiting to be waiting to waiting to be waiting. Wait in line to buy a ticket to wait in line to get into the arena to wait in line to buy a beer to wait for the game to begin. Wait for Game Day to wait for the Game Day thread to wait for the Game Day roll call and prayer to wait for updates to wait for the Game thread to wait for the game. The anticipation just heightens.
Depending upon your point of view, anticipation can be sweet pleasure or pure torture. For Kobe and the Lakers, no matter how politically correct their comments are, you know they are starting to feel the type of anticipation that makes you lick your lips and smile. Unfortunately, the Orlando Magic are probably feeling that other type of anticipation, the scary kind that dries your mouth, buzzes your ears, and shrinks your sphincters.
Personally, I have never bought into the whole “you need to respect your opponent” mantra. I think you just need to “not” disrespect them. That’s a big difference. And that is what the Lakers are doing. They’re not saying anything to disrespect the Magic but inside they “know” that they have this championship. They’re not going to say it but to a player they believe it. They’re just going to act like champions. And crush the Magic.
The Magic, on the other hand, know they just blew a huge opportunity to make this a competitive series. That blown chance is going to haunt them the rest of this series. They know in their hearts that they probably lost the series last night. When you’re underdogs – and make no mistake, that is what Orlando is – you just cannot afford to lose a game you could have won. You just cannot afford to give a team as talented as the Lakers a second chance. But they did just that and the Lakers made them pay big in overtime.
Unfortunately for the Magic, the damage does not stop with just the one game. Down 2-0. Orlando now must win 4 out of 5 games from the Lakers in order to win the championship, which is just not going to happen. Not to the more talented, experienced, and motivated Lakers team. Orlando may salvage a game at home to avoid a sweep but the Lakers are going to go for the jugular tomorrow night and Kobe is going to cement Finals MVP.
Lakers go up 3-0 tonight. Kobe locks up the Finals MVP. Drew finally stays out of foul difficulty and gives the Lakers a glimpse of the beast he will be next year. Pau again outplays Dwight and shows who is really tough. Lamar and Trevor show everybody why the Lakers will not let either player go in free agency. Phil shows pfunk why he is going to continue to coach the Lakers for at least another 2 years. Lakers shut up the media trolls.
The Lakers Core-5 for the future: Kobe, Drew, Pau, Lamar, and Trevor.
The waiting ends Thursday night. Make your plans for a Saturday parade.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 09, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Korey,
>>> What Blitz doesn’t understand is Kobe at PG would be more tactical then "True Point"
>>> All he has to do is bring the ball up and initiate the offense from the guard spot
>>> (i.e. REST).Then, when he's ready to score he has a smaller defender on him, can
>>> use the P & R, or can switch guard spots in the triangle.
>>> He could also post up opposing PGs.
Thanks for the double-team on blitz. I actually predicted as I made the post that it would be blitz who would respond in the negative. The point is that the Triangle Offense does not need a traditional pure point guard. And with multiple players able to bring the ball up under pressure, the Triangle can even operate without a traditional point guard. In many ways, the guard positions in the Triangle are almost interchangeable, which is why I like the combination of Kobe and Trevor as our future guards.
I loved your categorizing the move as more “tactical” because that is exactly how I see it. In many ways, you are right that blitz cannot see past the labels. Kobe is actually playing more and more like a point guard in the Lakers scheme. It’s really all about who is going to initiate the offense and with the Lakers, the best option is usually Kobe. It gives him the freedom to make the decision as to whether to score or facilitate. Call it point guard or point forward, it’s all about putting the decision making in the hands of your best player.
>>> The discussion is how to evolve Kobe so as to ease the wear/tear and still harness
>>> the mamba. But Blitz is too busy arguing and as "stuck in wet dreams" insults to
>>> even participate in the speculation. His loss.
Exactly. It is obvious that if Drew, Pau, and Lamar continue to grow as the dominant front court in the league and Derek Fisher gets older that the Lakers will need to address the point guard position. Frankly, it is probably doubtful that Jordan or Shannon will become the starter because they really are more role type players. We may draft a new point guard or trade for someone or decide to shift Kobe’s role as part of the evolution of the team. I think that makes better sense than giving up a key player to get a point guard with comparable skills, even if one was available.
Our best five players who will be paid the most and will be the core of the team going forward are Kobe, Pau, Drew, Lamar, and Trevor. So why not devise a starting lineup that utilizes them. As I said, it is my fantasy dream team and may never happen but to say that the idea is ridiculous and without merit is a typical blitz knee-jerk reaction.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 09, 2009 at 10:52 AM
If I were going to allow the Lakers 1 loss to the Magic, it would be tonight. HOWEVER, judging by the team's focus, the Magic will have to play a near perfect game tonight to get the win. The Lakers love a challenge and they'd (and we) would love nothing more than to win the opening game in Orlando. Talk about silencing a crowd from the jump.
No Mercy! Go get #3. Let's go Lakers!
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 09, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Does anyone know if they are showing the game tonight at Staples on the Jumbo-tron?
Posted by: Matt | June 09, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Look, although it could have been one of the greatest last second plays in finals history by SVG and Courtney the mask Lee. It wasn't. And now we gotta wonder how a rookie who hits 1 fg during the course of the game gets a play drawn up for him at the end of the game. Lewis makes that shot, Turk makes that shot. Championship teams have to take advantage of their mismatches and their opportunities during the course of each game, and by missing out on those gimmes, often that leads to, 'thats all she wrote'. Ask the Lakers how that 24 point lead loss at home against boston worked out.
The series is over in 5, and I don't feel bad for the Magic. I'm happy for dwight, svg and the magic organization but... that it boys. We aint the cavs.
Posted by: johnnyboy | June 09, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Rollcall, check. Prayer from Utz, hopefully coming shortly. Game 3, in just a few hours. Win #3, in the Team of Destiny's hands. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 09, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I have a Snaky suspicion that the Black Mamba and his disciples will lead a cold blooded reptilian effort to strike the DAGGER tonight in the Magic Kingdom. The same way they did during game 6 of the Denver series. I am looking forward to seeing this good road team show up tonight and snaking away whatever little hopes the Magic fans have. COLD BLOODED STYLE.
LakeSHOWsam aka Black Mamba Disciple SIGNING OUT!!!!!!!!! shout out to MAMBA24 for pumping up the LAKERNATION.
Posted by: LakeSHOWsam | June 09, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Longtimelakerfan
......like a raging herd of Yeti's....
I think Jon K used to be a Yeti Shepperd, made Yeti cheese, and sold it to the people of Shangri-la?
I'm just having some fun Jon K, don't hurt me.
Fatty - Who knows if he can get Jon K to laugh while scowling, the Lakers chances of winning increase by 23%.
Posted by: Fatty | June 09, 2009 at 11:07 AM
blitz,
>>> Get this into the heads for those people who think Kobe can play PG: He WON"T!
>>> No matter in your wet dreams you wish just because Bynum/Odom could possibly
>>> flourish. He would have to guard PG's more and guarding quick guards 100% of the
>>> time isn't the best way to keep his legs up either! Plus he's a great time scorer so
>>> while he facilitates the offense as much why would he dare give up his shot attempts?
>>> You guys fail to recognize the greatness of Kobe Bryant and instead put him in stupid
>>> ideas like if he will play the point.
Your argument does not hold water. Say, Kobe and Trevor are the Lakers guards.
Whether Kobe is listed at the 1 and Trevor at the 2 really makes no difference on whom they would guard. In my dream scheme, I would have Trevor hound the point guards and have Kobe guard the shooting guards against most teams. Against the Celtics, I would probably switch that and have Kobe guard Rondo and Trevor take Ray Allen.
The issue is that we are not going to get anybody to trade us Chris Paul, Deron Williams, or Derrick Rose; we are not going to get the draft rights to Ricky Rubio; and we probably do not have a top quality point guard in Jordan Farmar or Shannon Brown. And if we win the championship this year, we will want to keep our core of Kobe, Drew, Pau, Lamar, and Trevor. So how do we solve the problem of replacing Derek Fisher who will be 36 next year and getting the most benefit from and extending the career of Kobe Bryant?
The answer is to consider changing his role to fill the hole we will have a point guard. With Drew coming on and Pau and Lamar showing new toughness, it is obvious that the team is going to more and more pound the ball inside, which means that our need for Kobe to be a top level scorer will diminish. Moving him to point guard merely gives him a role that better fits the team’s needs and gives Kobe a chance to shine in other areas instead of just being the team’s leading scorer. Playmaking and defense would supplement closing games and reinforce Kobe’s role as the team’s leader, not to mention leveling the playing field in his competition in the media with LeBron, another superstar who is almost a point guard.
With all due respect, blitz. Does all of the above really sound like “stupid” ideas to you?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 09, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Charles
Florida has NEVER experienced an Earthquake.........but will tonght.
"We will, we will, Rock you!!"
Posted by: Fatty | June 09, 2009 at 11:10 AM
CELTICS?? WHO ARE THEY?? QUIT LIVING IN THE PAST. THE LAKERS ARE THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE!!! DY-NASTY BABY!!!!!!!!!! KG WILL BE THE NEXT T-MAC, THEIR FRANCHISE IS 1 AND DONE. WE ARE BARELY WITNESSING THE EMERGENCE OF DREW. KAREEM'S BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB B/C I SEE A POST GAME THAT DWIGHT DOESNT EVEN HAVE.
SHOWTIME.
Posted by: LakeSHOWsam | June 09, 2009 at 11:12 AM
No Mercy! Go get #3. Let's go Lakers! Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 09, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Go get them EastCoastJessie! Usually after a bad or poor game by the Lakers, the next one is a blow out so I think Game 3 is all but assured a Laker Win. so as JustAnotherMambaFan says: WE GO THIS!!!!
Larry(mamba24)
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Put your trust in Mitch Laker Tom and you just
might have your Core-5 still together next year.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:13 AM
I worry a bit about tonight's game. Kobe should be better than he was in game 2, but the Laker bench still hasn't done anything of note, and if bench players are notorious for having huge home/road splits, what the heck can we expect from them in Orlando? Shannon Brown has come back to earth. And is Sasha even still alive? I doubt that Hedo and Lewis have huge games again, but they have a lot of guys that are waiting to bust out, and at home is the right place to do it. I mean, the Magic point guards can't lay eggs every game can they?
Basically, I'm expecting that Orlando playing at home (improved bench play, home refereeing and fan energy) + Orlando desperation (let's face it - this game means EVERYTHING to them) + a regression to the mean (on both sides) is going to equal a Magic victory.
That being said, I'm sticking to my original prediction...
g1 g2 g3 g4 g5 g6
W - W - L - W- L - W
Lakers in 6.
Posted by: puddle | June 09, 2009 at 11:15 AM
TODAY IS 6-9-09.
6+9+9 = 24. ANY QUESTIONS?
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Game day Lakers fans! Prepare to unleash the Mamba!
Expect the Magic to make their shots & keep us in foul trouble at their place. Just gotta keep it close enough to close the game out in the 4th.
Run the offense. Tighten up the D. And roll players: I know it is tough on the road but tonight it is time to make a contribution.
No Mercy. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: lazNirv | June 09, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Snake,
>>> The 'Triple Towers' ain't happening. The heart of the Laker offense is KB and he
>>> is most effective with his mid-post play. The presence Triple Towers, while absolutely
>>> awesome in defense, will take away this most potent component of KB's arsenal.
With all due respect, the Triple Towers does not prevent Kobe from posting up in the paint or from getting his isolations off the pinch post on the weak side of the offense ala Jordan. The Triangle is designed so any player with a mismatch can be easily posted up. The issue in the past has been whether Lamar could effectively function as a small forward since he is best in the paint. Well, looking at how Lamar has been playing lately, that may be moot.
I don’t deny that playing the Triple Towers would probably result in fewer shot attempts and points per game for Kobe because anybody who is not blind can see that this team’s current and future strength is playing inside-out basketball. The way that Lamar has been playing lately shows that he probably is a better match to play small forward in the Triangle Offense than Trevor. The issue would be more defense against smaller players.
>>> There was a 'practical demo' of a Triple Tower during the 3Q of the All-Star game
>>> when PJ played Amare, Duncan and Yao at the same time with Kobe. KB was
>>> relegated to a jump-shooter; the lanes were just too clogged.
That is not a “practical” demo. That is a fantasy basketball front court and nothing more. Drew, Pau, and Lamar all are excellent team players and passers. All three have the ability to play in the paint and all three can hit the open 15-foot jumper. Phil currently does not want to start Lamar more because he wants him to come off the bench so that he always has two of our three bigs in the game. That is more the reason than that the Triple Towers not being able to work. And the issue if it doesn’t work has nothing to do with Kobe.
JMHO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | June 09, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Florida has NEVER experienced an Earthquake.........but will tonght. "We will, we will, Rock you!!" Posted by: Fatty | June 09, 2009 at 11:10 AM
http://tinyurl.com/ktfj69
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Vegas is cruel...they have come up with a over/under on Bynum if he gets a foul within the first 2 minutes of the game.
Posted by: BD | June 09, 2009 at 11:23 AM
LT...
Although Kobe has great passing skills, as witnessed by his 8 assists in both of the first 2 games of this series, I wouldn't want to see him as the Lakers' principal ball handler as he gets older. Handling the ball takes a lot out of a player, and Kobe has played a lot of minutes throughout his career.
Right now, Kobe, Fish and Lamar take turns initiating the offense. In fact, when Lamar is on the court, he usually brings the ball up the court, while Kobe sets up in the midpost.
It's been written to death about how the triangle offense does not need a "true" point guard. I think one of the things that make the current Lakers a championship level squad is their vesatility and flexibility in running their sets and playing their roles.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 09, 2009 at 11:24 AM
With all due respect, blitz. Does all of the above really sound like “stupid” ideas to you? Tom Posted by: LakerTom | June 09, 2009 at 11:10 AM
THEY SOUND D@MN GOOD TO ME!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Hey Mamba!
As much as I'd like to believe that this gameisn't really important to the Lakers, in reality, it is. Letting the Magic get a win on their home floor, especially the first one, might give them a sense of hope that they can win all 3 and we ain't having that.
I agree with LakeSHOWsam...after all of our bad games, we've come back and had great games. The problem is, how bad do the players think it was even when they walked away with a W?
Kenny Smith predicts a blowout win by whichever team pulls away by 10 first. Then again, he did predict the Rockets would be in the Finals. So much for that.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 09, 2009 at 11:24 AM
LakeSHOWsam aka Black Mamba Disciple SIGNING OUT!!!!!!!!! shout out to MAMBA24 for pumping up the LAKERNATION. Posted by: LakeSHOWsam | June 09, 2009 at 11:07 AM
HEY!, you can't sign out now there's 6 hours to go. Lol!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:27 AM
MAMBA 24 IN THE HOUSE!!!
Any day with a rousing roll call is a good Laker day!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 09, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Thats it!
Horry on with Ireland and Mason and again stating he is rooting for Orlando...says he likes underdogs...question
Who the heck is he pissed out in the Laker Organization?
BD
Posted by: BD | June 09, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Sources indicate Lakers are focused, rested and confident about tonight. Only concern was if Sasha was going to make it back from his hair appointment in time.
Posted by: BD | June 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Fatty,
And we all know there is only one Magic entity in the NBA: #32 Johnson...
Posted by: Charles | June 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Mamba24,
"TODAY IS 6-9-09.
6+9+9 = 24. ANY QUESTIONS?"
None whatsoever.
Nice numerology, brother. All eyes on Kobe tonight.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 09, 2009 at 11:37 AM
WasSup BronxLakerFan!
Vegas is cruel...they have come up with a over/under on Bynum if he gets a foul within the first 2 minutes of the game. Posted by: BD | June 09, 2009 at 11:23 AM
You're a cruel, cruel man BD! Tonight you will see the
Beast Unleashed.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:37 AM
"Dude Illegal Defense wasn't as ENFORCED as Defensive 3 second rule today."
------------------
how does enforcing the 3 second rule have anything to do with what i'm saying? i know it may be extremely hard for you to understand any logic not coming out of your own thick skull but all i'm saying is without illegal defense today, secondary and third defenders are allowed to completely leave their man wide open and sag off towards the ballhandler ... in the old days you could NOT leave your man and be a roaming defender therefore one on one playermaking had a much higher premium back then
"but if Kobe couldn't get past that defense of the Celtics there is NO WAY he would have gotten past the Detroit Pistons/Boston Celtics of the 80's. Heck put that Lakers squad against Magic's Laker squad ooo boy, Cooper, Byron Scott, and even Rambis would make him wish he was playing against Posey instead"
--------------------------
you're right kobe doesnt have to face 6'4" ainge or dennis johnson or ehlo or starks he only has to face 6'8" artest lebron or pierce and then shootover centers way bigger taller and stronger.... but of course you're right again so you win again and lets pls move on.
"Blah Blah, as much as I love being a Laker fan and being a pro-Kobe fan I don't let my emotions get into my head when he hasn't even surprassed Tim Duncan who LED his team to 4 championships winning the Finals MVP 3 times. Going by your standard though does that mean Tony Parker winning 3 rings and 1 Finals MVP that he's better than John Stockton or Dr J."
------------------------------
again you fail to see my point.. i know any kobe to jordan comparisons are ludicrous at this point but when he wins that 4th ring without shaq then the comparisons will start and if he wins that 5th or even 6th then it will not be considered unreasonable then to consider him greater than mj...
no disrespect but I'm new in this blog and I'm just starting to learn what a complete waste of my time it is responding to any kbblitz rebuttals but for what its worth.... But dude for the love of christ what coccon are you livin in? Why don't u come join here in the real world. U might like it here.
BUT ITS GAMEDAY SO ENOUGH OF THIS CRAP
SPARTANS PREPARE FOR GLORY!
Posted by: yellofever | June 09, 2009 at 11:38 AM
BD
I think Horry's mad that the Lakers wouldn't sign him to a veterans minimum contract so he could tag along and get another ring. I believe those were the rumors a year ago.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 09, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Fatty,
Actually it was Sasquatches, not Yetis. Come on, man. Give me some credit.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 09, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Mamba24,
Nice roll call, man.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 09, 2009 at 11:40 AM
MAMBA24,
"TODAY IS 6-9-09.
6+9+9 = 24. ANY QUESTIONS?"
Classic!
Posted by: teamn | June 09, 2009 at 11:43 AM
A few observations/predictions:
1. Laker Nation's theme of "No More Mister Nice Guy" for the playoffs has now changed to "We Will Rock You" for the Finals.
2. I'm expecting Kobe Bryant to play out of his mind tonight. Why? He had an off game for Game Two. He's not going to let himself have another off game in a row. No way. I know Kobe and Kobe doesn't do that.
3. What have Kareem, Phil, Kurt, and Brian Shaw been talking about for the last couple days? Keeping Andrew out of foul trouble. I've said it before and I'll say it again: When Bynum has a good game, the Lakers have a Great game. I expect Andrew to have a good game tonight.
WE ARE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS AND WE RISE!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 09, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Big Shot Rob seems to be wedded to the Magic; it's probably for several reasons:
1) The Lakers dumped him unceremoniously several years ago
2) He's a new analyst on the job, and he's going overboard trying to look impartial
3) He works for Disney, as an analyst and as a contestant on the soon-to-debut "Superstars". No way does he want to alienate his Magic Kingdom overlords.
4) He hates Kobe?
I still love him, but I was mildly annoyed when he stated he's still rooting for Orlando.
Posted by: Tully Moxness | June 09, 2009 at 11:45 AM
johnnyboy... no one on that team except Turk probably could have made that pass. No way would Lewis have been open. It was a brilliant play, but definitely tough to ask of a rookie. Credit to Pau for making Lee alter the shot even though there's no way Pau could get there in time to block it.
A victory tonight would be so huge. Let's see one bench guy (besides Lamar) bring it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: em-k | June 09, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Mamba24, Nice roll call, man.Posted by: Jon K. | June 09, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Thank you sir, but the hell with that I wanna be like
Jon K.!!!! LOl. And where the hell is THE BANNER HOLDER
and our prayer?
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Hello Rocky, are we going to with the Celtic tonite? Is KG playing? Oh-oh, they have been eliminated a long time ago. How sweet to hear no leprechauns in the Finals?
Latest I heard they were offering Ray Allen with Baby Shaq sign and trade with Memphis for Ricky Rubio for the #2 pick. If Memphis picks up Rubio, he will just stay in Costa del Sol than suffer the humiliation at Graceland Hehe, if the leps trade for Rubio, what the use of Rondo? Here we go again, Celtic mystique turning into mistake! why not resign Starbury and Moore & sit on their 131-92 laurels as '08 Champ for the next 20 years. KG yelling ....anything is possible, anything is possible, TOP OF THE WORLD, TOP OF THE WORLD....mama. Today, he is there at the top of his house in Malibu cleaning the roof. LMAO!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 09, 2009 at 11:54 AM
NO HOPE. DESPAIR DESPAIR DESPAIR. You let them get your foot off their throat they will come back and bite.
LAKERS BRING DARKNESS TO ORLANDO! THE LIGHT WILL SHINE IN LA!
LET'S GET THIS THING DONE LA LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Laker Justice | June 09, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Sources indicate Lakers are focused, rested and confident about tonight. Only concern was if Sasha was going to make it back from his hair appointment in time. Posted by: BD | June 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Stop it!! Stop it I say. Oh the Hair, Oh the Humanity!! Lol!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | June 09, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I remember the sense of relief and exhilaration I felt when Kobe hit that big three point shot late in game 3 in the Denver series. That shot was HUGE...it took back the HCA for that series, and it took the heart out of Denver's fans and out of the Nuggets. Even though they tied the series in game 4, the Nugs were done after game 3.
Tonight is a similar opportunity for The Show....it's winning time!! Time to take their hearts!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
CLOSE THE DEAL!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | June 09, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Kenny Smith predicts a blowout win by whichever team pulls away by 10 first. Then again, he did predict the Rockets would be in the Finals. So much for that.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | June 09, 2009 at 11:24 AM
EastCoastJessie, funny you should mention Kenny the Jet Smith and his predictions... I live in Texas and am friends with a bunch of scrubs from Houston. It made me cringe to see Kenny on TNT referring to his Rockettes as "PitBULLS". I love Kenny, I believe he's one of the best Analysts/Commentator on TV, but I nearly choked on my DIET COKE when he says that the Rockets will win the World Championship if they won Game 2 in LA after beating LA in game 1. So after LA whooped some "CRUTCH CITY" ass.. (I call them CRUTCH CITY instead of CLUTCH CITY b/c they are all on crutches and they use excuses as a crutch b/c they suck), I tormented the rockets fans that IF their players were pitbulls, then KOBE is like Michael VICK b/c he owns them all.... they then responded saying GOOD ANALOGY and that Kobe belongs in Jail for Rape. Not to be outdone w/ their scrubby wits, I countered saying, I agree, Kobe deserves a lifetime in JAIL for Raping their franchise during his entire career.
GAME.
SET.
MATCH.
VICTORY.
"I DROP 40 ON A DOUBLE TEAM, THEN I DROP 81 ON ANOTHER TEAM. "
"I went to Beijing and came back with da bling,who dey want,dey want Kobe,and what he want,he want the trophy,the victory,and da glory,no Shaq,no Robert Horry,now break em off,Kobe break em off,Yea!,U better be ? Yea,just give him the ball and hell take it all,Yup,or hell probably be dishing it to Gasol,Yea,or give it to D Fish on the wing,Yea,or just let Ariza do his thing"
-LIL WAYNE.
LakeSHOWsam aka THE BLACK MAMBA DISCIPLE IS ASKING WHERE ARE THE OTHER BLACK MAMBA DISCIPLES...!!!!! make SOME NOISE!!!!!
Posted by: LakeSHOWsam | June 09, 2009 at 11:55 AM