Meditations on Denver as an Imaginable Playoff Opponent
by DexterFishmore on Mar 1, 2010 9:30 AM PST
in Editorial
158 comments
A conference finals clash with the Denver Nuggets is starting to feel inevitable to me. It's not, as you know, actually inevitable. It's maybe not even likely. If the Nuggets meet the Lakers in the playoffs, it could just as easily happen in the second round. But the way these teams come together on the court, how their respective strengths and weirdnesses alchemize into quality ballage, has my brain contemplating Denver's emergence as the chief in-conference foil for the latter-day Lakers.
In current Laker cosmology, Denver might occupy an orbit similar to how the early- to mid-80s Milwaukee Bucks circled the Bird-era Celtics. That is, as a customary late-playoff opponent just good enough to give you a fright but not good enough to beat you. A more or less worthy adversary that history eventually forgets because who ever cares who loses in the conference finals.
Denver's alignment of talent is concerning in some respects. As we saw again yesterday in the Lakers' 95 to 89 win, the Lakers don't have the point guards to keep up with Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson. Derek Fisher trying to defend either one of them is a tasteless joke, and Jordan Farmar, though significantly better, isn't likely to get 30 minutes a game no matter how much he deserves it. In last year's playoffs this wasn't as much a problem because Denver used the appalling Anthony Carter as Chauncey's backup. Lawson shrinks the starter-to-bench dropoff, if he doesn't erase it completely. It was a little stroke of luck, probably not decisive but an advantage all the same, that he could play only six minutes yesterday because of his shoulder injury.
Count me among those who've become genuinely impressed with how Arron Afflalo defends Kobe Bryant. He's still another major upgrade from the May 2009 edition of the Nuggets. Back then George Karl ran Dahntay Jones and J.R. Smith at the Kobester. Afflalo is much stronger and more disciplined. He keeps his feet underneath him and is admirably resistant to Kobe's head fakes. A few good efforts does not a Kobe-Stopper make, but Afflalo's a guy Karl can assign to Mamba Duty with confidence that he won't embarrass himself or require frequent double-team help. That's a nice asset.
The big-man matchups these days are largely the same as in 2009. One thing that Nene is really good at, I've increasingly noticed, is sliding into the gaps of the Laker defense when Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol leave to contain penetration. He does this thing where he lurks almost literally behind the basket until his guy wanders off, and then quickly makes himself available for the dumpoff. He and Billups can do a lot of damage that way. Thankfully, the Nuggets seem to forget about that option for stretches. Long stretches that commonly entail a great many J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin jump shots.
The Lakers have made some improvements of their own, natch. I mean.... Ron Artest, man. Ron Motherfucking Artest! On its own, it's easy enough to appreciate his defensive dominance yesterday. But when you remember how Trevor Ariza got muscled so often by Carmelo Anthony last May, you appreciate Ron's skill set all the more. That's not meant as an insult to Trevor; he's just not the grappling streetfighter that Ron is, and it's the latter quality that's imperative against the Nuggets. Guarding Carmelo requires someone who can anchor, who can stall his drives and post-ups with gravitas.
What comforts me most about Denver as a future playoff opponent is their collective glass jaw. They play with verve and intelligence when the bell goes off, but they're bad at taking a counterpunch. In this they're the inverse of the Lakers. The Lakers play on even keel, which is alternately infuriating and reassuring. When you want them to go Hulk Mode and pummel an opponent into dust, they seem to relent. But when we fans are panicking, they keep their heads about them. It's absolutely a Phil Jackson-transmitted character trait.
The Nuggets are more easily toppled off their equilibrium. When the Lakers throw a run at them, they tend to break their offense. They foul more. They start double-teaming Kobe, which never works. They don't have the Lakers' in-game stability and commitment to system.
The Nuggets are that drunk-ass belligerent at the bar, the one who's been there since 2:00 in the afternoon and is looking to take offense at whatever you say. Yeah, you have to keep your head on a swivel around him. He's likely to take some wild swings and one or two might connect. But with a coolheaded approach and decent aim with your punches, it needn't be more than a forgettable skirmish.
Follow Dex on Twitter here.
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This was evident in the last few minutes of the game
The Nuggets played as if they were down 7 points with a minute to go, instead of only 3 points down.
If you’re a fan of the Lakers, you know that 3 points with a minute to go is not insurmountable, and that you can keep playing basketball, but Denver seemed to panic and go for the homerun shot, quickly taking the suspense out of a close game. They went “all-in” with a minute to go, and lost.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Yep
And Memphis, except he hit those two big threes
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Yah they looked beat and I feel that is their downfall, they go to the extreme to compete then when that is match they are done.
Old saying One Mans High Is another Mans Low, with Denver you can subsitute words like Thug, trash talker Tatoo boys etc.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 1, 2010 2:51 PM PST up reply actions
Kobe's game may need to change some
When matched up against a good young defender like Afflalo, and he is smart enough to recognize that. Maybe Kobe will play more within the triangle offense if he feels more limited physically, but the guy’s still a winner and will do what it takes to win.
Last year the Western Conference playoffs played tougher than expected, but I’m not sure if that was the Lakers not playing as intensely as they should have or the other teams stepping up. This year going in the West seems tougher going in, but we’ll see how it plays once the second season starts. At this point the Home Court throughout the finals is still a reachable goal and would be a great benefit this year.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
I like this new coinage
From http://theassociation.blogs.com/the_association/2010/02/a-little-late-but-lakers-finally-show-up-in-a-big-game.html (from the Credits at SS&R)
Defensive three-in-the-key should now be called the Bynum rule.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Oh my god he will never live that one down, he better get of his a$$. Also how about ESPN calling LeBron La brink
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 1, 2010 2:55 PM PST up reply actions
Anyone would agree
that the Lakers are the favorites in the west. I think George Karl’s absence seemed to affect the Nuggets last game. Yeah, Chauncey is a leader, but when it comes to preventing K-Mart from ‘throwing’ jumpshots, and preventing J.R. Smith from doing knucklehead plays, Karl is the man.
Regarding Artest, battling against the Nuggets is where he will prove his worth. As much as the Cavs has traded for Shaq to counter Dwight Howard, Artest can be the Lakers’ Melo stopper (and for other good SF or SG or PF for that matter).
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
Yes, intimidation is one of the keys to domination and victory.
Not sure what you mean by Karl's absence
George Karl was coaching against the Lakers
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Really?
My bad.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell
Yes, intimidation is one of the keys to domination and victory.
by Marjun Raposon on Mar 1, 2010 11:53 AM PST up reply actions
Good article
Cheers for Ron-Ron! Best. Game. Ever (as a Laker). Cheers for the bench? LO and Pau saved the day when Kobe became the facilitator.
Jordan is a huge mismatch against Billups’ strength and offensive savvy. Not likely to see him much until the speedier Lawson comes into the game. More likely to see Brown.
I think that the one thing that Denver has that is their biggest foe is themselves
They are a group of players who play good as a team when they are all doing well and killing someone. But the moment they get the sense that they might lose they get rattled. The Lakers comeback was a perfect example. Their demeanor as a team changes when they feel the pressure. They are one of the most talented in the league but when the playoffs start there is too much pressure for them to handle. The only one who can remain calm on that team is Billups. But that’s it.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Mar 1, 2010 11:35 AM PST reply actions
Flashback
Is it just me or does this Nuggets team remind anyone of the Old Portland team when they had Sheed Bonzi Pippen and company? Probably one the most talented Rosters put together but could never claim the Big prize, and like this Nugget team if they would have gotten past the Lakers i have no doubt they would have won it all….That’s what Denver has to look forward to for the next few years, talent all over he place but eventually falling to the Lakers and crudhing their dreams…It’s good to be a Laker Fan……you know i cant finish this post without my obligatory Bench Fisher Bench Fisher Bench Fisher rant lol
Kobe isnt good, he's just better than your favorite player
lol @ the bench fisher comment
but I do think you are pretty close to comparing them to the Portland team of the past.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Mar 1, 2010 11:54 AM PST up reply actions
The only thing I want to gripe about is Kobe's finger.
He’ll have his moments where he finds the right shooting touch like against Memphis. Then in yesterday’s game, Kobe’s shooting was a crime scene. There was no touch on the ball at all. Every jumpshot looked like a missile. I just wish his broken right index finger would heal already.
I'm not sure what to gleen from this one game about Denver
but I do know that if the Lakers played the same way they did in the 2nd half, they’d be unbeatable.
As for Denver, they’re still a highly deadly opponent. Their poor shooting could have just been an off night as the first two games against the Lakers, they shot like crazy, but that could also be because the Lakers weren’t playing well.
But I do believe that Denver is one of those teams that gets their confidence and swagger from beating teams into submission. If you can plant that seed of doubt in their minds, it will seep into the their conscious and play to your advantage.
I just hope that if the Lakers do face Denver in the playoffs, it’ll be nothing like the first two meetings between the two teams this year. Makes me miss the 2007-2008 Denver team so much more. Now that was the Denver team that would just self implode on its own. This current Denver team though, might prove us all wrong. I just hope not on the Lakers expense.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 12:40 PM PST reply actions
Most players who trash talk are weak minded players, and those that dance also.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 1, 2010 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
That's true according to psychologists
Weak minded in the sense that it’s a sign of insecurity. But it’s equally weak minded to believe it. Trash talkers have to tell you how good they are because if you believe it, it helps them believe it themselves. I don’t know how much of it is also a strategy for winning by trying to get into the head of the opponent and get them to believe so that they can back down. Michael Jordan was and still is a huge trash talker. But a journalist who covered his Hall of Fame speech noticed and seemed surprised by how insecure he is. A lot of things I’ve heard or read spoken by Jordan makes me believe he’s always been very insecure about himself and that insecurity is a lot of what drove him to be the best, to prove others wrong about him so that he could believe it himself. So in that sense, Jordan is as weak minded as any of us. He was however a strong minded in clutch situations to be able to focus on the moment, concentrate, and play in a state of meditation, aka ‘being in the zone’. Kobe has shown he’s got that ability as well.
BTW, I think the Lakers, if they haven’t already, should hire a sports psychologist to work with Andrew Bynum on his focus and Pau Gasol on calming his nerves during crunch time play, when he alligator arms his shots and misses free throws. Sports, like life, is probably something like 70% in the mind and 30% physical.
Magic made me a Laker fan.
I say that from a playing and coaching aspect in my life, psychologists are crazy and they can go to ____.
Actually I was taught it is 97% mental and 3% physical, playing in zone is the highest level on concentration I have done it many times. Bynum will get better with age or he will fail, it is all up the him to improve. Plus I never worried about guys who trashed talk me I just found a way to WIN.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 2, 2010 8:20 AM PST up reply actions
3% phsyical?
Not in the NBA, or any professional sports. It’s mental AND physical. They get so much training on the physical side of it for sure, maybe getting some coach or something would benefit them?
Let me explain, after all the training a 97-3 ratio.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 2, 2010 9:16 AM PST up reply actions
The Lakers still need to realize that Denver is very much a threat
just because they eek out a victory in essentially a must-win game at home does not mean that the Nuggets “have no chance” against them in the playoffs.
I think the key to containing the Nuggets will be holding down Billups on the perimeter and keeping him from setting up finishes for Nene and Birdman as well as stopping the outside game of JR Smith and Afflalo from doing too much damage. Melo averaging 30 in a series won’t be the end of the Lakers. When the roleplayers get involved offensively, they are much more active at the defensive end of the floor.
Of course, this is about the hardest thing to do defensively in the NBA. Kobe on Chauncey might be necessary come playoff time. That way we have guys like Shannon to throw up those amazing closeouts on shooters while Kobe at least can apply a little pressure on the pick n roll…
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
I do think talk about the Lakers being *that* much more intelligent than Denver
based on this one win and past playoff games, is disrespecting the Nuggets as a serious threat.
And while I like Pau trash talking back to the Nuggets through the media, the “no chance in playoff” talk is not very wise at this juncture …
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 1:08 PM PST up reply actions
The Nuggets definitely *are* a threat
and while it’s one thing that the Laker fanbase seems to think the Lakers will inevitably win a series because they are “just better”, it’s another thing to see that attitude reflected by the players.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Yeah, I want the Lakers players to be confident
But I also want them to be humble and not taking their opponents lightly or expect themselves to be magically handed another Finals opportunity.
I should have clarified I meant the players, not the fanbase.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 5:01 PM PST up reply actions
yeah i understood what you were saying
just sort of blubbering out my thought process, not really trying to make arguments
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
no worries, I was agreeing with you
I don’t think I’ve ever argued with you before lol I usually agree with a lot of the comments you make.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 5:26 PM PST up reply actions
Dex
You forgot to mention Shannon’s absolute refusal to fight through and go up on a screen. It’s not like Chauncey Billups hit 9 threes last time. Constantly getting caught under screen everyone knows is coming is just what we needed to raise the degree of difficulty.
http://twitter.com/wondahbap
As a UCLA bruin
I am happy to see that Farmar, Afflalo, Russel Westbrook Daren Collison and Kevin Love have all found places in the NBA. Now if only Luc Richard Mbab A Moute got some playing time…
Earl Watson seems to have carved out a decent career too
Not to mention Ariza was part of a championship team a year ago. Jrue Holiday definitely needed another year, or at least a better situation to get himself in.
I keep waiting for Farmar to take his position and run, but he just can’t seem to be consistant enough to overtake Derek Fisher who struggles.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
Now remember Guys you are not to root for the Kobe Bryant lakers-per Nesty
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 1, 2010 3:06 PM PST up reply actions
LMAO, so I've heard
I suppose I have to throw away my Nike’s too. Maybe next, I’ll have to stop buying my kids Star Wars toys too. Wow, BN must be great fodder for you guys.
I love my Lakers, always have, always will. Short of Kobe leaving the Lakers, he’s my favorite player in any sport right now. He can sell whatever shoes he wants, as long as he brings in the bling for my team, he’s alright with me.
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
who's Nesty?
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 4:58 PM PST up reply actions
The supposedly all-knowing dictator
of the Bruins Nation. According to him, Kobe should be shunned forever by UCLA fans, b/c Nike is coming out with an SC version of his shoes. weak
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
Nice Jay you are a classy one even tough we had a battle at SB nation you are true fan.
Hey Bens guys split this last weekend and we got munched I told you things would get better I’ll bet you split in zona.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 1, 2010 8:20 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks, that was a cool debate, sports and rivalries are supposed to be fun
The Basketball team’s inconsistancy is tough sometimes. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a decent run in the Pac-10 tourney. At least we finally beat sc in baseball :-p
No more raining on Bruins Nation's rainy parade, they took their ball and went home.
Yep good win in Baseball and we got you in tennis at the national indoors.
Yes you guys have the pac-10 tournament good luck and you will have to win 3 in a row, there will be only one play-in game.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 2, 2010 8:05 AM PST up reply actions
oh I see
pssh, Kobe’s a UCI guy anyways lol : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3PmFMZruXE
but I don’t think it’s been a secret that Kobe likes USC football. Basketball on the other hand … I’m not sure.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 10:16 PM PST up reply actions
Mbah a Moute is one of the best defenders in the league
He’ll find playing time.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Lakers need to understand that their opponents are getting better
Cleveland. Dallas. Denver. All of these teams have gotten significantly better over the last year. Are they better than the Lakers? No, probably not. The Lakers can’t simply “out-talent” other teams now. They will be facing some legitimate contenders come playoff time. No more Yao-less rockets that they can toy around with and count on a game seven win. The Lakers may have gotten better with Artest, but in my opinion they also got worse in some other areas.
Anyways it’s the regular season, so I don’t want to dog the team too much. It was very disappointing to see that the way the Lakers started the game last night despite hearing in their interviews pregame that they thought it was a very important matchup. Thankfully they pulled their heads out of their asses by the end, but really? Show some respect for the game…
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
ehhhh
the West was weak last season except for Denver on the come-up, who is arguably much better now. Portland was too young and injured, Houston was too injured, SA was on the way out, Dallas and NO were both “meh”, and Utah was inexplicably bad. Also, the Lakers got probably the easiest finals match-up they could have asked for in homecourt against a very young and injury plagued Orlando team (a healthy Boston team or Lebron with the HC would have been scarier). Furthermore, the Lakers approached last season humbled and hungry after being embarassed in the finals. This year, while they don’t seem to have that sense of entitlement that Boston did during their repeat quest, you can tell they are just sort of cruising along until playoffs.
Last year the problem seemed to be that the Lakers would not get up for the teams they were supposed to beat, while this year they seem to be struggling against the better teams in the league while easily handling the lower class…
I think it’s a very different situation
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
It's reversed, now that they're champions
Now they only beat up on teams that get too uppity.
At least, that’s how I rationalize the bad losses.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
wow
you make it seem like the Lakers’ winning the championship last year was nothing and instead attributed to the “bad” teams we faced in the playoffs.
I think what Justin N. is trying to say
is that when playoffs roll around, a lot of things attribute to a team’s success.
Besides being a really good team, obviously health is a major factor and luck.
You do need a bit of luck on your side to win.
Take Boston against the Lakers in 07-08, if we had had a healthy Drew back by the Finals, would the outcome be different? I think that’s what Justin was trying to say. The Lakers did get a bit lucky here and there, but then again, so do a lot of teams that make it to the Finals.
For example, Spurs-Cavs series might have been different if the Suns had made it past the Spurs and Amare hadn’t been suspended.
If Divac hadn’t swatted out the ball to Horry, would Horry have the chance for the GW? We might have seen a Nets-Kings Finals.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 4:52 PM PST up reply actions
I think that's what he is not trying to say
We would have been challenged by a healthy Celtics team? Or a Lebron team? Maybe, but the fact is the Magic beat a Celtics team without KG and a healthy Lebron team. So, it doesn’t make anything less legit and speculation like that does not need to be mentioned. Why else would you bring that up? I mean sometimes I expect perfection from the Lakers, but geez. (Note: I might vacillate on this opinion during the playoffs when I am really angry that the Lakers are not sweeping.)
Obviously the Lakers winning the championship was far from "nothing"
But really, the you have to admit the Lakers practically waltzed unchallenged through the playoffs. The only scare came when they dropped a game to Denver at home.
I think things will be tougher this year, don’t you? The West is a lot better and the Lakers may have to face a team in the finals in a situation where they don’t have the homecourt advantage.
My point is meant to echo what the team has been saying after this game against the Nuggets. Gone are the days where the Lakers can just idly sit around and wait for the moment where their supreme level of talent just takes over a game. They have to buckle down and focus, executing on both ends of the floor even when the situation isn’t exactly “dire”.
Because before they know it, those “dire” situations are going to be popping up in places perhaps unexpected.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
i agree
but you sound very worried about the Lakers chances this year. I know its gonna be more difficult but the way your saying it, you make it sound like we’re not the favorites anymore.
well
you have a reputation for being a bit of a worry wart yourself, so it doesn’t surprise me that my critical thoughts might scare you a bit.
I maintain that the Lakers are the best team in the NBA. Other teams have gotten better though and winning a title this year won’t be as easy as it was last year.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
by Justin N. on Mar 1, 2010 5:23 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
lol they dont scare me that much
i just worry over shit cuz i get caught up in the moment during games, especially against elite team. I wouldnt take my insane comments too seriously. The lakers are the best team and although its gonna be a tougher road this year, as long as they play focused, I still dont think anyone can beat them 4 time out of 7
your basically just stating the obvious
everyone knows the road is alot tougher this year. But we’re still the favorites
I guess so
but then again, that’s what 95% of all written content on this blog is :)
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
I didn't get that tone from Justin
He’s just stating the fact that teams have improved from last year and will challenge the Lakers to another difficulty level.
But really, the you have to admit the Lakers practically waltzed unchallenged through the playoffs. The only scare came when they dropped a game to Denver at home.
i dont really agree with the idea that the lakers werent really challenged in the playoffs. Houston and Denver both gave us a pretty tough fight…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Houston series
Was just a bizarre series. Either the Lakers won in a blow-out or the Rockets won in a blow-out. I wasn’t really worried because we were money at home, but I couldn’t get over the fact that that series went to 7 games.
Heh...
I think someone’s looking at the past with rose-tinted glasses. Houston damn near took LA out – and that was with a B squad.
But it wasn’t until LA faced the reality that unless they brought their ‘A’ game, Denver was going to eliminate them.
I actually thank Denver for the Lakers winning the title – I’m not sure the Finals would have gone the way they did except for the wake-up call.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
There was never really a doubt
in anyone’s minds that the Lakers would lose the Houston series after Yao went down, including the Lakers themselves. As such they played like dirt the entire time knowing that they’d win when they absolutely had to because it was inevitable. The Denver series was a bit of a challenge and I acknowledged that, but really this championship didn’t have any notably tough battles like when the Lakers went up against the Spurs, Kings, and Blazers during the threepeat.
Maybe that’s because this team is notably better? I don’t know. They were definitely the best team in the NBA that year and they proved it.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
+1
Honestly, nobody waltzes through a playoffs. Only a few teams in NBA history have ever just waltzed through a playoffs, like the 00-01 Lakers. Even that Utah series, I was doubtful of the Lakers when they almost gave up multiple 20-30 point leads.
yeah
its a rare occurrence when a team cruises through the playoffs (not including finals)
these are the are the teams in recent memory which i know did that:
2001 lakers
1996 bulls
1991 bulls
1989 lakers
1987 lakers
1986 celtics
i suppose you could include the 1983 sixers but they didnt have to play a first round back then….
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
You're right
I was wrong to say they waltz’d through the playoffs.
They COULD have waltzed through the playoffs is what I meant.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Dude, you are way off
First off, last year we did not face an “injury plagued” Orlando team. I’m not sure where in the world you got this from. In fact Jameer Nelson played the entire series against us while being out of competition against a fully health Cavs team (which won 66 games by the way), while Orlando simply destroyed the Cavs. Orlando, last year, was far better than the Cavs. That is obvious for anyone to see. And this crazy good Celtic team you are talking about, is it the same one that is getting destroyed this year with KG in the lineup? You are giving the Celtics way too much credit. The Celtics beat an injury plagued Lakers team in 08, who was playing without 2 of their championship starters in Bynum and Ariza. You got it backward.
Not to mention that Bynum is a much better player than Nelson and much more important. And Bynum was almost useless in last year’s playoffs due to his injury, while Nelson showed no signs of his injury. In fact, Nelson had better numbers in the Finals than he is averaging this year.
This is broken record. I heard the exact same stuff last year. About how the Lakers are an embarrasment to the game because they don’t come out to play, etc. The truth is that this is who they are. No team can play 100% for 82 games in the year. The Lakers will do what it takes to win.
Some facts Laker fans are forgetting. This team has the HIGHEST point differential in the entire league! We are beating other teams by a bigger average than any other team in the league. I’m not sure how a crappy no talent team can do this?
The only legitimate concern you listed was the Lakers current record against good teams. That is worrying. But that doesn’t change everything else. The Lakers currently have the best chance to win a ring.
by plyka on Mar 1, 2010 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
2nd highest point differential
Cleveland has the highest.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Mar 1, 2010 6:19 PM PST up reply actions
I heard it was the lakers
I’m not sure where i can find this information, but an announcer the other day said the Lakers were #1
And it's growing
They are beating down the Knicks right now
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Jameer Nelson was a shell of his former self
during the finals. He had hardly any impact on the series.
I’d argue that Jameer Nelson was much more important to the ’09 Orlando magic than Drew was to the ’08 Lakers. He was an all-star after all, while Drew is still far from that form. The Lakers also won a championship with Drew playing a very minor role. When Jameer Nelson was reduced to that, the Magic lost a series in 5 games.
Yeah, the Celtics beat the Lakers without Drew in ‘08, but if Drew had never gone down, we’d have never traded for Pau Gasol, thus it’s really he-said she-said stuff. Wait, what am I saying…I don’t even understand why you brought this series up. I don’t think I mentioned it at all. It sounds like you’re excusing the Lakers for losing the ‘08 finals because of injuries, but then brushing off Orlando’s injuries in the ‘09 finals, legitimizing the Laker’s win? You can’t do both man, you have to pick one or the other.
I believe I mentioned a healthy celtics team. A healthy Celtics team would have been a much greater challenge for the Lakers in the ’09 finals if, for nothing else, they had a core group of guys that had been there before and were reading to play at the highest possible level of competition. I also believe that Lebron and the Cavs with the homecourt advantage would have been tougher to handle than the Magic.
Of course, it could have been easier too. Denver could have choked to New Orleans or something and Atlanta could have advanced to the finals. I’m not trying to downplay the Lakers ‘09 championship, just trying to point out that this year it’s probably going to be higher.
Also, I take no solace in the fact that the Lakers have a high point differential. I’d rather go 12-2 against top tier teams with a +4 differential than 6-8 with +10.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
yikes @ my grammar
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
To be a Laker fan
You sure are doing your damndest to discredit the Lakers championship. Be happy with what you have or go home is my philosophy. Perhaps you’d be happier wearing a Cavs jersey since the Lakers don’t play to your oh so glorious standards. I’ll be right here repping the Lakeshow through thick and thin like a real fan should.
by wavenstein on Mar 1, 2010 7:10 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
to each his own I guess
I’m sure I’m just as big of a Laker fan, if not bigger, than you are.
If my bball analysis on a blog puts doubts in your mind about that, I’ll try not to lose too much sleep over it.
For example, excusing the Lakers from the 08 finals and then choosing to ignore the Magic’s injury problems in the 09 finals doesn’t make you a better Laker fan. But alas, that’s only my opinion…
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
and still, people are choosing to question my Laker faith rather than consider my overall point.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
They did OK against Cleveland
What Orlando should have done is play Anthony Johnson more against the Lakers.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
the magic's equivalent of derek fisher...
indeed
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
sorry
No way Nelson is more important than Bynum. First off, PGs are not more important than bigmen as a standard. Find the last team to win a championship with a PG as their best player. You would have to go back to the 80’s, since I believe Duncan is better than Parker for the Spurs. Secondly, the Magic got to the finals without Nelson, and with him lost in 5 to the Lakers. Make your own judgements. And if Nelson was a shell so was Bynum. To say that Nelson is all star level while Bynum is not is a crude joke. Nelson currently has a PER of 15, lol. 15 is AVERAGE nba player. Bynum’s PER is currently 20, and it has been at 20 or higher since the Lakers were contenders.
Next you forgot to mention that the Celtics beat the Lakers also without Ariza in 08. If Ariza did not get injured in 08, he no doubt would have had his advancement then. Instead of Ariza covering Pierce we had Vladrad covering him.
You said if Bynum wasn’t injured we wouldn’t have picked up Gasol. First, you do not know that AT ALL. If you can get a player of Gasol’s level, you do it regardless of whether Bynum is healthy or not. Secondly, what does this have to do with anything? If KG didn’t have to take a sh*t on March 15th last year, he may have not been injured —maybe, i’m not sure. What the hell does this have to do with the conversation?
You believe that a healthy Celtics team would have been of greater competition against the Lakers in 09. Great. That is a great opinion. I think everyone should agree that without Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum, the Lakers wouldn’t have even GOTTEN to the NBA finals in 09. In 08, they played without those 2 stars against the Celtics. With those 2 i belive the Lakers would have destroyed the Celtics. But so what? What does this if game have to do with anything?
Basically you are attempting to discredit the Lakers win. Of course there are a lot of ‘ifs’ we can play in any championship run. I just played one with the Celtics win in 08. I could say that “if” shaq and kobe stayed together the Spurs wouldn’t have won more than 1 ring. I could say if Jordan doesn’t retire Hakeem wins 0 rings which is FAR FAR FAR more realistic than your ridiculous assertions. I could say if Pippen gets hurt, Jordan wins 0 rings. But then again, SO WHAT?>!
You've missed my point entirely
regardless of what you think about Jameer, Bynum, et al., my point wasn’t that the Lakers won the championship easy, it was that if they’re going to win again this year it’s going to be HARDER. The West is FAR better than it was last year, and they face a potentially deadly finals opponent in Cleveland (if anyone else makes it, Lakers will be a clear cut favorite).
Really didn’t intend to get dragged into this pointless argument with you (like really, who cares about ‘08??), so I’m gonna go ahead and duck out…
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Not worried....
sometimes it feels like people forget we are the champs…we have a target on us at all time so no matter where we go and being the Lakers that doesn’t help much either so we are going to get every teams best shot. The first 2 games we had against the nuggets I feel was one of the best things to happen to us. Getting dealt with away/home in that way gave us something to draw from. Last year it was to redeem ourselves from the finals this year i think its the whole " Sure the Lakers are good but Denver believes they can beat them". We needed something to give us that little boost and for that as much as it pains to say “thank you denver” because we needed it.
Now in the second half we saw a glimpse of what can be come playoffs. but the thing is Kobe will be kobe, Artest figures to be better ( rememeber houston Artest), Odom will be the Odom we want more of…Pau(won’t be mr.nice nice) i can go on and on…dare i say a clutch shot or 2 from Fish…all this to say that when the playoffs come around and we’re all dialed in I honestly believe that we ARE that much better than the rest
by purplebloodgoldheart on Mar 1, 2010 3:27 PM PST reply actions
Nobody is really addressing how much better our big men are.
Yes, Nene has been giving us fits, but how much of that was due to weak defense and lazy rebounding? The last game showed us what Nene can do one-on-one against Drew; he takes Drew off the dribble.
Do you really think the nugs are going to be able to win a series without the offense going through Chauncy and Melo? I don’t.
Kobe had a horrid shooting night yesterday. It happens, he’s still wearing a giant cast on his finger. Affalo did great on him, but won’t hold him over a series. Artest can lock down Melo, although Melo will still get his. It’s about making the shots harder, and frustrating Melo. Kobe is still able to produce and change a game even when he isn’t making his shots. Melo has never been able to do that.
Pau vs. who? Kenyon Martin? Nope. Birdman? No way. Nene? Not gonna happen. Pau needs to step up. Nobody can guard him if the Spaniard is on.
Lamar vs. who? Same goes, nobody can contain him. He’s been huge against Denver.
Drew? When he gets going he’ll get their bigs into foul trouble.
The real threat comes from outside hot shooting and Chauncy picking us apart. Then again, when have the Lakers ever been able to deal with excellent point guards?
I see Denver having the trouble against us come playoffs. Get us fired up, they can’t handle it…
Agreed.
Get us fired up, they can’t handle it…
The beauty of the growing rivalry (and dummy spitting from Denver) is that it’s going to achieve precisely this (getting LA fired up).
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Also, Afflalo is good on D
maybe not as good as Battier, but I don’t watch Flalo enough to know. Either way, it’ll be hit and miss on games for Kobe. The game prior to this one between them Kobe shot 50% and was 11-22. So, I don’t see Flalo guarding him being a huge issue every game. That is as long as Kobe does what he did in this game and facilitates more when his shot isn’t going down.
Does Michael Finley want to play for a contender?
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/San-Antonio-Spurs-waive-forward-Michael-Finley-030110
Now I will go check PTR, Spurs Blog
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Finley could provide the Lakers with some offensive punch they need
but can he play a lick of defense anymore?
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
dont matter
we just need outside shooting desperately
Gonna go ahead and beg to differ here
do matter.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
not enought to not sign him
we need shooting more than defense anyways. He can give us 10 min a game, knock down a couple 3s and that would make up for whatever bad defense he plays. We need offense more than defense.
so basically your saying we need to get radmonovic back somehow...
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
That was awesome when Radman would guard Melo
Remember that? That was awesome.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
we did sweep them 7-0 when VladRad guarded Melo
regular season and playoffs combined in 07-08
but lord, i do not wish VladRad back. I would like the 07-08 machine back though. our 3 pt shooting is sorely lacking these days.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 4:44 PM PST up reply actions
Please explain this term....
“3 pt. shooting”
I am unfamiliar with this. Do other teams do this “3 pt shooting”?
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
they don't draw that arcing line on the court for kicks
I believe the concept is, players launch orange balls behind this line and if the ball should go through the basket, three points are awarded to the team. At times, even four points can be awarded to the team if a player is fouled in the act of shooting behind this magical line the Lakers seem not to comprehend.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 4:55 PM PST up reply actions
Ah, thanks.
I thought that line was for Derek Fisher. Kind of a point of no return. Pass this line and you must a) Pull up for a jumper, b) drive to the basket among 5 men that are much, much taller than you.
Now I understand.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
poor Fish
he really dropped off since 2008.
so sad so sad.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 10:28 PM PST up reply actions
lol all im sayin is Finley can hit the 3 pretty consistently
and nobody else on our team can. We need a consistent 3 pt shooter. Therefore we ink him up.
if Finley can defend like SV
please sign him the hell up. He probably can’t, though.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Hmmm...
I’d actually say Finley’s more consistent.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Meh, couldn't hurt
I don’t think he’ll shoot as well as he did last year, but he’ll definitely be a positive as far as our three-point shooting goes. If Walton isn’t coming back, we might need more wing depth in any case.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Nuggets are having a Laker hangover
Down at the half to the Suns 57-44
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Twelves TO's at the half
yeoouuucchhh. I bet the Suns cooldown in the second half, though
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Yes, I'm sure the Nuggets will play better in the second half, they are certainly capable
But if they don’t win, I’m blaming the refs and David Stern for favoring anyone but the Nuggets.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Yarrrr it's a big conspiracy
obviously people start talking about Denver being a contender, so Stern has to go and make those evil thoughts go away.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Well, I was right.
The Suns did cool down in the second half.
But you were wrong, the Nuggets did not play better :P
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
on b2b, it'll happen, they shouldn't lose any sleep over it
ps. Nugget fans blame the schedule makers, and who do the schedule makers apparently listen to and work for? yes, therefore the Nuggets “league-high” b2b is another sign of Stern favoring everyone but the Nuggets and hence, more conspiracy!
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 10:30 PM PST up reply actions
What are the thoughts on the Mavericks here?
Just curious as to who you think is more of a threat?
I'd say the Nuggets are more of a threat
But it’s close, and we haven’t seen much of the new-look Mavericks, but if I had to decide right now, I have to choose the Nuggets, because they’ve shown a little more grit.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
yeah. What he said..
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Mar 1, 2010 9:20 PM PST up reply actions
don't sleep on the Mavs though
They’ve clearly stepped up into a territory closer to the Lakers and Nuggets
Right now it’s like
Lakers Cleveland
-
Nuggets, Mavericks, Magic
-
-
Boston Atlanta Utah
blah blah blah etc
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
The Nuggets by a mile
Sleep on Dallas, believe me. They have 0 chance against either the Lakers or the Nuggets. Dallas is a horrible team for the playoffs. They have none of the tools needed. If they go up against the Nuggets it will be a sweep or 1 win at the most. Against the Lakers they may take it to 6 just because we are lazy. Nuggets, Lakers are far superior.
I actually think the mavs have superior talent
but they arn’t as physical and gritty as the nuggets. i haven’t watched them much lately though. how is caron butler fitting in?
Mavs always had a ton of talent
Technically that old lineup of Bass, Howard, Dirk was pretty crazy … but they just couldn’t get over the hump with that old group. So blow it up, add Marion, shift Terry to the bench, add Caron Butler and they should be making it to the 2nd rounds for sure this year. But, if they run into the Lakers or the Nuggets, I don’t seem them moving to the next round.
And I’m not sure if it’s the lack of physicality or grittiness, but more or so the reason they can’t get pass the Lakers or the Nuggets is matchups. Dallas, just still can’t match up completely with the Lakers’ front court and we all know no one matches up with Kobe on any team except maybe the Heat (Dallas does have a great advantage of Terry, just cuz he’s another quick PG)
As for the Nuggets, JR Smith matches up very well with Terry, Chauncey is superior to Kidd, Carmelo should wash out Dirk, and Birdman and Nene should handle Dallas’ front court. I’d say maybe the advantage on Dallas’ side is Butler over Martin. And maybe even Dirk over Carmelo in certain games just cuz Dirk’s a crazy good offensive player. I’d say, like the Nuggets, Dallas just needs another good defensive big man to really push them over the Nuggets and the Lakers. They’re kinda flirting with the good teams, but just not there yet.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 1, 2010 10:39 PM PST up reply actions
I don't see anyone in denver's front court being able to stop dirk
dirk is almost like a 7 foot version of kobe. when he’s hot on offense, he’s essentially unstoppable.
dallas would have troulbe containing carmelo, but butler and marion arn’t shabby defenders. caron will also be making anthony working a lot harder on the defensive end. josh howard hadn’t really been healthy these past two years. but with caron butler, the margin of mismatch at the SF will narrow.
terry and jr smith are probably a wash
billups is better than kidd at this point in their careers, but the difference is small enough. chauncy is a better offensive threat but kidd may still have the edge in terms of running plays.
plus, hayward adds length that dallas was desperately missing and dirk defense is actually pretty decent.
have you seen the way Kidd has been playing lately?
He’s hitting the three ball very consistently. I’d say it’s a wash between him and Chauncey right now, despite the fact that Billups is having a career year. Dallas is a very, very good team now with crazy depth and while they haven’t proven that they can handle the Lakers frontcourt, they showed that they were going to a much better job of it with Haywood in the mix and that was only his second or third game with the team.
Keep in mind when they beat the Lakers (full strength) they were still missing Caron Butler.
Also, Terry is just a flat out better version of JR Smith and Dirk is just a nightmare matchup for them (at least we have LO to guard him). I like Dallas a LOT more than the Nuggets on paper, but the Nuggets have a bit more cohesion and attitude to them so it’s hard for me to take a pick in a series.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
I have, it's just that
I feel Chauncey has the advantage over Kidd, despite both of their stellar playing this year. And while I love Terry, I do think JR Smith is one of those players that’ll just love showing up a player like Terry, so I expect Smith to be chucking and making a ton of 3s if the two teams should meet.
I think what I meant about Dirk and Carmelo being a wash wasn’t who could guard them or not, it’s just, these are two players that are going to score and get their 20ish points a night.
My problem with Dirk has never been his offense. I love his offense (as I mentioned above, he’s crazy good when it comes to offense), but I feel for someone of his height and caliber, his defense is at times lacking and he doesn’t rebound as much as I would like him to.
But you are correct that as of now, the greatest advantage the Nuggets have over Dallas, is their cohesion and attitude. And for certain, Dallas shouldn’t be overlooked, but despite Dallas’ additions (yes they are a very deep team), I just don’t see them beating the Nuggets in a series. Because I would add that the Nuggets might also have a psychological advantage over Dallas. While I know last year’s playoffs shouldn’t matter in this year’s playoffs, the Nuggets has been able to bully the Mavs with their trash talking and huffing and puffing.
But alas, I really should reserve judgment until April when everything’s said and done for the regular season.This is all just pure speculation on my end.
The next time the Nuggets and the Dallas meet will be march 29th, nearly a month’s time and hopefully Dallas’ team will be gelling and we’ll get a glimpse at how the teams fair against each other. Dallas will have HCA in that game.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 2, 2010 2:20 AM PST up reply actions
Good lord Lebron brings this alley oop reverse pump below his crotch
Amazing dunk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GC_IHhfRNw
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
OMG!
That man is a beast! That dunk would look awesome in a Lakers uniform.. : ) I’m just saying.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Mar 1, 2010 9:20 PM PST up reply actions
Ridiculous
74-48 at halftime?
I think the fan bases of Cleveland and L.A. are just waiting for the playoffs to start. We both have experienced that whatever meaning the regular season holds can only be discovered in hindsight, once the champion is crowned. I should probably just speak for myself here.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
I meant ridiculous in a good way
I would love it if Cleveland played run and gun, Lebron is even better in the open court. I know that wouldn’t help at all in preparing for the playoffs, but it sure would be fun to watch.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
We need to win a championship
before people will even think of looking at the Cavs regular season record each year the same way they look at the Lakers and Spurs seasons.
Me? I’m waiting for Ilgauskas to come back. Then E-ROC will see my long anticipated reaction. And I don’t want the playoffs to start until Charlotte finally wriggles out of the 8th seed. I’d pick the Cavs to beat anybody in the East…anybody…but not Charlotte.
c'mon
nobody here is fooled by that possum-esque stance. Brown will be a supreme idiot if he cannot adjust to the ’cats come playoffs time. lol at brown vs brown if it happens. like spy vs spy
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
The Bobcats
really do have their number, but I think the Cavs would actually be better against them without Shaq although Gerald Wallace will still kill.
Just saw the score
that is crazy.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on Mar 1, 2010 11:12 PM PST up reply actions
it is crazy
how bad are the knicks right now? my goodness. maybe theyre banking on the john wall sweepstakes
by heinzketchup on Mar 1, 2010 11:28 PM PST up reply actions
Haha
I was over at the denver blogs and they are hilarious. When they are winning it’s all about their talent and skill. When WE are winning, it’s because of the refs and how David Stern loves everyone but the nuggets. It was a great laugh.
"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant" - Kobe Bryant
nope
theyre completely delusional
i blame the high altitude…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Too generalized
Many fans of every team will spout the same complaints / frustrations. Doesn’t mean it’s indicative of all the fans. Surely you’re aware of what you’re implying?
implication being?
that most at Denver Stiffs are whiners?
that’s not even conjecture. That’s a fact!!
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
Oh, no no no no
None of this sarcastic drivel. You want to know why anyone says that denver blogs complain about the refs and david stern? Because your own writers are guilty of this.
Nuggstramadus was right: there was no way the Nuggets were going to beat David Stern’s preferred franchise three straight times in the regular season
And it’s the actions of the writers that represent the blog far more than the actions of the comments. Their words are kept in the archives, used on SBNation beat reports, and get promoted on other websites. When a writer makes a statement, the blog makes a statement. And besides, don’t you think the writers set the example for how the rest of the blog members behave?
1.) My sarcasm was the “Denver fans being whiners is a fact” remark. People will be called on that.
2.) I agree that bloggers can and do set the tone for commenters. But they don’t sweepingly characterize entire communities.
3.) Feinstein of Denver Stiffs is actually a very good blogger, but yeah, he injects his bias – just like any editorialist – into articles that not everybody agrees with. Do I personally believe some conspiracy is afoot to keep the Lakers successful? I’m not even sure Feinstein believes that. But do I think that the NBA profits when one of its largest market teams – the Lakers – succeeds? Well, now that’s a fact. Hence “David Stern’s preferred franchise.” It’s a potshot. This happens when people are not fans of your team. Why is this so egregious?
Whatever
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 2, 2010 12:58 PM PST up reply actions
I've gone back and forth between the blogs
and I have no problem with some, but A LOT of the people who write on there complain complain complain. Not to mention, the only people they tear down are those above them. Nobody was screaming about refs when Phx just beat them and had a +17 differential at the free throw line.
i feel a 15 game winning streak
i know we have always cut our win streaks short but look at the next 15 games
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/schedule?view=calendar&y=2010&m=03
only @ heat and @magic sound like potential for losses no one else on there can really match up with us.
i dont see us losing to the suns,raptors,thunder,rockets,spurs,wizards,t wolfs,golden state or the kings
YOU CAN PUT IT ON THE BOARD YES!
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
You might be in for a surprise.
Your games against Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, and Charlotte are on the road. I think those games have a greater potential to be losses than you anticipate.
we might as well charlotte one as a loss now.
second night of a B2B with the team probably looking ahead to orlando instead.
plus, it’s charlotte and larry brown. end of story
why are we here discussing this?
go to our own blog
"E-Coaches are heavy in here tonight! Take E-Sasha and put him on the E-bench on your fantasy league, that’ll show him!" - Jevon O
i kinda sense we might lose to the magic
just cause they want to get a little payback for last year…
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Good post.
Sometimes it’s better to read about your own team from bloggers of other teams. I can’t really say I disagree with any of it. I think Denver needs to be at least a #3 seed, but more importantly, they need to get their psychology right going into the playoffs, just like any contender needs to. Should be an interesting stretch. Tonight’s loss to Phoenix does get me a little nervy, though…
Don't worry too much about the Nugget's loss tonight
It was not only a b2b (I know Sun’s were too but Suns had HCA), it was also on the road.
Lakers 2009 Road to Redemption: TREVOR, DEREK, LAMAR, PAU & KOBE.
Play the game of which Lakers reminds you of: TA - TI, Shannon Brown - Chris Brown, Pau Gasol - Jesus, Machine - Luis Scola/Russell Brand, PJ with mustache and beard - Colonel Sanders.
by PeanutButterSpread on Mar 2, 2010 2:23 AM PST up reply actions
Certainly nothing to panic over...
…but disappointing all the same. Now’s about the time Denver needs to revert to their prior season’s successful “home stretch” mode.
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