Caught in the Web: Previewing Game 2 of Lakers-Suns series & Live Chat details with The Times' Mike Bresnahan
First, a housekeeping note. The Times' Mike Bresnahan will have a live chat on the Reader Rep blog to talk all things Lakers this Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. Wonder how the Lakers will finish out their West Finals matchup with Phoenix, or what a Lakers-Celtics Finals showdown should entail? Bresnahan will have those answers. I'll provide more details when the time approaches as far as what chat interface will be used. But for now, you can bookmark the Readers Rep blog as well as The Times' Sports home page, which will directly link to the chat.
Lakers links
--The Times' Mike Bresnahan highlights the drama Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire created by saying Lakers forward Lamar Odom had a "lucky game" in L.A.'s Game 1 victory over the Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
--The Times' Chris Erskine enjoys his time at Hyde nightclub.
--The Times' Mark Heisler pokes fun at the media's suspicion that Kobe Bryant tanked Game 7 of the Lakers' first-round loss in 2006 to Phoenix.
--The Times' Tim Rutten contends that Phil Jackson and the Lakers should denounce Arizona's new law.
--The Times' Houston Mitchell lists Wilt Chamberlain and Chick Hearn as the eighth and seventh greatest all-time Lakers.
--The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding looks ahead to a likely Lakers-Celtics Finals matchup.
--The Riverside Press Enterprise's Matt Calkins explicates the Lakers' seven-game winning streak. Calkins also annotates why the Lakers are proud to be considered lucky.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky breaks down how the Lakers exploited Stoudemire.
--ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin rewatches Game 7 of the Lakers' 2006 first-round loss to Phoenix and concludes that Bryant didn't tank the game.
--The Orange County Register's Jeff Miller wants the Lakers to fire back at Phoenix's taunts.
--The Daily News' Elliott Teaford highlights the adjustments Jackson expects the Suns to make in Game 2. He also presents how Odom is taking Stoudemire's comments in stride.
--The Orange County Register's Mark Whicker explains how Jackson has produced winning teams without having a traditional point guard.
--Ball Don't Lie's Trey Kerby features Pau Gasol's various playoff faces.
--Forum Blue and Gold's Darius credits the bench's play in Game 1.
--Silver Screen and Roll's DexterFishmore anticipates what adjustments will happen in Game 2.
Lakers.com's Mike Trudell highlights how Shannon Brown "violates air space."
Suns links
--The Times' Broderick Turner explains why the Suns have maintained a positive outlook in the series.
--ESPN.com's J.A. Adande argues Steve Nash's legacy remains pretty impressive even without an NBA title.
--The Arizona Republic's Dan Bickley believes Phoenix needs to show more fight.
--The Arizona Republic's Paola Boivin expresses intrigue on how this Odom-Stoudemire matchup will shape up.
--The Daily News' Vincent Bonsignore explains why Grant Hill is enjoying the ride to the Western Conference Finals, even it it requires the unenviable task of guarding Bryant.
--The Arizona Republic's Paul Coro explains how the Suns' plan to fix their offensive rhythm.
--Sports Illustrated's Jack McCallum outlines how Phoenix Coach Alvin Gentry has jump-started the Suns.
--Fox Sports Charley Rosen wonders whether Phoenix has the ability to limit Bryant.
--Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears reports Gentry isn't thrilled with Stoudemire's lucky comments, either.
--The Arizona Republic's Randy Young puts Phoenix's bench on the hot seat.
--Valley of the Suns' Michael Schwartz dissects how Bryant, Gasol and Odom scorched Phoenix in Game 1.
Web interview
I previewed Game 2 of the Lakers-Suns series in the video below at Don Best TV host Pat Williams.
Tweet of the Day:"I have to say I got the best fans in the world. True story! I really wish I could retweet each and every single one." -- RealLamarOdom (Lakers forward Lamar Odom)
Reader Comment of the Day:"I expect to see more luckification going on tomorrow night." -- justanothermambafan
--Mark Medina
--Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter: twitter.com/latmedina. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Lakers guard Kobe Bryant tries to drive past Phoenix guard Jason Richardson in the second half of Game 1 on Monday night. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
REPOST FOR "RED'S LOVE CHILD" BENEFIT:
Red's Love Child,
OK, So Rondo is Playing Much Better than 2008. But your Big Three are Self-Admittedly Less Than Their 2008 Selves.
Now, Here's Some Points For Your to Chew & Stew On:
1. Gasol had only 1/2 a Season with Kobe and the Lakers When He Faced the Keltics in 2008 (He's Stronger and Has Championship Blood in Him Now!!!)
2. Bynum was in Street Clothes in 2008 (He may be injured, but he's a body to deal with and Learning How to Play Through Pain!!!!)
3. Ariza had Just Come Back From a Broken Foot and Was A Non-Factor in 2008 Finals. Whereas, Artest is a Beast Defender that will Body Up Pierce (Vince Carter is NOT Artest!!!!)
4. With Artest on Pierce, Kobe Will Be On Rondo. Ask Russell Westbrook How Difficult It Was With KB24 Defending Him!!!
------------------------------------------------------
With that Said, Let's Stay On Target and Focus on Setting the Suns!!!!
Posted by: MarcB | May 19, 2010 at 01:15 PM
Justa,
Congrats on RCOTD. I'm sure your LAT blog T-Shirt, coffee mug, and autographed photo of T.J. Simers is in the mail.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 19, 2010 at 01:34 PM
The Times' Mark Heisler pokes fun at the media's suspicion that Kobe Bryant tanked Game 7 of the Lakers' first-round loss in 2006 to Phoenix.
I don't get. Why is this story even circulating around? Why does, what does is it matter today?
Posted by: Magia32 | May 19, 2010 at 01:36 PM
I WON????????????
WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
I'd like to thank all the little people that made this day possible for me. Especially Fatty who started the "luckification' train of thought.
MM - seriously though, you need to raise your standards LOL!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 19, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Rick - quiet - don't spoil this for me!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 19, 2010 at 01:38 PM
Justa - Rick is right. Those items are in the mail. ASG tickets, however, are NOT included
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | May 19, 2010 at 01:40 PM
Hey! I want a picture of Simers. I need to reline the catbox.
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | May 19, 2010 at 01:44 PM
"but maybe it would if the Suns find a way to slow them down a bit (some zone perhaps?)."
Posted by Michael Schwartz @ Valley of the suns
-----------------------------
if i remember for 2 weeks every one was talking about HOW the Lakers have to slow the Suns down
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | May 19, 2010 at 01:52 PM
MM - why would they be? I'm fully expecting a hand delivery - by YOU (or one of your lackeys)- on the ASG tickets!
VoteForJusta.com
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 19, 2010 at 02:00 PM
Kblitzanity aka half man half blogger
Sorry bout ur boy vince but where u been? Watchin videos of jordan I can fly videos or vh1 I love 80s reruns?
Don't be MIA.. We need ur expert commentary for these playoffs.. No pun intended :-)
Posted by: yellofever | May 19, 2010 at 02:05 PM
the above mentioned article has a comment that i find confusing? maybe you guys can help:
"Here is the entire list of how Phoenix can beat the Lakers:
1.) Have a hot shooting night.
Keep in mind though, that if there is any team in the NBA that can do that, it’s the Suns. Statwise, they have one of the best offenses in NBA *history*, and all it takes is two good minutes of a 15-0 Phoenix run to get the momentum to swing their way.
Is it plausible? No. But possible? Yes"
----------------------------------------------------
this is a little delusional
so my version will be:
Is it possible? NOOOOOOOOO
Is it plausible? YESSSSSSSSS
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | May 19, 2010 at 02:19 PM
When the Celtics beat the Lakers in the finals in 6 games the Reader Comment of the Day will be:
Reader Comment of the Day:"LOL!." -- mike t.
LOL!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | May 19, 2010 at 02:21 PM
JON K.,
Would I rather hang out with Lakerholics than those on the Celticblogs?
If I can be serious for a moment...I do commend that certain sense of "community" and "camaraderie" that all you devoted Laker fans have created amongst yourselves.
That`s not to say it`s absent in the various Celtic blogs {The Green Room, Red`s Army, etc.}, but it`s more fragmented. People come and go more often.
As soon as you become accustomed to a particular contributor, and his/her opinions, or style of writing...they disappear!
Plus, we have no answer for Mamba24!
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | May 19, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Red,
Niether do we :)
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | May 19, 2010 at 02:29 PM
Tonight will be the scene where fortunes change. The scene will go from bliss to darkness as the Suns awake and put doubt in the Lakers heart. "Lucky" displays are just that, lucky. Phoenix will outscore the Lakers from now on and close out the series in six games. Kobe will publicly state he regrets the contract extension and begin a feud with Gasol. Artest will become the side show circus he was again and get in trouble this summer, only with the law. Phil Jackson will permanently relocate to Montana and spoke peyote with wild coyotes who are his friends.
Posted by: Stranger In The Night | May 19, 2010 at 02:40 PM
Just what are those Stranger's smoking?
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | May 19, 2010 at 02:54 PM
Michael T:
Remember your post as I saved it as a reminder.
I am,a proud Irish Laker fan. This time the Celtic's will loooooose. Find a new band wagon 'Bro. We are weeks ahead of our self's here.
Why all the hype about you? Created by you? LA LA LA Lakers! RULE! Irish love us some Lakers!
Bring it!
M
Posted by: M | May 19, 2010 at 03:04 PM
by that logic
how was LO's performance?
plausible or lucky?
or
possible and 19-19
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhh | May 19, 2010 at 03:10 PM
Red Loves Child,
We have to disappear because blogging is only our side jobs part of the purple and gold passion. We have to make little money for our utilities and bills.
You were saying again that our team is girlie, soft what else? That's funny. In real life that's 50% softness means power too. Can you imagine what the America would be if they all look like Kendrick Perkins who is always angry? That's the problem of the Celtics, your passion is blue collar-oriented win games by pushing, elbowing, holding in the most ungentlemanly manner. Lakers are fashionable being the children of Hollywood, it's finesse game which is the art of the sport. It's cultured. Anyhow, if we meet in the Finals we will be ready for the fainting of Prez Pierce, he's Inglewood dude.
This could be the last hurrah of the Celtics. The 2 Allen may no longer be with the team next year. Next season you have only 6 players signed @ $63M total. By 2011-12, the contracts of of PP, Perkins and Davis are also expiring. They will ask for double digit inflationary increase on their contract in order to extend their stay with the Celtics. Therefore only Rondo, Wallace and KG will be with the Celtics by 2011. Enjoy them while they are still there, I told ya, you got old players, expensive high profiled mercenaries.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 19, 2010 at 03:10 PM
Little Lieutenant,
LOL! LOL LOL LOL!
LOL, LOL; LOL LOL LOL LOL!
LOL!
Little Lieutenant,
As deep as a rain puddle.
Shallow grave, undone.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | May 19, 2010 at 03:16 PM
Somehow this post just doesn't sound right
Posted by: ChicNstu
##########
Main Objective: Plant the Seed.
Phil has planted his seed in Nash.
Lamar has planted his seed in Amare.
Shannon has planted his seed in Richardson.
Today Bynum shall plant his seed in Lopez.
LOCK N" LOAD LAKER NATION!
################
Posted by: You Ever Notice | May 19, 2010 at 03:22 PM
JUSTA! Congrats for the RCOTD.
No ASG Tickets, WTH?
Posted by: Mark G | May 19, 2010 at 03:48 PM
Just a couple three thoughts:
This online community has really taken off under the guidance of MM. After a bout of uncertainty when the Kbros flew, I'd say it's better than ever. Nice job Mark.
I'm wondering what's gonna happen when Shannon completes his next tomahawk from the heavens? How viral can than dude go?
I am soooo glad it's May.
GO LAKERS ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by: Stockton Showtime | May 19, 2010 at 03:57 PM
RED'S LOVE CHILD,
"Plus, we have no answer for Mamba24!"
There IS no answer to Mamba24!
None can resist the roll call! NONE CAN RESIST!!!!
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 19, 2010 at 04:27 PM
Only another DUNK from Shannon will sufice.
Posted by: Magic Phil | May 19, 2010 at 05:42 PM