4 keys for Lakers to secure Game 6 against Oklahoma City
With the Thunder facing elimination, the Lakers have a chance to deliver a knockout punch Friday in Game 6 and clinch the first-round series. But they're well aware Oklahoma City plans to come out swinging.
With the possibility that Denver and Utah will extend their first-round series to seven games, a Lakers victory would ensure more rest for a team that's craved it all season. But they're well aware the Jazz could advance to the West semifinals with a Game 6 win Friday night, meaning the Lakers would be locked in to play Sunday in either Game 1 of the Western semifinals against Utah or in Game 7 of the first round against Oklahoma City.
With the Lakers holding a 3-2 series lead, they can afford a loss to the Thunder. But even if Lakers Coach Phil Jackson thought the team's hunger level increased after Houston forced seven games in last year's semifinals, putting their fate in one deciding game is the last thing the Lakers want to give to the Thunder, who have made the most of their first playoff appearance.
The Lakers are fresh off a dominating 111-87 Game 5 victory over Oklahoma City, and the defending NBA champions somehow hope they can replicate the same energy that ensured a complete effort in that win. Said forward Ron Artest: "We’ve got to keep that kind of taste in our mouths."
The question is: How? Earlier this week, I highlighted the difficulty the Lakers face in replicating the same sense of urgency displayed in Game 5, because they said the effort largely stemmed from the Thunder tying the series at 2-2. But there's also the matter of how the team executes. Below the jump are four areas the Lakers must control to ensure closing the series out Friday night.
1. Manage the home crowd
Although Jackson has argued that the team should've been able to play through such a hostile environment, his players acknowledged the loud confines at Ford Center helped disrupt their play in Games 3 and 4. The noise picked up once the Thunder went on a late-third-quarter run in Game 3 after Lakers guard Kobe Bryant exited the lineup with 3:58 left to play. The noise also became overwhelming for the Lakers once Oklahoma City opened Game 4 with a 29-17 first-quarter lead, marking the Lakers' worst quarter of the series.
And it doesn't get any easier.
Demand for tickets to Friday night's game have increased since the Lakers' embarrassing Game 4 loss, and the OKC faithful plan to wear blue. When the fans did the same thing in Game 3, they looked like a bunch of rowdy Smurfs. It appears the Thunder fans know what works, and the approach isn't lost on the Lakers.
"They have one of the best home crowds in the league, so they play with a lot of confidence at home," Bryant said. "It’s going to be tough."
Yet, there's a reason Jackson believes that staving off the electric crowd "is something we should be able to sustain." He pointed to recent history to suggest that the Lakers should be able to close out the series in six games. In the 2008 Western Conference semifinals, the Lakers ended their six-game series with the Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena, where Utah had a 37-4 regular-season record. But Bryant's 34 points helped the Lakers in a game they never trailed. In the 2009 Western Conference finals, the Lakers eliminated Denver in Game 6 at Pepsi Arena with a dominating 119-92 victory. Players said at the time that the team's 11 unanswered points to start the fourth period in Game 5 proved to be the turning point in the playoffs. And the momentum largely carried over into Game 6.
There's also another variable, something that's not quantified in the box score but that is easily observable during interviews after practices and games. It's that the team's mood stays mostly levelheaded through the ups and downs of the season, which Bryant argues is the "kind of attitude you have to have."That attitude could prove instrumental against a hostile crowd. But even if the Lakers show an even keel before and after games, they've had a mixed record in responding to on-court adversity. And with the Thunder on the brink of elimination, Lakers guard Derek Fisher expects the intensity to go beyond the strong cheers from the stands.
"Whether you’re at home or on the road, when you’re facing elite athletes, pro basketball players, and you’re in a position where their season could be over by losing one game, I don’t think there’s any question you’re going to get their best effort, the highest intensity," Fisher said. "And it’s a matter of what kind of game are you prepared to play, what kind of game you can figure out to put together to counteract all the things they’re going to do well — the crowd, they’re going to shoot the ball well, they’re going to play hard. It really comes back to what we do, and that’s what we need to focus on."
2. Get off to a strong start
Of course, quieting the home crowd largely depends on what happens on the court. And there's no better way to do that than to set the tone early.
"You’ve just got to control the game," Lakers forward Lamar Odom said. "We control the tempo of the game. We do that by keeping pressure on them offensively and defensively, limiting our mistakes. If we can do that, we’ll be all right."
Case in point, the Lakers' Game 1 victory partly had to do with the fact that they opened with the first quarter with a 27-13 lead. At the time, the Lakers appeared in championship form, a characteristic they didn't often show in the final weeks of the season. Meanwhile, the Thunder appeared tentative and tight, perhaps a product of the team playing in its first playoff game. So even if OKC kept pace with the Lakers the rest of the way, the Lakers enjoyed holding the lead the entire game.
It was a much different case in Game 2, which featured 12 lead changes. But with the Lakers ending Game 2 with a 95-92 victory, there's no question their 26-18 first-quarter lead benefited them in the end. Even though Oklahoma City's 29-17 first-quarter lead in Game 4 and the Lakers' 31-16 first-quarter lead in Game 5 largely set the tone in those respective games, that doesn't mean a quality start yields an automatic win. Case in point, the Lakers opened Game 3 with a 10-0 lead, but fell apart in the second half.
Said Jackson of Game 3: "We couldn't sustain it."
Still, with the Thunder eager to duplicate its Game 4 effort, the Lakers can't afford to risk playing catch-up."It’s all about emotion and adrenaline and doing everything you can to make sure you don’t get off to a bad start," Fisher said. "So for us, it will be a matter of standing up in the face of that surge that’s going to come at the beginning of the game. You can expect it; there’s no doubt about it. And it’s just a matter of how prepared we are to stand up in it, face it, deal with it, and then pace the game in the way that works best for us."
3. Get back on transition defense
This factor led Bryant to compare the Thunder to "deer" and the Lakers to "elephants." Lakers center Andrew Bynum reiterated this factor over and over again when reporters pressed him for explanations regarding the Lakers' Game 4 loss. And Jackson spent most of Thursday's practice going over this factor.
It's an issue that has been much talked about during the Lakers' first-round series against the Thunder. Oklahoma City, led by speedy guard Russell Westbrook, burned the Lakers with 72 transition points in the series' first four games. The reasons for the Thunder's dominance on the break went beyond the team's speed and athleticism. The Lakers failed to get back on defense. Though the Lakers boast a significant height advantage in Bynum and forward Pau Gasol, the Thunder out-rebounded the Lakers in Games 3 and 4. And despite the Lakers' poor outside shooting, the team continued to fire away from three-point range, going 28 of 99 (28%) in the first four games.
OKC didn't have the same effectiveness in Game 5, scoring only seven fast-break points, thanks to the Lakers' rebounding advantage (45-42), the team's shot selection (42 of 78) and Bryant's defense on Westbrook, who scored 15 points on only four-of-13 shooting. Though Bryant believes the Lakers' transition defense entails the "biggest thing we have to carry over," it remains unclear if the Lakers can produce that same effort.For one, OKC has likely prepared for Bryant matching up with Westbrook, a defensive assignment that threw the Thunder off, given Bryant's assorted range of injuries (arthritis in right index finger, sore right knee and sprained left ankle). Though Jackson and Bryant noted in Wednesday's practice that they planned to stick with the Bryant-Westbrook matchup, the Zen master said Thursday that the strategy will "depend on the type of game it is."
"We worked on a lot about getting back on defense and organizing ourselves quickly," Jackson said of Thursday's practice. "If we can make them have to take a half-court game and put it in play, walk the ball up the court and set themselves up for either their action for [Kevin] Durant or their screen rolls with Westbrook, [Jeff] Green, et cetera, we’ll be out ahead in this game."
4. Play to your strengths
It's been a long time since the Lakers put together a win as convincing as Game 5. In fact, the Lakers hadn't won by double digits since a 122-99 victory over Indiana on March 1. Although Gasol couldn't exactly recall the last time the Lakers had put together such a solid effort, after Game 5 he wasn't at a loss of words for why dominating performances have been largely absent this season.
"It’s been a while that we put in such a good effort as we did tonight," Gasol said. "All around, offensively, defensively, moving the ball, playing the way it made us champions last year. If we can keep the direction we’re going right now, we’ll be in good shape."
Of course, there's been a misperception that any time Gasol talks about ball movement and better balance, he's suggesting he wants more touches and that Bryant doesn't pass the ball enough. That couldn't be further from the truth. There's been times when Gasol has suggested that, but more of his criticism regarding the offense has pointed to team chemistry.
With the current state the team is in, the Lakers should follow the blueprint they set out in Game 5. That featured Gasol and Bynum combining for 46 points in the paint. That indirectly opened the offense up and enabled Artest (six of 11) and Fisher (three of six) to have a much better showing. And that was all possible because Bryant embraced a facilitating role, dishing out seven assists while finishing with a respectable 13 points on four of nine shooting.
I've read plenty of articles and heard plenty of arguments suggesting that the Lakers need to have Bryant shoot more if they're to win an NBA championship, almost suggesting that Bryant's facilitating role is something that's insulting to such a scoring machine. It's a ridiculous argument on so many levels, and you only need to watch the Lakers-Thunder series to understand why.
It doesn't matter so much if Bryant is a facilitator or a scorer; it's more how he fits in the context of the game. There may be some nights he'll be needed to score a lot, maybe even hit a game-winner. But there may be some nights he'll be needed to simply orchestrate the offense.
Fans who feel offended that Bryant's being locked in as a "facilitator" are hypocritical, because they're instead locking him in as a "scorer" when, in fact, he's both. Also, the argument that Bryant can't play aggressively without scoring is unfounded too. Bryant played incredibly aggressive in Game 5 and left the biggest imprint on the game, despite his modest stat line. When to embrace which role really depends on what's happening in the game and, quite frankly, how he's coping with his assorted injuries.
Still need more proof? In Games 1 and 5, the Lakers played their best games with Gasol and Bynum getting most of the production, while Bryant directed the offense. Bryant played the hero in Game 2 by scoring 15 fourth-quarter points, but as is often the case, he did that to bail out an ineffective offense. That scoring mentality ultimately cost the Lakers in Game 3, and Bryant's apparent attempt to involve the bigs in Game 4 at the expense of his own shots doomed the Lakers as well.
So the Lakers shouldn't be getting Bynum and Gasol inside early just for the sake of it, as they did in Game 4. They should be doing it because it allows the triangle to run most effectively, leading the opposition to pick their poison between points in the paint, an aggressive Bryant or open perimeter shots that are more likely to go in with everyone feeling in a rhythm. That's exactly what happened in Game 5. To be fair to Bryant, he's largely embraced his evolving role in the offense this season, but there have been times, such as in Game 3, when he's reverted to old habits. Nonetheless, Bryant has clearly stated that he doesn't feel he needs to carry the team."If I didn’t have Pau, Andrew and the crew that I have, I’d score 45 each night," Bryant said after Game 5. "Then everybody would say [I shoot] too much. I have a great crew. I don’t need to do that. I can pick my poison so that when I get in the paint, teams have to make choices. If they play me, I’ll kick it to my guys and they’ll score. Then they’ll have big nights. If not, then I’ll have a big night. Simple as that."
And perfectly tackling the offense will help satisfy what Jackson believes is the key to the game, saying it's "really about who imposes whose will." While the Thunder thrives off fast-break points, the Lakers thrive in half-court sets. That approach resulted in OKC shooting only 31 of 84 (36.9%) from the field in Game 5. But establishing that philosophy first entailed establishing that inside presence.
"I think we know where we’re going to get our shots," Odom said. "Try to get the ball inside as much as possible. And when the ball gets kicked out from the post, try to get middle penetration and kick it back to the wing for open shots. If we do that, we’ll be all right."
-- Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Top photo: The Lakers huddle on the court late in the fourth quarter as they try to rally against the Thunder in Game 3 in Oklahoma City. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times.Second hoto: Oklahoma City fans chant "Beat L.A." prior to the start of Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals. Credit: Alonzo Adams / Associated Press
Third photo: Kobe Bryant goes to his left hand to loft a shot over Oklahoma City center Nenad Krstic during Game 4. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Fourth photo: Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook elevates above Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant for a shot in the lane on Sunday. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Fifth photo: Pau Gasol puts down a dunk in front of Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka in Game 5. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Less threes = less long rebounds = less fast breaks = easier to get back on transition defense = more better good.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 30, 2010 at 08:18 AM
Less threes = less long rebounds = less fast breaks = easier to get back on transition defense = more better good.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 30, 2010 at 08:18 AM
You forgot
less Fisher = better team = easier wins.
Posted by: Magia32 | April 30, 2010 at 08:25 AM
Offensive team movement = increased ball movement = shifting defensive priorities = open angles = easier entry pass into the post = full utilization of Lakers size advantage = more better good.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | April 30, 2010 at 08:25 AM
I'm not saying no Fisher, I'm saying less Fisher. Way less.
Posted by: Magia32 | April 30, 2010 at 08:26 AM
PREACH JON K, PREACH!!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 08:26 AM
Even the most rabid fans, and these fans are the definition of that, can't hollar through a consistent 10 point deficit and that's what's they'll be dealin' with.
Weather the early storm and let experience and a better roster take it home.
We're movin' on tonight.
Posted by: VMan | April 30, 2010 at 08:32 AM
IT IS NOT THAT COMPLICATED...
--All the rambling about floor-balance, counter-moves of strategy, controlling tempo, blah-blah-blah is just the side salad to the main course.
--The meat and potatoes of the meal is EFFORT ON D and ACTIVITY ON O.
--EFFORT ON D means working hard... PERIOD
--ACTIVITY ON O means moving without the ball... NOT standing and watching.
Anyone who has ever played competitive basketball knows that the most difficult opponent to slay is the one who is full of effort and activity. OKC could play a GREAT game tonite and still lose, if the Lakers play with EFFORT and ACTIVITY.
Mike
Posted by: LakerMIKE | April 30, 2010 at 08:39 AM
Weather the early storm and let experience and a better roster take it home. Posted by: VMan | April 30, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Early Storm? EARLY STORM! GOD@#@$%^%& VMAN!! We're The Freakin World Champion LA Lakers, The Destroyers, Death, Shatterer of Worlds. Made whole by The Master of KobeJu!!
WHERE IS THIS DOGMEAT THUNDER!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 08:40 AM
--EFFORT ON D means working hard... PERIOD, Posted by: LakerMIKE | April 30, 2010 at 08:39 AM
*
Now tell me the truth Laker Mike. FAITH told you to say that didn't she? Lol! Just playing with you Bro,don't mean no harm. Excellent observations you made and...OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!
mamba24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 08:43 AM
GAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmme DAY!
Finally, let's knock these young upstarts on their collective keister! Let's show the world how Champions respond. Let's win tonight!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | April 30, 2010 at 08:47 AM
@MAMBA 24 . . .
Is there ANYONE more enthusiastic, supportive and downright contagious in spirit than YOU?!?! Even your stabs and jabs evoke Laker spirit!
WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!!
Mike
Posted by: LakerMIKE | April 30, 2010 at 08:50 AM
WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!! Posted by: LakerMIKE | April 30, 2010 at 08:50 AM
GOD@@#$%^^^^&&, Now i'm going to cry! Lol! Hey good thing I took another day off from work huh? LOL! Next week I promise I will dedicate myself to my career. DAMN THIS LAKERHOLISM OF MINE!!!
MAMBA24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 08:53 AM
Allright Folks, Roll Call will be delayed today. I seem to be having writers block
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 08:55 AM
interesting info from ocregister:
The good news is Jackson’s Lakers teams usually don’t lose close games in the playoffs. The bad news is, when they do lose, they often do so spectacularly.
Of the 52 postseason losses for Jackson’s Lakers, more than half – 28 – have been by double-digits. Of those 28, 17 have been by at least 15 points.
Jackson’s Lakers have lost by 39 to Boston in the Finals (2008), by 33 to Indiana in the Finals (2000) and by 28 three times – three times! – at various points in various postseasons.
There also have been these meltdowns so forgettable they cannot be forgotten:
In 2000, the Lakers had a chance to close out the Suns in Phoenix – and trailed 71-48 at halftime. Afterward, Jackson refused to answer questions, abruptly ending his “news” conference with, “Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers out there.”
Barely a week later, against Portland at home, the Lakers had a chance to go up two games to none – and scored eight points in the third quarter. Following the 106-77 loss, Jackson called the quarter “a morass.”
In the first round in 2006, in Game 7 no less, the Lakers lost 121-90 at Phoenix when Bryant attempted only three second-half shots. “We didn’t come to play,” Lamar Odom said. “It’s a shame,” Jackson added.
Then last season, in the second round, after beating Houston by 40 points at home, the Lakers went on the road, fell behind 17-1, quit and heard their coach summarize afterward, “We had nothing.”
MM,
You've got to have some of your staffers/interns come up with this info.
You can't keep getting snaked by OCregister. Don't let the surfer boys
win. You're from the city of smog, stars & angels.
Get with it Man!
Posted by: hobbitmage | April 30, 2010 at 08:59 AM
MM - you, sire, are doing one hell of a job. I was of the opinion that with the K-Bros hasty departure, we of Laker Nation would all be in serious trouble here, with no one to pick up the torch and forge ahead into the murky depths of our Lakerholism to provide us the continuity of community that we so desperately desire - nay I say NEED. However, YOU have picked that torch up. YOU have forged ahead. YOU have worked hard and improved this blog family's experience to such an extent that we can barely remember your predecessors. K-Bros??? Who are the K-Bros??? Sounds vaguely familiar.... LOL!! Thank you, sire. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Now if we could just get some more humor out of you, and a few less threads, we'd be in heaven!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:08 AM
JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN… Well, I dug out my rarely used FaceBook username and password and got ready to try to join you guys on the Live Blog but the second I clicked on the Lakers Blog page my piece of crap home computer just couldn’t handle all the freakin’ commercial links the LA Times has loaded onto the site. After a half an hour of frustration, I decided to return to the Land of the Luddites and just watch a DVD. At least with the old Live Blog app, I could browse the comments. This new app didn’t let me view anything.
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SEGEBOY… “I say 20 pts from kobe ... 8 in the 4th quarter .... and it should be on to the next round ... btw I called this crap when y'all where stressing out about our bad PG play ... I said easy, Mamba moves over to point and our crappy PGs play SG ... I love Fish but I hope he does the right thing and becomes an assistant coach next season.” Good call, Sherriff. Were this a pickup game at the gym on Saturday afternoon, Kobe and Fish would have switched places midway through the regular season. Look for Kobe to guard the opposing team’s best guard for the rest of these playoffs. That’s bad news for Deron Williams, Manu Ginobli, and Rajon Rondo.
~
Also look for Derek Fisher to surprise everybody and retire and accept an offer to join Phil’s coaching staff. Then look for Phil to stay another two years and Derek to take over as the Next Great Lakers Coach. LOL about your comments on the high price that entrepreneurs have to pay for blowing so much time on the Lakers Blog. You have to consider it a fringe benefit, Segeboy. That way you are not really stealing time from your job.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAMBA24… Nothing better than waking up to a brilliantly sunny California Friday morning on a Lakers playoff game day and being greeting by your wonderful bandwagons and roll call. As I said before, if there is any blogger who deserves their own personal bandwagon, it is you, Larry. Thanks for being there for us. And by the way, the Lakers Blog should be an official part of every company’s fringe benefits program so don’t feel like you are cheating your career. Instead, you are just enjoying the fruits of your labor. LOL.
~
With all the talk and hullabaloo that the Lakers could NOT flip that proverbial switch, most observers missed the fact that the Lakers actually DID flip the switch – with Kobe and Fish switching cover assignments. So let’s not hear any more bull crap about the Lakers not being able to flip the switch because we already did. LOL.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TIM… “It's Kwame vs Bynum. It's Luke vs Ariza. It's Smush vs Farmar all over again…I'm in favor of Fish retiring and the Lakers matching a reasonable offer on Farmar (because he's probably going to be the best value out there at our price point).” I thought that was a very well reasoned analysis of the Farmar situation. While I think Phil is the best coach in the NBA, I have to admit that his support of Kwame over Drew and Luke over Trevor were questionable at best. As a long-time Farmar supporter, I’ve been pretty disappointed at Jordie’s recent play. There was a point earlier in the year when he was blowing by other guards but he has regressed so much that I seriously doubt that he would want to stay on the Lakers if he gets any offers from other teams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JOLLY… Nice shot back at the fishy one, JR. Teachers may teach but some students are incapable of learning, We Lakerholics are all breathing a little easier now that the Lakers have flipped the switch with Kobe being the Doberman and Facilitator. Nothing like knowing your stash is going to last until the middle of summer. No more nightmares about turning on the TV and not being able to find the Lakers playoff game on the schedule.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2010 at 09:08 AM
I'd also like to see you type ONCE - just ONCE - that the LAKERS ARE AWESOME!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:09 AM
Lakers will prevail. ALL THE WAY!!!
(hope Salvatorre is not one of the zebras tonight).
Posted by: Lakergurl | April 30, 2010 at 09:11 AM
LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. THE ONE, THE ONLY, LAKER GURL , IS IN THE HOUSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Kobe can win THROUGH his team mates. He can win WITH his team mates. He can win DEFERRING to his team mates. He can win IN SPITE OF his team mates. He can win INSTEAD of his team mates. He can even win BY HIMSELF (just ask Dallas & Toronto). Champions are forged in the 4th quarter. Franchises are defined in the 4th quarter. Dynasties are cemented in the 4th quarter. Sit back & watch PJ, Kobe & Fish orchestrate this symphony we call Lakers basketball to another parade down Figueroa Blvd.@ FEARLESS
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IfIOswZa1o *
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zs_XNBibrQ&feature=related
*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXjICI9KsRY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZPRQCqxG_I&feature=related
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:16 AM
Good morning Mamba24 and the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!
GAME DAY BABY - YYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!1
OK - the switch has been flipped. The fire has been lit. The Thunder must be silenced. NOW. No excuses. No more talk. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Go for the jugular. Stomp them into the hardwood. Punch 'em in the throat. Win, go home, prepare for Round 2. That's it.
GO LAKERS!!!
Nothing but another title will suffice - Kobe Bryant
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:17 AM
Laker Tom - sorry to hear about your trouble. Bummer. It would have been great to see you make your cameo appearance! Maybe you could ask Mrs. Laker Tom for a new computer for your _____ (fill in the blank).
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:18 AM
Kobe can win THROUGH his team mates. He can win WITH his team mates. He can win DEFERRING to his team mates. He can win IN SPITE OF his team mates. He can win INSTEAD of his team mates. He can even win BY HIMSELF (just ask Dallas & Toronto). Champions are forged in the 4th quarter. Franchises are defined in the 4th quarter. Dynasties are cemented in the 4th quarter. Sit back & watch PJ, Kobe & Fish orchestrate this symphony we call Lakers basketball to another parade down Figueroa Blvd.@ FEARLESS
Fearless - I just had to repost. This has got to be one of my most favorite posts of all time. Thank you.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:19 AM
Hey Larry,
Just starting my day at work with the right vibe for tonights game.
Have I told you lately that you are my favorite poster. lol
Let the nice day be to all the Laker Nation!
Posted by: Lakergurl | April 30, 2010 at 09:21 AM
ENTER AND SIGN IN PLEASE:
LADIES & GENTLEMAN WE HAVE LAKERTOM IN THE HOUSSSEEEEE!
LADIES & GENTLEMAN WE HAVE JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN IN THE HOUSSSEEEEE!
LADIES & GENTLEMAN WE HAVE HOBBITMAGE IN THE HOUSSSEEEEE!
LADIES & GENTLEMAN WE HAVE JAMIE SWEET IN THE HOUSSSEEEEE!
*
ALL RIGHT LAKER FANS WHAT YOU GONNA DO!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqBQeRmuZQI&feature=related
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Mamba24, how'd I get bumped off the No Mercy bandwagon? I think I was 33 than you put Zaira there. I know she's better looking, but at least you could have slid me down to 37 or whatever number was available. Geez!
Posted by: Mark G | April 30, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Mamba24 - You beat me to it!!
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Great analysis MM. Now let's finish this Lakers, Mortal Combat style! NO MERCY!
I'm too excited and nervous at the same time. I hope and pray that we will come out as victors tonight. Oh and btw, I just finished reading chat log from last night and it made me LOL. This blog is truly a one gigantic dysfunctional happy family!
Posted by: J24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:25 AM
J24 - Thanks for the love. I definitely appreciate it and am glad you enjoyed the article.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 09:26 AM
*
MIKE MEDINA - BLOG GOD - THANKS - BANDWAGON
*
(01)JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - OWNER - MM - you, sire, are doing one hell of a job. I was of the opinion that with the K-Bros hasty departure, we of Laker Nation would all be in serious trouble here, with no one to pick up the torch and forge ahead into the murky depths of our Lakerholism to provide us the continuity of community that we so desperately desire - nay I say NEED. However, YOU have picked that torch up. YOU have forged ahead. YOU have worked hard and improved this blog family's experience to such an extent that we can barely remember your predecessors. K-Bros??? Who are the K-Bros??? Sounds vaguely familiar.... LOL!! Thank you, sire. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Now if we could just get some more humor out of you, and a few less threads, we'd be in heaven!
(02) HOBBITMAGE DRIVER - You've got to have some of your staffers/interns come up with this info. You can't keep getting snaked by OCregister. Don't let the surfer boys
win. You're from the city of smog, stars & angels. Get with it Man!
(03)MAMBA24- RIDING SHOTGUN - Blog God...OUT FREAKIN STANDING
(04)#4
(5) SEGEBOY - SHERIFF - Great job Mark.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:28 AM
JON K IS ZEN, HE IS "ELDER" AND ASTUTE IN HIS THOUGHTS, HIS WISDOM AS A LAKER FAN GOES BEYOND WORDS:
You are the only poster, might add the "elder' who can write one or two lines and convey such deep thoughts and emotions. Just keep spewing those ZEN like wisdom.
For example you wrote: "Less threes = less long rebounds = less fast breaks = easier to get back on transition defense = more better good."
You one of the best "elder" poster of not the best.
Posted by: In AWE | April 30, 2010 at 09:32 AM
MM… “Fans who feel offended that Bryant's being locked in as a "facilitator" are hypocritical, because they're instead locking him in as a "scorer" when, in fact, he's both. Also, the argument that Bryant can't play aggressively without scoring is unfounded too. Bryant played incredibly aggressive in Game 5 and left the biggest imprint on the game, despite his modest stat line. When to embrace which role really depends on what's happening in the game and, quite frankly, how he's coping with his assorted injuries.”
~
Other than the million threads per day that kill any continuity of discussion on the blog, your analysis of the Lakers has been laced with superb observations, intelligent insights, and sound conclusions. I also love that you are starting to become more assertive at shooting down some of the ridiculous stances that bloggers take. I’ve said it before and I think everybody on this blog agrees that you have done a great job and are without a doubt the best blog moderator we have ever had. Keep up the good work and when you see a great play by Kobe or Pau or Drew or one of the Lakers that makes your heart sing and your mouth want to cheer, just for a moment let it go. It’s a better high than booze or drugs can ever give you even if you have to do it in secret.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DFISH… I have not heard you talk about the Derek Fisher vs. Thabo Sefolosha matchup last Tuesday night. For the record, Fish scored 6 points on 3-6 shooting, 2 boards, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block in 31 minutes. Meanwhile, Thabo scored 3 points on 1-7 shooting, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, and 2 blocks in 20 minutes. That’s a matchup that actually favored Fisher. We also know what effect the Lakers “flipping” the switch had on Russell Westbrook as Kobe schooled the young future superstar point guard to the extent that he choked.
~
Look for more Kobe the Doberman and Facilitator in tonight’s close out game. Also look for Farmar and Brown to get more favorable matchups tonight because of Kobe guarding Westbrook. Going to be a long night again for Thabo Sefolosha. By the end of June, you will have to sit and watch Derek Fisher collect his 5th NBA championship ring much to your sorry chagrin. What will you be saying to Jon K and Jolly Rancher then? Nothing since your mouth will be full of crow. Time to man up and become a Laker fan rather than a hater.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAMBA… Please put my on every bandwagon that is still running. My Lakers glass is more than half full; it is now overflowing and threatening to inundate all of Northern California. The vote is in and it’s a landslide. MM has eclipsed the KamBros and the LA Times Lakers Blog has clobbered their empty Land O’ Lakers blog. No disrespect to Andy and Brian but the truth needs to be stated out loud and clear so everybody can hear it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2010 at 09:39 AM
I don't know who Mike Medina is, but that Mark Medina guy can really write!
Seriously, that was a good piece MM.
Posted by: Mark G | April 30, 2010 at 09:39 AM
@LAKERGURL, IF anybody tries to say you are not...THE ONE, THE ONLY, ORIGINAL LAKERGURL I pity the FOOL!!!!!. Lol! Thanks for the props
*
@MM, BLOG GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME KIND SIR! I know, I Know! I overstepped my bounds. But.... All my life, Can you Feel me Mark..All my life I have wanted just one thing...just ONE THING, JUST ONE THINGGGGGGG! And today Hallelujah!!! I did it brothers and sisters! I fulfilled my life's ambition! OH Glory! HEY GUYS, NEW THREADS UP! yes, yES MY GOODNESS YESSSS!! SWEET JESUS!
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Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:41 AM
Mike Medina is the new Lakers Blog honcho, often copied but never matched. He just dethroned the great KBros, another challenge from money Smith blog under the auspices of Fox West. ESPN LA, Fox West, Orange Country Register bring us more....This is our home and will protect our fort from invaders. We are the Los Angeles Times bloggers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2010 at 09:43 AM
"We are the Los Angeles Times bloggers." @ Edwin
WHO THE HELL ARE YOU???????????
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Guys thanks for the love, even if it's now calling me Mike. lol
Laker Tom - Appreciate the observations. My belief is I need to establish credibility first and observe for myself before I take a stance on something. That's why I think you're seeing an evolution in my willingness to voice an opinion about something.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Mark, Mike, MM, M/M, Marky what is in a name, we all know there is only one M. Medina.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Mamba24 - better change that bandwagon to MARK (not MIKE) LOL!! You're gonna get banned....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Edwin - Wow! I'm getting some praise from you! I might have to pinch myself
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 09:47 AM
Mark - I did NOT call you Mike. I KNOW who you are. I gave you props and it started a whole bandwagon in your honor.
That's GOT to be worth a ticket to the ASG in LA with you, right? RIGHT??? You KNOW you wanna take me!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:48 AM
*
MIKE MEDINA - BLOG GOD - THANKS - BANDWAGON
*
(01)JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - OWNER - MM - you, sire, are doing one hell of a job. I was of the opinion that with the K-Bros hasty departure, we of Laker Nation would all be in serious trouble here, with no one to pick up the torch and forge ahead into the murky depths of our Lakerholism to provide us the continuity of community that we so desperately desire - nay I say NEED. However, YOU have picked that torch up. YOU have forged ahead. YOU have worked hard and improved this blog family's experience to such an extent that we can barely remember your predecessors. K-Bros??? Who are the K-Bros??? Sounds vaguely familiar.... LOL!! Thank you, sire. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Now if we could just get some more humor out of you, and a few less threads, we'd be in heaven!
(02) HOBBITMAGE DRIVER - You've got to have some of your staffers/interns come up with this info. You can't keep getting snaked by OCregister. Don't let the surfer boys
win. You're from the city of smog, stars & angels. Get with it Man!
(03)MAMBA24- RIDING SHOTGUN - Blog God...OUT FREAKIN STANDING
(04)#4
(5) SEGEBOY - SHERIFF - Great job Mark.
06) J24 - LADYJEM24 - Great analysis MM. Now let's finish this Lakers, Mortal Combat style! NO MERCY!
(07) EDWIN GUECO - Mike Medina is the new Lakers Blog honcho, often copied but never matched. He just dethroned the great KBros, another challenge from money Smith blog under the auspices of Fox West. ESPN LA, Fox West, Orange Country Register bring us more....This is our home and will protect our fort from invaders. We are the Los Angeles Times bloggers.
(08) MARK G. I don't know who Mike Medina is, but that Mark Medina guy can really write! Seriously, that was a good piece MM.
*
*
*
Mamba24, how'd I get bumped off the No Mercy bandwagon? I think I was 33 than you put Zaira there. I know she's better looking, but at least you could have slid me down to 37 or whatever number was available. Geez!Posted by: Mark G | April 30, 2010 at 09:25 AM
I'm an idiot Mark! This Lakerholicism got me comming and going. Sorry brO!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:49 AM
MM, if you are going with Mike Medina now, I'm going to drop the G and go back to just Mark.
Posted by: Mark G | April 30, 2010 at 09:49 AM
"shameless self promoter" justa at work again
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 09:49 AM
VoteForJusta.com !!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:50 AM
Mark G - Lol I'm sticking with Mark.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 09:50 AM
It's all good Mamba24, I was just worried that I had offended you in some way, lol.
Laker's in 6! (yes I know, it's a bold prediction)
Posted by: Mark G | April 30, 2010 at 09:51 AM
justanother "shameless self promoter" mambafan here....
Just trying to stay on top of my game!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:51 AM
*
FINISH THEM WITHOUT MERCY FRIDAY LAKERS – BANDWAGON
X, X, X, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, HIT IT LAKER TOM PARADE TIME
*
(01) ADRIAN PALOMAR – OWNER - Can we please start,finish them without mercy bandwagon.I really cant wait until friday when my Lakers will kick this overhype thunder @zz again.Lakers all the way baby!!!
(02) TEAMN – DRIVER - Finish this and roll on, baby!
(03) JOVBATZ44 – RIDING SHOTGUN - !" Adrian Palomar, I'm with you brother on the "Finish Them Without Mercy Bandwagon"!!!!!!!! Larry, let's do this brother!!!!! and yes, where is NINOY?????????LOL The "Switch is officially ON". It may be too early tell, but I can sense it. We got Kobe Bryant, and you've got none. Kobe is brutal in close out games. Remember Denver last year? Orlando? "SHOW NO MERCY
THERE WON'T BE ANY GAME 7. None my friends, none.
(04) #4 – KEEPER OF DYNASTY 4 & KOBE’S 4 RINGS - Nothing like home cooking. That said, I think this closes out in the Blunderdome. The Blunder haven't had to deal with an elimination before, I think they succumb to their own pressure and inexperience to adjust. Make no mistake folks, Kobe was and still is the driving force behind the offense. Literally and figuratively. They switched Durant on to Kobe. Supposedly because of the confusion that this caused when they did so in the 2 away games. What Kobe was able to do in many of those instances was use screens set by Pau to drive. Pau would roll, setting up confusion on their part. But Kobe set that up. It wasn't back to the basket postups, where the athletic Thunder could double team. Pau showed why he's the most skilled PF in the game off that pass. Bynum was ready to be a recipient or ready to get a rebound. But the basis was and always has been Kobe.
(05) KOBE81PTS – SGT AT ARMS - Please repeat this performance in game 6 and this series is over!!!!!!
(06) ILOVEKOBE33 – REFEREE - it was a great game from the start! when they play like this there unstoppable! kobe is the best player in the NBA
(07) JEFE1010 – REVIEW OFFICIAL - Great win Lakers - take care of business on Friday night!
(08) CORNER –J – ENFORCER - Oh, the humanity! The Thunder go down in flames. Where are all the trolls? Come back punks, let's hear how the Lakers are too old, slow, & dead in the road now. Durant , Best player in basketball??? Haha. Nobody on the Lakers can stop Westbrook? Looks like Kobe punked him all night long. The Thunder are the next dynasty? More like die-nasty, stomped into the ground by the WORLD CHAMPION LOS ANGELES LAKERS. Never underestimate the heart of a champion, punks.
(09)CHICNSTU – GAME ANNOUNCER - That was an amazing display of team ball. Not only on offense but defense too, we played 48 minutes for the first time this season. I want more if that PLEASE!
(10) ALI – ALTERNATE REFEREE - The Sleeping Giant has awaken!!!! Finally and I hope they stay awake throughout the playoff series.
(11) ROBYN – ORDER RESTORER - Okay, order has finally been restored in Lakerland. Everyone can relax now and have a good night sleep!
(12) LAKERLADY – L.O.’S NUTRITIONIST - Sweet win. Lakers played great from start to finish. PJ did a great job letting Kobe guard Westbrook. DFish played scrappy D; Ron was all over the court and the two bigs were great. Lakers 'stayed thirsty', my friends. One more W to get this job done and then, NEXT!!!!GET IT DONE ON FRIDAY, GUYS!!!
(13) BENJAMIN - Kobe's manner makes it very clear. The manner of Kobe's teammates makes it clear. He's no longer ****ing around. This is some serious ish for everybody. The metagame is over. They're in the moment now. Game 6 oughta be interesting.
(14) JEANETTE - I agree with Kenny Smith, it does not matter how you win & how many wins it takes you to win a series, it is all about advancing to the next round & finally to the FINALS. Ffinish this in game 6.
(15) Nemaia Faletogo - As I've said on the game 4 game chat, the Lakers would respond & they did last night. When they play like last night, especially on defense, these Lakers are unbeatable in a 7 game series.
(16) TROY - Yes, the win was great, but I'm not satisfied, I'm still concerned. The Lakers MUST win game 6 in order to be rested and healthy for a very good Utah team. No more of the disrespect for the Game I say in game 5; all that missing fts and layups BS. Do not go into your shells just because you're in Oklahoma, Lakers. Play hard, and end this damned thing already. We have a long way to go, and the road is difficult.
(17) CALIPHILOSOPHER - am looking forward to seeing how the OKC crowd reacts for game 6. As Derek Fisher said at halftime of game 3 (maybe it was 4; I think it was 3), the crowd, with their energy, makes you want to play your best (no matter if they are for you or against you). It should be a fantastic game on Friday.
(18) J24(LADY JEM24) - That was beautiful last night! That was what we've been waiting for, the Championship caliber team, the Championship Heart and Intensity! I hope the rest of the playoffs contenders were watching, watch out bec. the REAL Champs are baaaaaaaack!
(19) KEIFO - NOW THAT'S LAKER BASKETBALL BABY!!!!!!!!!!!
(20) MAMBA24 – IT AINT OVER TILL MIKE T SAYS IT’S OVER.
(21) MTI312 - Enjoy the awakening & EXPECT them to keep it up. Kobe does a great job defending smaller shooters. Kobe on Westbrook reminded me of the Lakers/Sixers finals. Cut the head off and it's over.
(22) FAITH – DEFENSE GURU - This is how you do it. We are dominating like the world's best dominatrix. Who are we?! 16 championships LOS ANGELES LAKERS! Boo-yeah. Championship ball. OKC eat our dust! All. About. The. Love. GO Lakers! 3 down, 13 to go!
(23) JAMIE SWEET – SUB-ZERO…WINS..FATALITY - Throw me on the FINISH THEM bandwagon, puh-leaze! Can you put me down as 'Sub-Zero...wins...Fatality!' It would be sweet if Lamar had Sub Zero's freeze bomb. Now we need to finish it on the road. It would be good to send a message to whomever our next opponent is: We can take this Lake-Show on the road. We can compete at the highest level in the loudest building against maybe the most athletic team in the playoffs (Atlanta's right there, too). Besides, we've driven the stake into the vampire's heart, now we just need to cut off it's head and stuff it's mouth with garlic. What better place than Oklahoma?
(24) EDWIN GUECO – JUDGE - To all media here and outside, from now on don't ever underestimate the power of the Laker fans.
(25) LAKER MIKE -- LIKE FINE ART. . .--stand too close, and the brilliance cannot be fully appreciated --pass judgment before the masterpiece is complete, and short-change the genius of the process Nobody ever marvels at the canvas underneath the final presentation, but instead the magnificance of the finished product. This postseason run of the Lakers is like Fine Art. Wait, just wait on it, and behold the beauty!
(26) RICK FRIEDMAN - About that WITHOUT MERCY BAND WAGON. I'm in. If you had...
The Lakers season ending in April... Kobe applying for Medicare coverage in May... And Ron Artest with a one-way bus ticket back to Houston... You're OUT!
(27) MAGIA32 - Last night the Lakers clearly got The Stern Advantage. Lets hope on Friday the Lakers don't get The Stern Package!!! Did anyone see lebron fake that elbow injury, only cuz he bricked that left handed freebie. Also noticed when the game was over, james was just going to walk off without shaking hands again. Not till someone tapped him did he turn around to thank the Bulls players.
(28) CYBERCOSMIX - The coach that makes the best adjustments in a series usually wins, and Phil showed why he is the winningest coach in NBA history last night.
(29) LAILI K. – REPLAY OFFICIAL - Please put me on the FINISH THEM WITHOUT MERCY Band Wagon. Let's put them out of their misery on Friday.....\
(30) MAGIC PHIL - Regarding the refs, they always wait a little bit b4 starting their horrendous "show". Last night, WE DIDN'T GIVE THEM TIME TO EVEN START. 5 mins & we were already killing them mercyless, so they just let it go.Don't expect the same treatment friday night. It's very important for us to start the game the same way.Oh, and apparently, WE DID HIT OUR SHOTS!!!! , what a night... Oh, put me in the LETS FINISH FRIDAY BANDWAGON. Let's show these people that they should stick to their (argh) OU football
(31) TIM-4-SHOW - No Mercy.
(32) MIKE T. CHIEF STRATEGIST I’m MIKE T. Who the Hell are You Thunder!
(33) MARK G. - Mamba24, how'd I get bumped off the No Mercy bandwagon? I think I was 33 than you put Zaira there. I know she's better looking, but at least you could have slid me down to 37 or whatever number was available. Geez!
(34)ZairaAmaterasu - BLOG GODDESS - I believe that I can always believe in my Lakers, and in you, my hero Kobe.
(35) SONNY BELFAST - NEUTRAL OBSERVER - The question is: Can the Lakers muster that kind of raw energy time and again. They must, if they want to get out of the first round.
(36) YELLOW FEVER - And pls add me on that bandwagon.. Don't need to endure the stress of a game 7 right now.
(37) SEGEBOY- THE SHERIFF – “THEW CHAMP IS HERE” THE CHAMP IS HERE” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqBQeRmuZQI&feature=related
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:53 AM
Just trying to stay on top of my game!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:51 AM
Hey Justa,Stay on Top, STAY ON TOP!! YOU ARE NEVER OFF YOUR GAME BRO. PREACH ON!!!
OOOOOOH WEEEEEEEEE!! I want to be like Justa when I grow up!
Preach brother Preach!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Mamba24 - HOW did I get left off the NO MERCY bandwagon???
OK - the switch has been flipped. The fire has been lit. The Thunder must be silenced. NOW. No excuses. No more talk. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Go for the jugular. Stomp them into the hardwood. Punch 'em in the throat. Win, go home, prepare for Round 2. That's it.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 09:57 AM
It's all good Mamba24, I was just worried that I had offended you in some way, lol. Laker's in 6! (yes I know, it's a bold prediction) Posted by: Mark G | April 30, 2010 at 09:51 AM
WHEW! SWEET JESUS, Thank You Lord! Naw bro, I must have the funkiest computer in the world. Sometime it just takes off and does what it wants. I aint lying....I SWEAR!!!
MAMBA24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 09:59 AM
Yes Mamba24, Lakers should finish the job tonight. Remember the owner of Thunders, Clay Bennett the oil magnate who snatched the Seattle Supersonics and brought it to the oil sneaks Oklahomans. Supersonics was started by LA businessmen Schulman & Klein in 1966.
Lakers should eye on the bigger price and get over this hump. Playoff practices with the Thunder is over, Kobe let's get back to business. Send Westbrook, Durant and Green to fishing in the oil leaked Gulf Coast.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Lakers should eye on the bigger price and get over this hump. Playoff practices with the Thunder is over, Kobe let's get back to business. Send Westbrook, Durant and Green to fishing in the oil leaked Gulf Coast. Posted by: Edwin Gueco | April 30, 2010 at 10:04 AM
*
I say AYE EDWIN!!@!! WHO THE HELL ARE WE!!!
THE LAKERS PLEDGE: WHO ARE WE? ALL TOGETHER !!
We’re the World Champion LA Lakers , we’ve won 15 Rings
10 of the 50 Greatest players played under our wings
We’ve had 3 Lakers Dynasties and now are starting on 4
That’s 2 better than any NBA team ever had before
The best Winning Percentage in History, can’t ask for more
You want Hall of Fame Coaches, Check it, we’ve had four
We got the Finals MVP, By the name of Name Kobe Bryant
He scored more points than an entire team without even trying
He scored 81 points in a game & could have scored more
But Rings not number of points is what he plays for.
We got The Logo Jerry West & First Great center George Mikan
The Legendary Elgin Baylor & Magic Johnson the Icon.
We’ve had all great centers like Shaq, Wilt & of course Kareem
Super guards Worthy, Goodrich & Silk played on the Laker team
Karl Malone & Gary Payton, A glove & Mailman we just leased
A 10 time Title Winning Coach who mastered 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 & Best Owner, Kudos Dr. Jerry Buss
We play for Rings & Rings only , which is why teams fear us.
That’s just a summary of our Resume, we don’t talk we Do.
We’re The Freaking Champion Lakers, Who the Hell are You
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:08 AM
I know this is slightly off-topic, BUT I have to say the look on Cuban's face last night when his team got eliminated was AWESOME!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Game face ON.
I expect the Lakers to get through the initial onslaught of crowd noise -- not to mention the smoke. Did you notice how smoky it was in there Game 4? Nothing like a 12-0 run to quiet the crowd. One of the most important keys to victory? NO DUNKS BY OKC. Don't let them get the crowd excited. Don't let them get the players going. When someone drives that lane to hammer one down, you send them to the hardwood, Bynum. That's called a "good" foul in the playoffs.
The Morning Crew is on fire already. I love it.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | April 30, 2010 at 10:14 AM
We are the Los Angeles Times bloggers." @ Edwin
WHO THE HELL ARE YOU???????????
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30,
ROFLMfao!!!hahahhahhaha!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:15 AM
I love the blog spirit today. Salutations and kudos to one and all, my blog brothers and sisters.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | April 30, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Excellent job w/this piece Mark.
Lakers win this one 2night, but the Thunder shall put up a fight.
(ooh, I made a rhyme!)
"Win this one baby let's go to Sizzla'!"
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | April 30, 2010 at 10:16 AM
WELL, WELL, WELL, LaQueen wins another MVP, I must admit he was the best player in the association. But will he win the Championship MVP, ‘I don't think so’ Kobe Jellybean (aka The Weapon, Option7, The Facilitator) Bryant has something to say. Gentlemen... start your engines, Let's get ready to RUMBLE game 6, is approaching fast, let's put the babies to bed. Momma here comes that MAN; THE BLACK MAMBA will strike down and spank that @zz with a Vengeance. LAKESHOW ALL THE WAY
Posted by: 2PHATT | April 30, 2010 at 10:21 AM
MM… Come on, man. Only 1 new thread today. I want more. My boss is on vacation and the mice are playing. Now that we know your twin Mike is helping, there is no excuse for less than 100 new threads every day. What we need is a multiple-thread posting app that can post our comments simultaneously on any new threads that come up during the day. Then I won’t have to use up all of the company bandwidth keeping 50 tabs open. LOL. Just giving you a bad time, Mark. Still smarting from trying to login to the Live Blog last night. :-)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2010 at 10:29 AM
JON K IS ZEN, HE IS "ELDER" AND ASTUTE IN HIS THOUGHTS, HIS WISDOM AS A LAKER FAN GOES BEYOND WORDS: You are the only poster, might add the "elder' who can write one or two lines and convey such deep thoughts and emotions. Just keep spewing those ZEN like wisdom. For example you wrote: "Less threes = less long rebounds = less fast breaks = easier to get back on transition defense = more better good." You one of the best "elder" poster of not the best. Posted by: In AWE | April 30, 2010 at 09:32 AM
LOOK AND LEARN LAKER NATION! This is obviously a Troll who got too Close to that GOLDEN GLOW of the Lakers mystique and now he has completely lost all sense of identity. He obviously wants to be a Lakers Fan...but he is in conflict...OH SWEET JESUS, YES LORD! HELP HIM FIND HIS WAY!
Now take your little behind to school InAWE your 3rd grade teacher promised the test would be multiple choice. She said you have tremendous potential if you would just pay attention & stop saying LIKE K, If I Could be like Jon K. I WANNA BE, I WANNA BE I WANNA BE LIKE JON K…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0AGiq9j_Ak
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Laker Tom - I told you! You have to get a new computer - just ask Mrs. Laker Tom. Tell her it's for your anniversary, or birthday, or barmitzvah, or vasectomy, or christmas, or cuz if she loved you she'd get it for you.... DO WHAT MUST BE DONE!! GET ON THE CHAT!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 10:31 AM
WELL, WELL, WELL, LaQueen wins another MVP,Posted by: 2PHATT | April 30, 2010 at 10:21 AM
AW, HELL TO THE FREAKIN NAWWWWWWW!!! THIS IS WAR!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZPRQCqxG_I&feature=related
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I guess this is the MM appreciation blog. I've always said he's done a great job. I think I wore out my welcome with AK/BK, especially BK, who was vindictive towards me ever since I proved him wrong one time.
Posted by: troy | April 30, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Hey guys we got a new links post up
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM
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MIKE MEDINA - BLOG GOD - THANKS - BANDWAGON
*
(01)JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN - OWNER - MM - you, sire, are doing one hell of a job. I was of the opinion that with the K-Bros hasty departure, we of Laker Nation would all be in serious trouble here, with no one to pick up the torch and forge ahead into the murky depths of our Lakerholism to provide us the continuity of community that we so desperately desire - nay I say NEED. However, YOU have picked that torch up. YOU have forged ahead. YOU have worked hard and improved this blog family's experience to such an extent that we can barely remember your predecessors. K-Bros??? Who are the K-Bros??? Sounds vaguely familiar.... LOL!! Thank you, sire. You are a gentleman and a scholar. Now if we could just get some more humor out of you, and a few less threads, we'd be in heaven!
(02) HOBBITMAGE DRIVER - You've got to have some of your staffers/interns come up with this info. You can't keep getting snaked by OCregister. Don't let the surfer boyswin. You're from the city of smog, stars & angels. Get with it Man!
(03)MAMBA24- RIDING SHOTGUN - Blog God...OUT FREAKIN STANDING
(04)#4
(05) SEGEBOY - SHERIFF - Great job Mark.
(06) TROY SEARGENT-AT-ARMS - guess this is the MM appreciation blog. I've always said he's done a great job. I think I wore out my welcome with AK/BK, especially BK, who was vindictive towards me ever since I proved him wrong one time.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Hey guys we got a new links post up Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 10:35 AM
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There you go! THERE CAN BE BUT ONE ARBITER OF THE THREADS!
MAMBA24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:38 AM
JUSTANOTHERMAMBAFAN… “Laker Tom - I told you! You have to get a new computer - just ask Mrs. Laker Tom. Tell her it's for your anniversary, or birthday, or barmitzvah, or vasectomy, or christmas, or cuz if she loved you she'd get it for you.... DO WHAT MUST BE DONE!! GET ON THE CHAT!!” LOL. Unfortunately, Mrs. LakerTom is flat on her back after her knee operation for a torn MCL, ACL, and meniscus. They have her in a cast hooked up to an ice machine which has turned her into a raging maniac that I am trying to avoid. She’s only been in bed for 3 days now and has probably another 7 to go. Not sure if I can survive this. LOL.
~
As for a new home computer, I intend to get one in a month or two. Just can’t decide if I want to get a PC or an iPad. Still waiting for Verizon to get iPhones so I can trade in my Blackberry, although I do love the real keys. Anyway, have to go to DVR tonight. Can’t stand to watch 100 reruns of the NBA cares or LeBronze winning the MVP award. Just want to watch Kobe the Doberman shut down Westbrook for the second game in a row and DFish abuse Sefolosha like he did last game. Lakers by 30 and Drew and Pau with 20/10’s again. :-)))))
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2010 at 10:41 AM
MM… Come on, man. Only 1 new thread today. I want more. My boss is on vacation and the mice are playing. Now that we know your twin Mike is helping, there is no excuse for less than 100 new threads every day. What we need is a multiple-thread posting app that can post our comments simultaneously on any new threads that come up during the day. Then I won’t have to use up all of the company bandwidth keeping 50 tabs open. LOL. Just giving you a bad time, Mark. Still smarting from trying to login to the Live Blog last night. :-) Posted by: LakerTom | April 30, 2010 at 10:29 AM
PLEASE, PLEASE...STOP IT NOW!!! THIS LAKERHOLISM IS DANGEROUS
*
THE TAO OF LAKERHOLSM
Walking around head held high, If I didn’t know better I’d think I could fly
That’s what a Laker win does for me, I guess I’ll be addicted for Eternity
Call Me an Addict, damn right it’s true, I’m addicted to the Lakers thru & thru
This affliction I didn’t know what to call it, Justa said 24, Man you a Lakerholic
I sank to my knees tears in my eyes, Was I afraid, Hell yeah I’m not gone lie
I said Justa, how much time do I have to me, Until the end of the Last Laker Dynasty
Then suddenly I began to grin, Any fool know’s Laker Dynasties will never end
Jon K hushed me before I could speak, He asked, Mamba24 are u sure this path u seek
Being a Lakerholic involves more than Bliss, You must be ready for your family to miss
The path of the Lakerholic is harder than Zen, You feel like hell when they don’t win
When a Laker game is on TV, You will neglect your job and even your family
The only thing that means anything to you, Is how did my Freakin La Lakers do.
If they won, zoom I’m sky high, And as I said before, I feel as if I could fly
But ah young seeker, if they lost, Do not receive the news alone at any cost
At times the pain might be so strong, You’ll sit in your bed & moan, & moan
Strange words will come forth from you, Damnit to hell what’s the matter with Drue
Then this will happen I do not lie, Before you will float a magnificent thigh
If this happens to the Doc. You must go, It’s Kwame Brown fever and it’s communicable
But if your heart is pure & you seek no gain, In the morning only traces of hurt will remain
This duality of high & then low, is the Tao of Lakerholics, thru it every novice must go
Then one day watching a game, A burst of insight, will flash as bright as a flame
It will come to you, You will understand, Kobe Bryant is far more, than just a man
He’s a Laker Avatar , Sent to us, To show that the way, of The Lakerholic is just
At that moment, all seeking is thru, as these words of illumination, transform you
“Seeker your search is over & done, All Basketball teams, try to emulate this one
Lakerholism is the Sun Source of basketball Art, It gave all of Basketball it’s start
From SinanJu all Martials came, Lakerholism did likewise for the Basketball game
Your True self, reveal now I do, A Freakin LA LakerHolic, that’s who the Hell r u.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Yessssssss....finally game day!!
Hello my Laker fam. I am psyched about the Lakers newfound intensity. I just pray they don't keave it in L.A. and give this OKC team any hope of a 7th game. They key is to duplicate game 5 to the best of their abilities and make it a blow out so that we're not so stressed on a Friday night.
Hope the blog is up on time and in full force tonight. I'll be on...as soon a sI get home from class..10:30 my time :(
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | April 30, 2010 at 10:52 AM
>>>less Fisher = better team = easier wins.
here's the the deal.
In this series, Fisher is hitting 46% of his 3-pointers. No other Laker is hitting over 40% (Kobe at 38% is second best).
It's CRITICAL that someone be able to make outside jumpers. If nobody can hit their outside shots, then that allows the Thunder defense to sag down and double or triple team whoever's in the post.
So with the way things are going so far, Fisher is making a very important contribution to the Lakers. Unless someone else heats up from outside, they NEED Derek Fisher on the floor right now.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 30, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Ltlf,
Do you agree now with A LOT LESS long jumpshots Lakers are better? Fisher and Kobe NOTICEABLY put an effort of taking it inside than taking long shots in game blowout win. INSIDE-OUT!
It destroys the Thunder's momentum.
Jackson said of Thursday's practice. "If we can make them have to take a half-court game and put it in play, walk the ball up the court and set themselves up for either their action for [Kevin] Durant or their screen rolls with Westbrook, [Jeff] Green, et cetera, we’ll be out ahead in this game."
LTLF, can you say STAPLE24 was right, I was wrong.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Flagrant Fowl - I'm glad you liked the article. It was fun to write.
Thanks for all the bandwagon love guys and I appreciate the feedback
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | April 30, 2010 at 10:59 AM
jamf,
>>>>I have to say the look on Cuban's face last night when his team got
>>>eliminated was AWESOME!!
Yeah, but that was just the appetizer.
The first course is going to be Jerry Sloan's face.
The entree is going to be two-time MVP Steve Nash's face.
And the dessert is going to be the faces of Garnett, Pierce, Allen, and Doc Rivers, when they get swept in 4.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 30, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Lakers should not get excited about the crowd and stay focus on Slowing the pace down. CONSISTENTLY, RELIGIOUSLY GO INSDIE-OUT!!!
ONE THUNDER fastbreak will ignite their momentum and the THUNDER CROWD, LAKERS should KEEP IT diligently focus to slow it down, no hurrried long jump shots. Pass it inside or dribble penetration, drive and dish, move the ball, player movement and always look for inside.
KOBE the playmaker and the defensive mind setter, LAKERS win in Game 6!!!
NEXT UP:JAZZ
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:03 AM
LOL LTLF!!
You forgot PRE-dessert - where the princess cries and runs off the floor without shaking anyone's hand.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | April 30, 2010 at 11:12 AM
HEAD n SHOULDER fake will get the THUNDER athleticism in foul trouble. Gasol and Kobe used it effectively in game 5.
Used the Thunder's high energy and athletic abilty WORKING AGAINST THEM. Give them a fake shot, A fake move!!! They will come high flyin. Before a real shot!!
On defense their high energy can work against them, if you have Luke and Fisher taking charges. Kobe and Artest should do the same. Lakers should learn to take the charges.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:19 AM
PHIL should line up all the list of things to do to slow and break the THUNDER"S and crowd's momentum.
Maybe the BLOG can help make him a LIST:
1. Lakers no hurried long shots
2. Back on transition defense
3. Go after every rebound
4. Get after the loose balls
5. Defend the paint, let them make jump shots
6. Go to the free throw line.
7. Walk the ball.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Mamba24,
"That’s what a Laker win does for me, I guess I’ll be addicted for Eternity
Call Me an Addict, damn right it’s true, I’m addicted to the Lakers thru & thru"
I can feel you my man!!!
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:30 AM
>>>LTLF, can you say STAPLE24 was right, I was wrong.
LOL. What a pompous a$$.
First of all, I NEVER SAID that Kobe and Fish should take more shots and Pau and Drew should take less. We didn't have opposing points of view. I merely pointed out before game 5 that the Lakers had won the first two games with Kobe and Fish taking more shots and had lost game 4 badly with Pau and Drew taking more shots.
If you find a quote of mine where I say that Kobe should take 30 shots or something like that, then I'll happily admit I'm wrong.
Second, Pau and Drew also took more shots than Kobe and Fish in game 4. Will you "admit that you're wrong" about that game? In that game, you got what you were asking for, and the Lakers lost by 21.
So far the Lakers are 2-1 when Kobe and Fish take more shots and 1-1 when Drew and Pau take more shots. The fact is that it's other aspects of the game that make the big differences. Aspects like these:
1. Kobe guarding Westbrook
2. The Lakers trying hard for every rebound, instead of just letting Thunder players take them
3. The Lakers making a major effort to get back and prevent fast breaks.
All of those things contributed much more to the turnaround between game 4 and game 5 than the number of shots taken by anyone.
Here's MY opinion about who should take more shots: whoever has the best opportunities. If the Thunder are swarming Gasol and Bynum in the post, then they're just inviting turnovers and bad shots to force it to them every time. And in that case, Kobe and Fish and Artest need to pick it up and hit their shots. If the Thunder stay honest on defense and single cover everybody, then definitely the Lakers should dump it in to Gasol or Bynum in the post as much as possible (especially Gasol - Jeff Green has absolutely no chance guarding him).
My point was and still is, you can't obsessively focus on trying to do one thing on offense. It's a recipe for disaster. You have to see what the defense is trying to take away, and if they're successfully thwarting that (as they did in game 4), then you must recognize that and try something else.
Having good post players is huge in the playoffs. HUGE. But if you have no outside shooting, then you're making it easy on your opponent's defense. You need to make some outside shots to keep the defense honest.
Oh, and by the way, a bunch of those made baskets by Bynum and Gasol were not because they dumped the ball in to the post and let them operate. They were because KOBE initiated the offense, drove the lane, drew two or three defenders to himself and then passed to Bynum or Gasol for the open shot. It was not truly "inside-out" basketball, but rather Kobe ISO leading to a pass to a teammate.
Also, did you notice that Derek Fisher was extremely aggressive in the first quarter. Once he hit 3 of 4 shots, that forced his man to stay with him on defense, and that's part of the reason Bynum and Gasol were so successful. If Fish hadn't taken a lot of shots in that first quarter, then Bynum and Gasol would have been double teamed a lot more often.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | April 30, 2010 at 11:33 AM
@LONGTIMELAKERFAN, YOU KNOW YOU RIGHT BRO!...OUT FREAKIN STANDING SIR!!
MAMBA24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:44 AM
"That’s what a Laker win does for me, I guess I’ll be addicted for Eternity Call Me an Addict, damn right it’s true, I’m addicted to the Lakers thru & thru"
I can feel you my man!!! Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:30 AM
OOOOOOOOHHHH WEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
BUCKLE UP FOLKS!!! This is gonna be fun!!!
MAMABA24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Thunder can win too. They've shown that already. All you crazy Laker fans talking about just put away the upstarts are dreaming baby. Thunder are for real good and the Lakers are a little confused. Good luck tonight anyway, and see you back in LA for game 7!
GO THUNDER!
Posted by: Thunderboy | April 30, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Funny to see how ALL the doubters that were calling us old & proclaiming the end of OUR LAKERS are nowhere to be seen or heard from now. Nobody knows what the end result to this season will be...but I know one thing for sure... I'ma ride my Lakers til the wheels fall off... Best thing about all these bandwagon jumpers is there will be more room at Staples or the Coliseum for real fans.
Posted by: Maddy's Daddy | April 30, 2010 at 12:12 PM
"Look for Kobe to guard the opposing team’s best guard for the rest of these playoffs. That’s bad news for Deron Williams, Manu Ginobli, and Rajon Rondo. "
Kobe can't play his brand of defense against Deron Williams and Manu Ginobili. He likes to play passing lanes and dare his man to shoot. It works against guys like Sefolosha and Westbrook who can't hurt you from outside, but it would not work at all against Deron Williams or Manu.
He just can't stay with a guy that can shoot and penetrate. Westbrook is much too quick for Kobe to guard one on one but since he isn't much of an outside threat, Kobe can rush back to the middle and take his chances with Russell's jumper. Manu and Deron would be making open shots until Kobe decided to overplay. Then they could drive around him with ease. This isn't a knock on Kobe's defense, I'm just saying that a defense that may seem to shut down Westbrook won't work against other players.
Posted by: Bay to LA | April 30, 2010 at 12:27 PM
... Best thing about all these bandwagon jumpers is there will be more room at Staples or the Coliseum for real fans.
Posted by: Maddy's Daddy | April 30, 2010 at 12:12 PM
LOL, I hear you!
Posted by: mamba24 | April 30, 2010 at 12:31 PM
PHIL should line up all the list of things to do to slow and break the THUNDER"S and crowd's momentum.
Maybe the BLOG can help make him a LIST:
1. Lakers no hurried long shots
2. Back on transition defense
3. Go after every rebound
4. Get after the loose balls
5. Defend the paint, let them make jump shots
6. Go to the free throw line.
7. Walk the ball.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Posted by: Staples 24 | April 30, 2010 at 11:26 AM
=========================
Please add make their freethrows!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | April 30, 2010 at 12:46 PM
WHOA!!!
I just got accosted on the street . . . someone asked if I was MIKE MEDINA!!! I said, "NO ~ I am LakerMIKE", but the persistent troll let out a shrill and got everyone all stirred up!
Let's get that name straight!
lol
Mike
Posted by: LakerMIKE | April 30, 2010 at 01:33 PM
MM
Thanks for a rare intelligent take on Kobe. He CAN be an agressive facilitator. It forces the defense to respond to Kobe, and once they do he can pick apart the defense, going inside to Drew or Pau, finding a spot up shooter or doing it himself.
It is an ideal role for an older Kobe. He can't necessarily overwhelm defenders anymore with his athleticism, but he is triple-threat skilled. They have to defend the drive, the pullup AND the dish. The dish prevents teams from over helping on Kobe. It opens up stuff for him and for his teammates.
He should be able to score 25 per night in this role while also making all of his teammates more effective.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | April 30, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Dr. Jerry Buss should fast break to Mandalay Bay for Laker's party with fans and team travels to Utah! He should host a pool party and concert for fan appreciation gathering from his 40 million dollar profits last year. Yearly travel group and fan appreciation party in Las Vegas. Poor, Jerry Sloan, he has lost 44 straight times to Phil Jackson in Staples plus NBA finals with Micheal Jordan in Chicago a seven game series. How did Utah get 96 shots to Laker's 79? Utah averaged from 103 to 117 points per game against Denver. Williams normally has ten more points per game but Fisher must be bothering him with his defense.Will Fisher be Utah sixth man in next two games? What is point spreed for next two games so Fisher can fast break to casino bank based upon points spreeds? How much money is bet from Utah on each game in Vegas? How much money is bet from Los Angeles? Dr. Buss should be able to have great party each year based on fans betting losses. Why won't you start Walton against Utah at Center? Brynum and Gasol need a rest? You have Morrison and Walton sitting on bench for 10 million dollars per year but poor Odom lost 5 million from his contract last year, why? Laker's Party in Las Vegas!
Posted by: Donald Blaskovich | May 05, 2010 at 12:14 PM