Lakers vs. Suns: A battle of diametrically opposed optimism
by C.A. Clark on May 13, 2010 8:53 AM PDT
in Editorial
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PrintReady for an impossible question? Who's riding higher right now, the Los Angeles Lakers or the Phoenix Suns?
I certainly have no idea, and it's going to make for one hell of an interesting series. In analyzing all the possible outcomes, I can't honestly take anything off the table. A Lakers sweep? Behind 21 feet of inside domination and a masterful performance from Kobe Bryant, yeah I could see that. A Suns sweep? With a bench playing better than a lot of starting units, an offensive staple (pick and roll) that is right in the Lakers weakness wheelhouse, and the best offense in the NBA, can you really rule it out? Neither one is likely, but nothing in this series can be ruled out. That's what happens when two teams who both look unbeatable square off. It's the old adage about the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. I'm not sure which one's which, and either way it doesn't matter. Something's gotta give.
Can you blame Lakers fans for thinking this one's in the bag? They've emerged from the depths of April to become the juggernaut we always thought them capable of being. Tested far sooner than in previous years, the Lakers responded to the OKC challenge with resolve. They've come up huge in two of the most intimidating environments the league has to offer, winning 3 of 5 on the road (and nearly a 4th as well). They're undefeated at home, and have the home court advantage. And their stars are playing like ... well, stars. Pau Gasol's play has scoffed at the concept of "soft". Kobe Bryant has found a perfect balance between assassin and distributor. Oh, and he also showed quickness and athleticism in the last round that we weren't sure he still had.
All the question marks that plagued the Lakers season are being aced on the final exam. Health? Not perfect, but as long as Kobe can play like he's been playing, we're in fine shape there. Complacency? I won't tell you the Lakers go 100% all the time, but sweeps don't happen when you aren't trying. Ability to shoot from outside? I wouldn't call them good from distance, but go ahead and give them a free 3 pointer and see how that goes for you. Offensive execution and ball movement? Better than its been all season.
And none of this is even touching on the obvious and substantial matchup advantages the Lakers have against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers have size that Phoenix will struggle to deal with, even if Robin Lopez can jump right back into being a serviceable pivot in the middle. Grant Hill has re-invented himself as a strong perimeter defender, but checking Ginobli when he's struggling from the outside, and checking Kobe Bryant when his entire arsenal is at his disposal are two very different things. And Phil Jackson has a history of preparing the Lakers for the Phoenix Suns better than any other coach. That's why Laker teams so far below the Suns in talent were able to give Phoenix a struggle in the playoffs a few years back. That's why the Lakers have routinely dominated the regular season matchup over the past few seasons, including this year's 3-1 mark.
If the Lakers could almost compete with the Suns while relying on Kwame Brown and Smush Parker, can the Suns keep up now that the Lakers are the ones with the talent advantage? The Lakers have the players, they have the ability, they have the form, and they have the motivation as well. Kobe Bryant hasn't forgotten losing to the Suns for two straight years. He hasn't forgotten the feeling if getting blown out in Game 7 after being up 3-1 in the 2006 playoffs. He will be looking for blood, and as he goes, so do the Lakers.
Oh, and they also happen to be the defending champs, playing like they did to win chip numero uno, and with a better knowledge than anyone of what it takes to do the deed. Good luck with that, Phoenix.
But what of the Suns fans? Can you say their optimism is misplaced? The Suns have been the best performing team in the Western Conference since the All-Star break. This isn't some small 4 game sample size where things started turning around and now they just hope to keep it going. The Lakers have been playing well for 3 weeks, but the Suns have been doing it for 3 months. A sweep is a sweep, but the Lakers often toyed with the Jazz, and needed a missed shot and tip in to preserve a game 3 victory. The Suns, on the other hand, never lost control of any game in the 4th quarter against the Spurs. Of the two teams involved in this series, it would come as a greater surprise if the Suns crapped the bed than if the Lakers did.
Phoenix responds to the Lakers matchup advantages with advantages of their own. Are you looking forward to watching Derek Fisher guard Steve Nash? Nope, me neither. If the Lakers respond by putting Kobe on Nash, Fisher could get destroyed on post ups by the bigger and more athletic Jason Richardson or Grant Hill. There's no place for Fisher to hide on defense in this series, no Thabo Sefalosha that allows him to chill for half the game. Oh, and any time the Lakers prevent the Suns from scoring in transition, the Suns staple of offensive production is the pick and roll, which has only been a weakness of the Lakers defense since the Iron Age. Throw a bench on top that is the most productive of these playoffs, as compared to a Lakers bench filled with players who have no concept of consistency.
What's more, the Suns are filled with a confidence even the Lakers can't match. They just exorcised an entire era's worth of demons, and did so in commanding fashion. The Spurs were Phoenix's nemisis, responsible for the failure and downfall of the Seven Second or Less era. Now, SSOL is reborn and the Spurs have been consumed in the ashes. You don't finally climb to the top of your own personal Mount Everest without thinking that anything is possible afterwards.
Oh, and the Suns can play a little defense now too. Not a lot, not enough that it bears out statistically in a meaningful way, but enough to allow their offensive prowess to overwhelm opponents even more than in the past. It's spearheaded by tough-nosed bench crew, led by Louis Admundsen and Jared Dudley. If you want proof, think about this: Entering the 4th quarter of the last two games vs. the Spurs, the Suns carried only a 1 point lead. They won those games by 14 and 6 respectively. So tell me, which team was getting stops down the stretch and which team wasn't. And, with the impending return of Robin Lopez, that defense will only improve over what the Suns have shown so far in the playoffs.
Clearly, both teams, and both fanbases, have every reason to be confident. One side will have their confidence validated, and one side will have theirs smashed to pieces, with the first dose of reality set to hit next Monday. In the meantime, go ahead and believe in your predicition of victory for the team of your choice. But, while you are at it, do recognize that the other side probably doesn't agree with you, and their list of reasons why is just as long, and as strong, as yours.
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As a Phoenix fan...
This is almost exactly how I feel. I have plenty of Laker fan friends who are saying that the Lakers are going to kill the Suns and plenty of Suns fan friends who say the same about the Suns. I think that anything could happen and that this is going to be a great series.
The Lakers are the better team plus they have the Kobe factor, but I truely believe that with the way the PHX bench has been playing, this series could go either way.
sorry bangbang
will be a good series but Lakers will prevail cus too much talents…if u had shawn marion in his prime, series would be closer but Lakers will prevail in 6…i am a huge Nash fan but Lakers r better team!!!!
Did you even read the post?
lol. This is your website and you aren’t even paying attention….
Reading is good...
being scolded by Suns fans on our own website
what has the world come to
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
Lakers in 5 games or less
Good write up, C.A. I think Suns’ are too freaking optimistic. They aren’t ready to be champions yet. Hell, even Gentry said this year that they’re just trying to make the playoffs, nothing more…and now they want to win over Lakers in WCF? HAhahaha It’s a ridiculous notion. It’s absurb. And it’s goddamn insulting for us Lakers fans.
I’ve also been hearing a lot about their pick and roll style too but hey, Lakers were 3-1 against the Suns in the regular season. Let’s see where their confidence will be after game 1 loss!!!
i am a huge LA fan
but damn you are just tripping with so much confidence… LA is known to drop games and get confused and stop making shots and thats when kobe comes in and either saves them or goes 10-30 with a loss… all things are clicking right now so we all are happy as soon as something goes wrong LA can drop games and all our confidence goes out the window…
i would wait at least 2 games after being so much confident
Note when that 3-1 occured.
First two games were 2nd of back to backs for the Suns whereas the Lakers had at least 3 days in each instance. The third game PHX won. The 4th is probably the best barometer for the series. Lakers won it but not in convincing fashion. Season records dont mean anything in this.
Reading is good...
I with you
But then, I don’t think the past is a great indicator of the future, except when it comes to human personalities, but even then, you will be surprised once in a while.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
True enough.
In this case, I think the Lakers will play like the past. Well. But I also think the Suns will as well. I guess it comes down rto who performs better what they have been successful at doing all season. Lakers have the record and talent. So maybe its them. We’ll see.
Reading is good...
I'm hoping to see this again:
KOBE WANTS REVENGE
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
I wont be able to see this though:
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
by LakersFoEva on May 12, 2010 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
who is that dunking? Artest? : )
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Grant Hill
I expect more of those
Aybar is a nowhere man, Sitting in his Nowhere Land, Making all his nowhere plans for nobody.
by princeton11loveshalos on May 13, 2010 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Ariza over Hill.
I dont Artest can get that high anymore. Too much weight on that body.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Halftime...........
when he was a Pacer…….
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
with his Hennesey
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Revenge Tour:
1: Suns (beating up Steve Nash will be like kicking Mickey Mouse’s ass, satisfying at first but then we’ll kinda feel guilty)
2: that team that Paul Pierce is on: (a quick ass whipping will be way too good for them)
Stay tuned, by the way Orlando, you’re not invited, please don’t be a spoiler and crash the party.
dam! great title "Revenge Tour".. I like that.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that the half ring circle behind
Grant Hills heels. Looks like a foul to me. If this example is the Lakers jumping into a PHX player with position and no foul called.
OK.
I believe that.
Mine is longer and stronger.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 12, 2010 1:04 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Uh,
what might you be referring to there? I mean, are we still discussing Lakers basketball and perhaps the size of an upcoming feature post by you here, or something else entirely? Sorry, sometimes I have a dirty little mind; you’ll have to forgive me. : )
C.A. — Nice feature post, btw. Very balanced team-wise and well-written, IMO, and if you ask me, longer isn’t always better. As with other things in life (wink, wink), if a piece is too long and doesn’t happen to be really really good, people will just lose interest. I thought the size was just right, though I can’t wait to read what Gil has for us. Now, I’m intrigued……
And additionally, I really liked this part towards the end:
“Clearly, both teams, and both fanbases, have every reason to be confident. One side will have their confidence validated, and one side will have theirs smashed to pieces…”
That’s so true. We fans can talk all the trash we want, but ultimately, it’s up to the boys to handle their business on the hardwood.
Heh heh, you said hardwood.
Sorry, I too have a dirty mind.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Of course not
The backseat of a car works just fine.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 12, 2010 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
It is always better when ladies are involved.................
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
This shit is just too funny!!
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
LOL,
This is some hilarious stuff!
" I'm a human, not a sandwich"
by true_lakerfan on May 13, 2010 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions
I was referring to my list of reasons to favor the Lakers, of course
IF we’re talking about posts, mine are weaker and shorter than C.A. Clark’s posts.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
it's all about
the thickness of the team’s talent these days!
The motion and rotation is important too
On offense and defense
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Oh hell...
So many opportunities there… I’m biting my tongue!
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
lol hilarious..
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions
So... explain to me:
You mean you got some hardwood?
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
by With Malice on May 12, 2010 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
here's to hoping she did........
(as long as she is of age)
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
i'm tearing up
reading the double entendre’s. SCG and Cat, you’re both really naughty.
I LIKE IT!
that sounded right, didn’t it? lol!
"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
Im sure most of us enjoyed the ladies discussing thickness, length, strength and hardwood!!!!!!!!!!
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
LMAO! yes we did!
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Phoenix' advantage
Is guard play and 3pt shooting. Lakers are the best in the league in defending the 3pt line. They also have that Kobe guy and some other guy named Artest who are both great defenders (or so I read). It should be a tough series but a Lakers loss would be a huge upset imo.
Artest who are both great defenders (or so I read).
Or so you read? Did you fall asleep during the Lakers series with the Thunder? Artest reduced Durant to a little boy who wished he should have stayed in college.
Not so fast my man, Artest is a great defender no doubt, You went too far w/little boy
Kevin Durant Playoff stats:
Played 38.5 minutes per game
43-123 FG
10-35 3PT
54-62 FT
7.7 REBOUNDS
25 POINTS PER GAME
And for the record as good as Artest’s defence was against Durant in game 6, Kevin missed a lot of those shots he normally makes.
Kevin Durant is NOT A LITTLE BOY, HE IS A BEAST, that got caged.
by rickfox on May 12, 2010 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Uhm, Durant shot 35% for the playoffs
That’s 12% lower than the regular season. He also shot 28% from 3-point range, that’s 8% lower than he shot in the regular season. Looks like very good defense to me, and by playing such good defense the Lakers were able to capitalize on the missed shots with their rebounding advantage.
The Thunder also outshot the Lakers by an inordinant amount at the foul line, a ridiculous discrepancy that helped pad Durant’s points per game.
I like Durant, he’s a stud. Thing is, Artest did reduce him to a little boy. Don’t worry, KD will continue to flourish.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
by 99bc99 on May 12, 2010 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good for them.
SA also was a top team in guarding the 3pt line. Go check out the stats and see how well that did them.
Reading is good...
good match up for the Lakers
Phoenix strengths: bench, 40% 3 point shooting, Nash and stoudemire . Lakers counter with their Bigs 60 % shooting against Suns, and counter Nash with Fisher and Stoudemire with Pau. Nash is one of the best point guards in the league, but he probably one of the few point guards that isn’t quicker or stronger than Fish. Nash’s game is his floor smarts and experience. Fisher’s experience and " intangibles" will be a benefit in this series. Stoudemire will have the same problems with Gasol that Boozer had and will try to draw Pau out with his shooting. The Suns also don’t have an answer for Kobe. The Suns will send a limousine for Artest and encourage his 3 point shooting and hope Phil gives the bench plenty of minutes. Otherwise, The Lakers win handily and get some rest before playing the Magic..
Looking ahead to the finals, I hope the Cavs get past Boston and play the Magic. The Magic will dispose of the Celts as easily as the Lakers dispose of the Suns. But the Cavs series will be tough. The Lakers need the Eastern Conference finals to be tough and allow a rested Lakers to play either a banged up magic or Cavs team.
supossing the celts beat the cavs
we dont know if they will give magic problems, the same way they are giving cavs problem..
Early in the season
long before the Celtics spent 3 months looking like a pedestrian team, the word on the East was that the top 3 matched up in rock paper scissors fashion.
Cavs > Celtics
Celtics > Magic
Magic > Cavs
Obviously, none of that means squat now, as the Magic have looked superior to both, and the Cavs-Celts comparison is not ringing true right now anyways, but take it for what it’s worth. If the Celts can do what they are doing to the Cavs, a team that supposedly dominated them match-up wise, beating the Magic is by no means undoable.
The Celtics actually matchup well with the Magic, but do they enough offensive firepower keep up.
A series with Magic may actually allow the Celtics to use Michael Finley more often and that’s a useful piece to have.
If the Celts win
they will have left it all on the floor in Cleveland. This team is over the hill and won’t be able to sustain the same effort against a rested Magic.
hell, they'll probably crap on their bed again at home tommorrow
esp if lebron comes out aggressive and drives from the start.
I disagree...
Yes the Magic are on the top of the game, they are motivated, going 100% in every game, BUT they haven’t played a good match up series yet. Every team they have played weren’t really a championship calibre team. The Celtics or Cavs are, not only that but they are playing against a team that make them fight for every point. Which means they have practice and who ever goes on to the conference finals has the advantage. At least for the first game, the same way the Lakers turned it on against Denver and came out and torched the Magic in game 1.
agree with this
my first time to read you here Castleback, so welcome. the C’s championship pride is making them fight tooth and nail.
"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
yep...this is one matchup where derek fisher's intangibles might actually be useful :p
in most cases, fish gets burned because he’s physically incapable of stopping the other PG. No amount of will or smarts can do anything to stop that. But Nash mostly relies on his savy and smarts to attack—where fisher can actually at least “try”. obviously nash is going to get his points and assists…but hey, the lakers are already used to dealing with opposing PGs lighting fish up and they’ve still managed to win.
I think there is more truth to this
Nash is quick, but he doesn’t rely on it for his skill, its more about positioning and knowing where he and his teammates are, something Fish can definitely defend better than raw quickness.
haha funny
fish is goin to get owned… like usual.
Nash is too fast
Not really.........
nash has quick moves, but isnt necesarily fast. I think he is one of the few pg’s in the NBA that Fish can keep up with.
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Two different Lakers and Suns teams
Both the Suns and the Lakers are VERY different teams than what met in the 2007 Playoffs. The Lakers had Kwame. Now they have Pau and Artest, not to mention the emergence of Bynum.
The Suns are now without Marion, but now have Grant Hill and Jason Richardson. The Suns bench, instead of going 7 deep under D’Antoni, goes 10 deep under Gentry, with an added emphasis on defense and playing with urgency.
The LA media has all but crowned the Lakers with a free ticket to the Finals. But I think the Suns will surprise a lot of people with how hard they play.
Here’s to a GREAT series!
by SunsDynastyXcom on May 12, 2010 2:38 PM PDT reply actions
Give me
Pau/Artest/Bynum over Hill/J-Rich/R-Lo any day.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Agreed. However...
How are Pau/Artest/Bynum going to hold up at the end of the game against a running team?
by SunsDynastyXcom on May 12, 2010 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
And don't forget to factor in the bench
Frye, Dudley, Barbosa, Amundson, Dragic. I’d take them any day over Farmar, Vujacic, Walton, Brown
by SunsDynastyXcom on May 12, 2010 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
true, but....
You conveniently forgot Odom!!!
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
by pslakerfan on May 12, 2010 5:46 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
and ammo
just wait till ammo takes off the cape its over
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
Who?
Oh, you mean Odom-I-dont-like-to-show-up-for-the-playoffs? That guy? LOL! Ok. We’ll see I guess….
Reading is good...
He shows up a few games here and there
We’ve has posts about his before – he’s not always there when you call, be he’s there when you really need him …
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Can't type
But he’s there when you really need him
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
True.
I have been an Odom fan for a long time. Its my opinion that he makes the Lakers as good as they are. It remains to be seen, though, if he will show up for this series. Much of LA fans’ confidence comes from him being there on top of Bynum and Gasol.
Reading is good...
i don't know if you've noticed...
but the Lakers can play a pretty fast paced game.
and as much as phoenix likes to run, they are not as atheletic as OKC
plus…are phoenix’s bigs that much more atheletic than gasol & odom (who are considered the more atheletic bigs in the league)? Not to mention bynum isn’t running that slow down the court even with his small tear.
and to piggie-back on your comment
Everyone is talking about the Suns defensive improvement but the Lakers are a lot better defensively as wel..
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Suns just beat two great defensive teams
I agree. The Lakers are a better defensive team. Don’t forget though, the Suns just came Portland and San Antonio, both great defensive teams. Suns still were picking apart their defensive schemes, and are still averaging 105-110 points per game.
We’ll see how they fare against the Lakers.
by SunsDynastyXcom on May 12, 2010 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Portland wasn't a great defensive team
They weren’t even especially good. They finished 15th this year in defensive efficiency.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 12, 2010 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions
And
that’s averaging in having a healthy Brandon Roy, Joel Pryzbilla, and Greg Oden for at least periods of time.
The notion that Portland was a great defensive team come playoff time is laughable.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
And I think EVERYONE
Gave SA too much credit for beating the Mavs.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Yes
I still can’t figure out how Dallas won all those games based on watching them Vs. the Lakers. They must have been pretty consistent against weaker teams.
Wait...
Ok… searching for a smartass comment about the fact that Dallas have gone, and well… hell, a lot of teams who had no godly right beating LA did so. And I’m coming up short.
Resume with regular programming.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
oops...i misread artest for odom
but as for artest, he may not be the fastest sprinter or highest leaper, but i don’t think a guy who can chase kevin durant up and down the court for 40+ minutes for 6 games will be considered low on stamina.
Phoenix has to run to win
Once they get in a half court tit for tat, they are done.
It will be all about how well the Lakers can slow them down and how well Phoenix executes.
OKC tried to run...
we came out focused and limited their runs. We did the same against you in the regular season and were successful. You just aren’t going to run all day against the Lakers. you will get your chances. Its the playoffs, games are won in the half court.
OKC tried but is not a running team
PHX is waaaay more seasoned and far more effective that OKC. If they gave LA trouble with their run scheme, Gasol will be gassed by game 3.
Reading is good...
You are as uneducated about the Lakers
as we are about the Suns. Stamina of the Lakers bigs will not be an issue.
and C.A. strikes agian.....HAMMER TIME!
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Perhaps.
But do you really expect that playing 40+ minutes a game will keep Gasol fresh by game 3-4? I mean seriously. Dude played averaged 40 mins against the Jazz…40. That takes a toll after a while. And the Jazz play slow ball. If you think Gasol and Bynum for that matter, can run with the Suns for 3-4 straight game playing 40 mins each with a body on him then you’re high.
If I am so uneducated, which I may well be, then please provide an argument rather than dismissal. I welcome it.
Reading is good...
All you've provided on this website are dismissals
even if some of them are potentially valid, that’s all they’ve been. The only actual “proof” you provided was talking about SA’s 3 pt shooting.
And yes, considering Pau will have a week’s worth of rest, I do expect him to run 35-40 minutes with the Suns. Why? Because the Lakers don’t run with the Suns. They play in the half court, execute, and get a score, and while the Suns are digging the ball out of the net, get back down court at their leisure.
This has happened in every suns game since 2006, and yet you think the Suns will now mystically be able to run the Lakers off the court easily.
I’m done with you now, because arguing with you will consume me. Time to go get high so I can feed my ridiculous basketball notions. Good day.
lol.Ok. man.
Thanks for giving me a little of your time. Dismissals happen when you have visitors on your site and all you see are overreaching arguments. Some of the stuff I have read here is great. Most of it is not. Have a great day.
Reading is good...
I'd say 90% of the arguments on both sides of this aisle
have been over-reaching. It’s the whole fricken point of this actual post. Both sides have every reason to be optimistic.
But don’t let me talk you out of leaving.
Right.
And dont get me wrong. I thought the post was great. My comments here have mainly been trying to push back against certain notions about how this will play out that disagree with. For example, the 40+ mins a game thing.
Its cliche, IMO, to say that a team will control tempo against the Suns. Its cliche to say it against any team. The whole game is about excution and control. The question is, who will enforce their will. The Lakers have played well, no doubt. But so have the Suns. Both PDX and SA sought to control the tempo and execute their system and both were found wanting in some way.
My thought it that if Gasol was playing 40 mins against a Jazz team that they didn’t need him to pay 40 mins against then what will happen when they play a Suns team that tends to play faster than most teams and will likely drag this series to at least 5 more likely 6-7. If you want to claim that it won’t much of a difference because LA will execute or play half court then fine. I have a hard time buying your claim, but thats ok.
Reading is good...
And the Lakers have had great success
In controlling the tempo of the Suns, even going back to the 2006 playoff series, when the Lakers had an inferior team, but were able to maximize their potential strategically.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
And yet the Lakers lost those series
by SunsDynastyXcom on May 13, 2010 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Now this is something we can work with
Gil already handled a response as to why, while cliche, talking about controlling tempo isn’t invalid, because Phil Jackson led teams have done just that for 5 years. If it doesn’t happen, Phoenix will have a good chance to win, but you can’t just disregard it because other teams failed to do so.
If you want to bang your head against the wall dismissing every Laker fan who thinks this series is in the bag, knock yourself out. But if you do it with the same quick, dismissive, analysis that they are using in the first place, you are just as much a part of the problem as they are. This, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of counterpoint we want from the other side.
Good point.
Phil Jackson has been an excellent coach especially with regard to preparing his team for the systems of other team. I dont mean to say that controlling tempo is invalid. It certainly is. I just fail to see any good arguments other than “well Phil has done it before” that indicate that LA will control the game. History is great but it doesn’t allow appropriate dialogue between fans (like you and me).
As for me being dismissive. Show me where I am being dismissive on this page. Perhaps this
PHX is waaaay more seasoned and far more effective that OKC. If they gave LA trouble with their run scheme, Gasol will be gassed by game 3.
But really that is not dismissive is it. In fact, it was trying to turn a dismissive argument into something worth talking about. Or how about this one:
Note when that 3-1 occured.
First two games were 2nd of back to backs for the Suns whereas the Lakers had at least 3 days in each instance. The third game PHX won. The 4th is probably the best barometer for the series. Lakers won it but not in convincing fashion. Season records dont mean anything in this.
Again. Not being dismissive. If anything, I am trying to open up dismissive arguments (like the one where the season’s series winner automatically wins the playoffs) into something worth talking about.
The only remotely dismissive thing that I have said is about Odom’s ability to show up to playoffs games. It was a joke. But its true. The guy is dynamite for LA most of the season then disappears when playoffs come. Plus I stated later that I like Odom. So really it wasn’t dismissive was it.
Reading is good...
Perhaps dismissive is the wrong word
What I’m getting at is that you were making blanket arguments without any more supporting evidence than the ones you were arguing against, which is the same thing I did with my “The bigs won’t get tired” line, I’m usually better than that. Now that we’re both making proper points and counter-points, I think we’re both happier with our roles in the conversation, and with each other.
My overall point remains. Arguing with the people who make statements which are “dismissable” is a waste of time, unless you argue them with your own statements that are just as lacking in depth, in which case you become as much a part of the problem as they are. Maybe they aren’t technically dismissive, but they display the same attitude as those which are truly dismissive.
And just for kicks, you’ve got Odom all wrong too. He’s just as inconsistent during the season as he is in the playoffs, moreso even. However, a word of warning, he tends to show up when we least expect it, but when it is needed the most. If you want more, just search my archives for a post called “Can Incosistency be Clutch”
lol. Nice.
Yeah you’re right about Odom. He can be like that during the season too. What a guy really. I mean, got all the athleticism in the world just didn’t really develop it. I imagine that he would have been a lot like Amare if things had gone differently for him. Now he is relegated to basically a back-up role. Still, he is one of my favorite Lakers.
You’re right, of course, about arguing with ridiculous statements. I took the bait and shouldnt have. So I won’t anymore. Being a relatively new commenter on this site means you read everything under a microscope and that you don’t have a good handle on who is a quality poster worth engaging. Point taken.
Reading is good...
we have 3 bigs playing for 2 positions
if you divide the minutes up evenly…that’s only 32 min/guy
and all three of them are starter quality.
again, do you really thing phoenix’s bigs are that much more atheletic than the lakers bigs? you think you’re dealing with 37 year old shaq or something?
Good point
In theory, that is what happens with LA’s bigs. In reality, its not so even. The fact seems to be that they need Gasol on the floor to score and win. Bynum and Odom are good, but without Gasol they dont have the firepower or, frankly, basketball IQ.
Do I think the Suns bigs are more athletic? As a whole no. Amare is. Hands down. More than Odom, Bynum and Gasol. Frye? Not so much but I think most people underestimate his athleticism. He did a number on Duncan and did it pretty well. Plus he play Aldridge strong in the first series. Lopez in the Suns’ x-factor. If he can play like he did mid-season fast then I think he has the same athleticism or potential athleticism as Bynum…maybe Gasol. But as a whole, I think LA’s length is a big key to their game.
Reading is good...
On Gasol and athleticism
Amare is without a doubt a better athlete than Pau in the run faster jump higher sense of the word.
But Pau has tremendous stamina. It’s not something one can really prove, per say, so you’ll just have to take our word on it. This is why I don’t expect Pau to get run out of the gym at any point.
I believe that.
I do. He hasn’t shown the tendency to run down like, say, Duncan did against the Mavs after playing 40+. Again, whether it happens against the Suns will only be told by time. It just stikes me that big men have to take a lot of punishment in the middle even by smaller teams (maybe esp. so) and while Gasol may have stamina, he isn’t Dwight Howard or Shaq in terms of physique. I have to wonder how 5+ games of running and 40 mins a night will have an effect on him.
Its the same thing for the Suns really. Everyone always says it is important for Nash to get rest because he plays such a big role. Well, while I am sure Gasol is in good shape, Nash is probably the most in shape player in the league. If he needs rest and deteriorates after playing so much, the same would need to be logically true for any player, even Gasol. I guess we will see.
Reading is good...
ummmmm....
“Well, while I am sure Gasol is in good shape, Nash is probably the most in shape player in the league. "
this is an opinion not a fact
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
during bynum's injury last year
gasol constantly played around 40 minutes a game until the playoffs (when bynum returned).
i don’t think running for 40 minutes in a maximum of 7 games will wear pau out. he isn’t shaq who has to lug around 300 lbs on the court. he’s actually an excellent running big man (to the point it gets a bit tiring to hear the TNT/ESPN announcers go “how many 7 footers in the leauge can run down the floor like that?”). No, he doesn’t have amare’s speed and hops, but stamina is not one of his weaknesses. Same goes for LO, who is much more atheletic than pau.
Everyone points to people doing a number on Duncan when....
Duncan 2 years ago, that probably would have been a very very good thing. Now…just a good thing. Still one of the best ever but, he is missing free throws at an increasingly alarming rate (to take advantage of fouls) and clearly isn’t the same player.
Pau is at the top of his game in his prime and will be a challenge for anybody to guard. Not unstoppable but hardly the pushover people think he is.
By the end of the series
Someone will be right, and someone will be wrong
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
LOL! sorry to laugh but it's just....so......right!
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
You, sir, is a genius!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
We should argue when the series is over
But that is not much fun for the fan of the losing team
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
I know, they tend to get all pissy.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I'm going to be humble
It could be you and me. Of course, I don’t believe that, but anything is possible!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Watch it mister, we'll take you out
and I don’t mean to dinner.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Suns fan here
As a Suns fan, I don’t know which team I despise more, the Lakers or Spurs. Recent history would suggest the Spurs but overall, it would have to be the Lakers. The Lakers are like the Yankees of the NBA, while the Suns are like the Red Sox or Braves. We’ve always had quality teams (for the most part) since the late ‘80s. However, the Lakers have always trumped our success with championships of their own. I’m not sure what the winning percentage would be for the entire NBA historically speaking, but I would have to guess the Suns would be in the top 5 even without a championship. Here’s hoping for a magical year…
I like the breakdown of the series although you seem to downplay the lakers ability or talent. I think the Lakers will be heavily favored to win the series. The Suns’ lack of size will be exposed just like the Lakers did with the Jazz. I do think the Suns bench is better and more confident than the Lakers bench but what effect will that have on the game, who knows. I am just happy the Suns are even in the playoffs, and if history has any affect on karma than we might pull off the upset. Suns in the NBA Finals: 1976, 1993, 2010?—17 years. Dreaming is free. I just hope for a quality, up and down series which goes 7 games.
Badgers! Badgers! We don't need no stinkin badgers!
The Suns are 4th in all-time winning percentage
It goes Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, Suns, Jazz.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 12, 2010 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions
haas...you are a real genuine guy
i am a Lakers and always afraid that i am a bias zealous Lakers fan so i try to see things as realistically as possible…like 2 yrs ago when Lakers met Boston in final, i felt Boston was the better team and sure enuf, they beat the craps out of us…anyway, i like your objective honest view…quite refreshing…my view is same as your and i am a lakers fan but i do have admiration for Sun organization…i hope this is a great series with my Lakers winin it all tho….good luck and best team wins
Thanks Haas for being civilised and balanced
I want Lakers to win as a super-biased Lakers fan.
But I do consider Suns to be a tough opponent. Suns is in peak form right now, no question. It plays a diametrically opposite brand of basketball. Amare, Nash and the bench do strike fear in my heart. I can totally visualize them annihilating the Lakers in any particular game.
In a balanced view, I still think Lakers would come out on top, but I DO NOT foresee a one-sided series. I think it would be like the Jazz one : just 1 or 2 clear-cut games, but lots of close games decided on a few possessions. It just could go either way.
Even if we fall on our face and loose
I’ll still be ecstatic we end up facing the Suns in the finals and not Denver.
bulletin to all teams lakers face
we hate you cus we have to win hahahahaha
There is hate and there is "get the fuck out of my way, I've got a parade to get to"
by Cool Dudes on May 12, 2010 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 10 recs
oh shit! I like this.. : )
That should be on a T-Shirt
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 13, 2010 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions
tru dat
nothing gonna stop this Lakers train. Suns about to be….ECLIPSED…hahahaha
Im already getting the camping gear ready
" I'm a human, not a sandwich"
by true_lakerfan on May 13, 2010 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions
THIS will be my new sig
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
This series won't be a cakewalk at all but I still have the Lakers reaching the Finals.
I don’t know when it’ll but I have a feeling that it will. I don’t Fisher will embarrass himself while guarding Nash. Nash predominantly uses the pick and roll anyway so the rest of team will need to be engaged in order to stop it. That’s about it. Even the Suns’ bench operates in pick and roll situations. I don’t know if there is much else to say. We’ll see if Richardson will post up Kobe or Artest. He had his way with George Hill during the last series. Richardson might have his opportunities against Brown but that’s not a gimme either. Even if he happens to be guard by Fisher and decides to post up, I think Fisher is strong enough to not get abuse in that spot.
For the Lakers, one of the things that I love about the Jazz series is Phil Jackson making Williams guard at the other end of the floor. During the last two games, Fisher was super aggressive offensively running around screens and even posting a little. I don’t think the Suns can hide Nash in this series either, though he’ll get a little bit of a rest. The Lakers did a 1 & 2 P&R with Fisher and Kobe in the last series. Might cause some matchup problems here in this series. Since Hill is the designated defensive stopper, Ron Artest will have a field day with Richardson, especially since Artest is much more involved in the offense. At least he should. Bynum and Pau versus Amare and Collins……yeah well, good luck with that Phoenix. If the Lakers bench guard the pick and roll correctly (at least most of the time), they should not have a problem with the Suns bench. The Suns bench does a lot of pick and pop with Frye or they’ll take the switch with Dragic or Barbosa against the opposing big.
If I see Barbosa go left in this series, I’m going to lose my damn mind.
As bad as the perception is of Fish on Defence; STEVE NASH IS A BAD DEFENDER
If the game was played only at one end, I’d give Phoenix a great shot. It’s about Rebounding and Defence.
Think about this: Game tied, A three point shot misses, who’s grabbing the rebound. I’ll put my money on Fish, Steve Nash for all his great qualities, gets really lax on defence.
Lakers can burn him out at both ends, Nash will get his stats in the series, Fish is going to make him work for them all.
Just a thought.
by rickfox on May 12, 2010 3:18 PM PDT reply actions
Um ... my money's on Pau
Think about this: Game tied, A three point shot misses, who’s grabbing the rebound
Nobody, some bench player will just miss the tip.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
because sasha was distracting him
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
by throwing a towel in the air
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
You're right C.A., I was just trying to make an argument on context. Pau would grab the rebound
He’s most likely to get it, or tap it out.
I am Diabetic [like Adam Morrison], the last time I visited an opthamologist I had 20/20 sight.
by rickfox on May 12, 2010 3:41 PM PDT reply actions
its funny sorta how everyone is screaming doom after the cavs lost last night:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E1dmDOc8LQ
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Is it just me?
Or are others working on the perception that 90% of Cleveland is holed up in a cave somewhere?
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
DAAAAAAAAm! Talk about a rant. I love it! I'm still cleaning my eyes out from all the spit!
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Lebron's elbow was screaming the loudest
I was too busy laughing watching rondo blow by them.
Have you checked out the sponsor for the Pau Gasol page at basketball-reference.com?
You should.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gasolpa01.html
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 12, 2010 5:05 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
that is some cool shit
Gils, who do you sponsor.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
lol..
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I read your little back and forth with that Beantown fan about the Lebron Column
I’m of your mind as well, The media decided to play russian roulette with Bron’s image.
by rickfox on May 12, 2010 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Imagine that
that guy has the same name as the guy who posts on this blog
I wonder if they’re related
lol
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
The influx of Suns fans telling us to not unerestimate them has been astounding
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
Nobody is underestimating Phoenix. The advantages, Intangibles, whatever, we have the edge.
If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck….blah, blah, blah.
by rickfox on May 12, 2010 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions
excuse me but intangibles belong to us.. : )
we own the rights to that word.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
And if you claim otherwise, Fisher will bitch-slap you
using only his intangibles
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
Fisher will get Brian Shaw to smite you from the face of the earth
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
you know what else belongs to us?
Entitlement. Something that LeBron James has taken for granted, thus all the hate from Laker fans.
I am :/
but that’s because I have a short memory,
“Yao is out? this serious is over.”
by Cool Dudes on May 12, 2010 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
As good and as deep as I think the teams in the West are
I continue to think any and all of them can beat the Lakers in a given game or 2, but I don’t think any of them (Phoenix included) can beat the Lakers in a 7 game series. How much they perceive the Suns will push them may determine how much the Lakers push themselves to play hard. Just seems like for the past 2 years, the tougher the opponent was perceived, the better the Lakers played.
Go Sharks Go!!!
I hope all these Suns fans are still around after the first couple of games
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
I doubt it because we can all be cordial and respectful with each other until the game starts
just like in a bar. Everyone is cool having a good time and takes one A-hole to snap to fuckit up for everyone.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions
they just shouldn't hang around in the "in game" threads
the inner beasts tend to get loose in there.
but take a few hours after the game and the inner beast is tamed
yeah I agree.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions
This Phoenix team[s] has all the making of the Indiana Pacers in the 90's. Good, not good enough.
by rickfox on May 12, 2010 6:13 PM PDT reply actions
I hear you.
Looking forward to the tears, and just a little bit of angst.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Not related, but...
HABS WIN!!!
So happy.
What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say "fuddle duddle" or something like that?
LA LAKERS, DEFENDING CHAMPION
All that said, let’s not forget one thing, Los angeles Lakers still are the “Defending Champions”. First and foremost, the Lakers’ goal was to make the playoffs, they’ve done that. This is playoffs time, it’s showtime in LA, they will prevail. True, the Suns had been playing well the last three months, the Lakers had just been playing well the last three weeks, but this is it, this is where you put everything into place, the PLAYOFFS. The Los Angeles Lakers are going to win this West Chapionship in six (6) games, it will not go the distance of seven (7), get that? Take that to the bank and count on it. The Lakers will go to the NBA Championship against the, guess what, a repeat of last year’s NBA Campionship Series, the Orlando Magic. The Los Angeles Lakers will once again repeat as the wolrd champions this NBA season, that’s the bottom line.
Says you... someone who's basically come to a rival fan site to troll...
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
It's a lil' odd for me...
I get up in the morning, and there’s HEAPS to catch up on. Time-frame perception’s a lil’ skewed!
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Just by going by something as crazy as regular season Versus record
We get:
% chance Suns sweep: 0.4%
% chance Lakers sweep 31.6%
I know that’s crazy, using regular season stats, but what the hell, I’m going with those odds. If the Suns win, we’ll have to give them credit, because that will mean they all played the best B-ball of their entire lives.
Lakers in 5, but somehow it will seem to have been much, much harder when they are done.
JA Adande has offically infuriated me
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/5184519
While I agree its too early to write-off lebron, saying that Kobe’s game 7 meltdown was somehow worse than this is ridiculous.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
by Justin N. on May 12, 2010 8:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
absolute garbage
can’t believe he even drag magic into the conversation. i hope lebron crap his pants in game 6.
just curious as to why the game 7 meltdown wasn't worse?
i’m not saying it was, but you made it seem like that was a really ludicrous statement. you could really argue either way
because kobe TRIED hard (scored 20+) in the first half
and the team was still down by nearly 20 (by the half)
the cavs were down by what…6 at the half?
and for what its worth
that team wasn’t a contender and would probably (and didn’t ) not reach the finals . The point here is no matter how bad Kobe’s meltdown was and no matter how much I hated him for it , there was so much he could have done when ‘Bron is in position to crush the Celtics , reach the finals and win the championship(he won’t , we will) , I mean they can’t guard him like the guarded Kobe in ’08 by crowding and holding , scratching and downright abusing him with him not getting he benefit of the whistle
Mostly because Kobe didn't have the team with the most regular season wins
So he had a legit reason to gripe, and what Nostance said
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Additionally...
The thing for me wasn’t so much the game that LeBron had, but his reaction afterwards.
It really bespoke of fragility…
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I'll bet he needs surgery on the elbow
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
me, too.
everyone has a bad game now and then and maybe he was really just trying to trust his teammate? whatever it is, it’s his indignant reaction afterwards. I understand if you arn’t SVG and don’t do the screaming thing in front of the media, but “i’ve spoiled people with my play” and finding excuses of “oh, i’ve only had a few bad games” (paraphrase) is just dodging responsibility. we’ll see how he reacts today.
they spoiled stuff is really really F*cked up
I have never heard that before from anybody … People say Kobe has a big ego (and he does) but wow i don’t think if he’d say that
Hi !!!! Suns fan here, juts dropping by to see the what the opposition feels
I see that most Lakers fans feel like this one’s in the bag, except for a few Road bumps along the way.
Hold on to that thought.
Suns have OVERACHEIVED this year.
Starting the season with a modest target of reaching the playoffs.
Done, with the No.. 03 seed in the West.
Then with a target to get to the Second Round.
Done, beating the Blazers on their own floor in 06 Games.
Getting Past San Antonio.
Done with a SWEEP.
We are just taking it one game/series at a time. Not getting ahead of ourselves and not being burdened by expectations.
Lakers on the other hand. ??? No Championship and the season is a failure.
Oh the burden you bear. Just Despair !!!!
Best of Luck guys, just keep thinking we over acheived this season.
HOLD ON TO THAT THOUGHT.
Not sure how this is a bad thing.
Lakers on the other hand. ??? No Championship and the season is a failure.
If you think its a negative thing to have that mentality thats good keep thinking that way or better yet HOLD ON TO THAT THOUGHT because it will let you sleep better at night because you don’t expect your team to do great things.
"If you want to find the dumbest guy in the room just find the first guy to tell you how smart he is." - JG
"The fact that the Lakers have played to such a high level even through the injuries is a testament to their skill, abilities, and resiliency." - 99bc99
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 12, 2010 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
risk/reward
if you wanna get rich you gotta be willing to put it all on the line
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Just trying to understand it...
- PHX got #3 in the West, LA got #1. Point?
- PHX beat a ridiculously undermanned Portland. LA beat perhaps the hottest team going into the playoffs. Point?
- PHX swept a SA team that perhaps got a little too much credit in beating Dallas. LA swept Utah. Point?
Look: I’m not bagging Phoenix, but I think that perhaps you’re a bit overly biased in presenting those things as actual achievements.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
by With Malice on May 12, 2010 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions
OKC actually entered the playoffs on a down swing
but yeah, the rest of this is on point.
The main vibe flowing through Suns fans right now is “WE BEAT THE SPURS!!! WE CAN DO ANYTHING!”
by C.A. Clark on May 12, 2010 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
why haven't you posted your Podcast...
with Bright Side of the Sun yet? Pretty cool. I will jump the gun for anyone interested.
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2010/5/12/1470049/podcast-for-peace-a-cross-boarder
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
I'm halfway through this podcast
One of the phoenix guys is very intelligent and reasonable and the other is a COMPLETE Suns homer even calling out Kobe for game 7 2006 (and quickly flip flopping when people point out 20 points in the first half and still down 20).
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
really looking forward to sticking it to the Suns the more and more I read from BSotS
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
also great job Dex and CA
I don’t know if I would have been able to be as complacent as you guys
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
Thanks
We’re still getting used to the podcast thing. We hope and intend to do more of this in the future.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 13, 2010 1:43 AM PDT up reply actions
taking notes on some of their predictions / comments
- Kobe will perform worse than the Thunder series
- Derek Fisher doesn’t belong on a basketball court
- self note: it drives me crazy when people repeatedley say “just gonna throw that out there! just clearing that up!”
- another self note: don’t call the Suns a “fun” team in front of their SBN blog managers
- “2 and 0 this season! thats not history”
….“wow”…
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
just realized i might be acting too hard on these guys
sorry dewds :(
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
You might be being a little bit harsh on 'em
JUST THROWING THAT OUT THERE!
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
I felt like that in 2008.
:(
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 12:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Well when....
you do FINALLY beat a team that has owned you….even an older one i can see why you get excited. They finally got over the hump or hurdle refered to as the Spurs.
But we all know the Spurs have not won the title in YEARS…..where as the LAKERS are the defending Champs and went to the finals 2 years st8 out the west.
Ending my awesome thoughts i will conclude with “delusions of grandeur” without title in hand.
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
not to be overly biased but
sweeping the Jazz does not compare to sweeping the Spurs. Right? I mean the Jazz are vastly undermanned just like Portland was for Phoenix. That just explains how inept the Nuggets are because they couldn’t beat them. I’m a huge Suns fan and I understand how steep the odds are in L.A.‘s favor. I’m not drinking the Suns’ Kool-aid. Lakers should and inevitably will win in 6 or 7 games. Lakers have height & talent over Suns. Suns have better chemistry as a team and arguably better confidence then the Lakers right now. The Suns were not expected to be here by anyone, including me, so they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You have to admit that the Suns have a puncher’s chance though. Even though they are a 3 seed, if the Suns win, it would be considered a huge upset. I just think its fitting that it comes down to a battle of the Pacific Division for the Western Conference Finals.
Badgers! Badgers! We don't need no stinkin badgers!
It is interesting...
that all your “points” are automatically swung in the direction that benefits LA. Case in “point”
1) LA beat a young team with no playoff experience and no bigs and still nearly lost it. Point?
2) LA ended the season 12-18 and in a lot of trouble from a chemistry standpoint. Point?
3) LA swept a team that was missing two of its starters. TWO! Point?
Look I am not bagging on LA, but I think its interesting how context can be interpreted to your own advantage…
Reading is good...
Way to make his point for him again ...
Seriously, you need to step up your game. That’s exactly what he was trying to point out, that context can be chosen ahead of time.
Well done there.
I know its tough to read sarcasm in text
but try a little harder next time. I realized I was making his point. Hence why I parroted everything he said. Just offering similar “points” from a different perspective. Isn’t that what we are looking for here? Aren’t you a mod on this site? I guess I expected a little more from one.
Reading is good...
More than a mod
I’m the boss, big boy. So show a little more respect or you will be removed.
And apparently sarcasm is tough to read in text, because your use of it was combatting HIS USE OF SARCASM.
Now I’m done.
Oops, left out the (heart)
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I read his sarcasm. Thanks for pointing it out though. It was subtle.
Nice to meet you boss man. Sorry if I am being disrepectful.
Reading is good...
And yet you continue.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Now I'm done.....
Brady Quinn is that you?
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
LMFWAO!!
I miss that comercial
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
by LakersFoEva on May 13, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
hahaFoEva!
I don't do it for your thanks, I do it because I had a calling, but I do love the support you give me and my Soldiers.
by Sarge Clemins on May 13, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
my head just exploded
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
There is hate and there is "get the fuck out of my way, I've got a parade to get to" - Cool Dudes on May 12, 2010 10:11 PM PDT
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
Dude, you're totally bagging on LA.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
No way.
Look don’t get me wrong, I am an LA fan. Unlike some of my colleagues at BSotS I have a love for the Lakers. So this is sort of a win – win series. I want to see the Suns win, but I will root for LA in the finals if they get there. I like Kobe and really like Odom. I think Bynum is overrated and Gasol is the best center in the West (b/c Amare isn’t a center). Artest makes me laugh constantly. He is awesome.
The bench leaves much to be desired. That is the only think that I don’t like out of LA. Shannon Brown looks promising. But Walton, Farmar, Vajabitch. Really dont like em. Other than that I got no qualms.
What I was doing in my comment was a parody on Malice’s comment. As Mr. Clark has pointed out, it was laced with sarcams as was mine. What I was doing, and Mr. Clark caught this as well, was providing a parallel.
Reading is good...
Gasol isn't a center either.
As for this:
Vajabitch., WTF?
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
Even though I don't like Vujacic....
We don’t allow stuff here like Vajabitch, or Fakers.
Use the real names. It makes you look more mature and it won’t get you banned.
Billy Mac: "Lamar, can you see yourself actually getting in the (boxing) ring"?
Lamar Odom: "No. My face is too pretty."
Suns are bagged like groceries
We’d probably be more worried the WFC opponent was Denver.
Wait... there are no 'uber-fans' for PHX?
Oh come on.
You come onto a Lakers fan-site, and get indignant when there are fans being fans?
If you can’t cope with this, then as a Suns-fan, you have no place being on a Lakers site.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
No I get it.
And indeed there are ignorant fans in PHX and on BSotS. If you were following my convo with Clark at all you will get it. I have no problem if people want to say outlandish things on their own site. But I will dismiss them because they are unfounded. Thats all I am saying.
Reading is good...
Suns will sweep in 4
there ya go
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
There is hate and there is "get the fuck out of my way, I've got a parade to get to" - Cool Dudes on May 12, 2010 10:11 PM PDT
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
What a ridiculously stupid assertion.
So you’re stating that “No Nash”, and PHX can win? Or what about “No Amare”?
Pffft… think it through before you hit ‘post’.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
by With Malice on May 12, 2010 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I was thinking, there are so many proclamations being made about whose reasons are better
Like C.A. was saying, “diametrically” opposed views, that when the series is over, well one side will be right, and the other will be wrong.
Since there will be a winner, can we agree when the series is over, the loser will give full credit to the winning team’s fans and NOT:
- Make Excuses
- Blame the Officiating
- Blame Injuries
- Blame anything else except for my own faulty basketball analysis
Instead, are you willing to make a social contract with our fans that we humbly accept defeat and say “you were right”?
If the Suns defeat the Lakers, I know I will. But is that what you will do, o multitude of Suns fans (I will accept individual agreements).
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
a lot here
don’t do the things you bulleted. at least most of the time we don’t, ;-)
"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 promise to do those things if the Lakers win
If the Lakers lose, I’m blaming the officials.
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on May 12, 2010 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dammit!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions
lol I'm with you Dex
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be committed against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the Limelight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
I'll personally be blamign Brian Shaw and sticking pins into my Shaw Voo Doo Doll
"I work my ass off every day in practice. How many other guys can say the same thing? Not many. I'm fighting against becoming soft. That's the worse thing you can say to a basketball player." - Dennis Rodman
Whichever team wins
save the gloating for your own blog :)
but I won’t be making social contact if the lakers lose.
Umm... if we lose and this series is reffed the way the away games in the OKC series was... I'll have my pity party
rant on David Stern and/or whoever I find to blame
I honestly dont see why everyones going crazy about what the Suns have accomplished in the Post-Season so far. Sure they’ve played good but not as good as Suns fans/Media is making it seem.
They went 6 games with an Royless/Odenless/Pryzbillaless Blazers squad that won in Phoenix, and actually played a great series till games 5,6. Then they faced the Retirement home Spurs, which after a grueling series with Dallas had nothing left in the tank.
Phoenix hasn’t seen a Defense as good as The Lakers, haven’t played a team as big as us, and a team as talented as us yet. Sorry Phoenix, good run so far, but it ends in the WCF.
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess."
-Kobe Bryant
Oh and your not our rivals, im sorry but you guys think we hate you or something when we really dont, you had your fun those 3 years when we sucked and im sure you guys had a blast hanging up those division banners, but the run ended when the Spaniard put on P&G.
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess."
-Kobe Bryant
by Moradi-7 on May 12, 2010 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is situation is funnier than the article lets on
http://cbs4.com/heat/dwyane.wade.lawsuit.2.1689629.html
How hard is it for Dwyane Wade to find an unbiased jury when so many have an opinion about him as a basketball player?
Sports has really taken a hold of society.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 12:24 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
lol that was a great read
www.reverbnation.com/czheckproductions
www.mybeatshop.com/czheckproductions
Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.
And David Friedman is my dude!
Even I don’t go this far (at least, publicly, but I think it … well I guess I just did)!
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=13687278&postID=7393383027826049242&pli=1
There is no denying that the Cavs have a deep team; one player—no matter how great—cannot lead a team to the best record in the NBA for two straight years: go down the line and you can find plenty of examples of all-time greats—including MJ and Kareem—who played on sub.-500 teams. I have heard many people say that if LeBron had Kobe’s supporting cast then LeBron would go 80-2—and I hope that Tuesday’s debacle put that kind of nonsensical thinking to rest permanently. Kobe carried Smush Parker and Kwame Brown to a playoff berth, while LeBron apparently cannot get out of the second round with Shaq, Jamison, Varejao, West, Williams, etc. The truth is that if Kobe had a team that was 10-12 players deep then he would be able to cut his minutes to 34-35 mpg and he would destroy people every single night in the fourth quarter; Kobe would likely have won 70-plus games with a team this deep.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Our talent is more TOP heavy
if our backup guards don’t play like boneheads and actually tried to initiate the offense or if odom stopped sleepwalking, we could’ve easily let pau, drew and artest carry the team for stretches.
whichevers. i’d rather they come alive during late may & june than between november and april anyways
but i must say
the “if lebron had kobe’s supporting cast” argument is pretty lame and tiring
or the “if you take kobe out of the lakers they will still be a playoff team (in the west) while if you lebron out of the lakers they will be a lottery team (in the east)” bullshit
nice link
truth hurts thats all I’ve got to say
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be committed against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the Limelight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
So does a kick in the nuts, but I'm not entirely sure of the relevance.
For either.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
What people fail to realize is the fact that nobody in the Western Conference can beat the Lakers 4 times in one week…………….Or as long-time Laker announcer Chick Hearn would have put it “I don’t think that Jesus and all 12 of his deciples could have beat the Lakers tonight”…………..Sure, the Suns have overachieved by making it as far as they have, but you’re stepping into the ring against a team that is just beginning to strut their best stuff………………No doubt that Amare Stodoumire will make it an interesting series, but enter Pau Gasol, and a semi-healthy Drew Bynum to counter that notion………P.J……that’s Phil Jackson to you non-Laker enthusiasts, will have these boys ready for anything thrown at them, and I see the defending champs ending the Suns misery inside of 5 games or so……………the Suns beat an old Spurs team indeed, but try to beat us on the run-and-gun, or with the outside shot — and you’ll be taken apart in the paint………Orlando is the team we have to deal with once again……End of story.
To me
the Suns are the Utah Jazz just with a better bench, in no way do I see them as I threat, yes they have been playing better but so was Utah, it’s just something about meeting your match that got me thinking Lakers should sweep but out of respect that they gotten this far and atleast want to put up some hailmary’s I say Lakers in 6
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be committed against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the Limelight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
Do the Suns even have a better bench?
It’s hard for me to see anyone on the Suns team coming off the bench and doing to the Lakers what Milsap did in the second round.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
LOL, true, I had to give them some credit
truth is I really don’t see them doing much damage as they did to the Spurs especially since Lakers aint the Spurs and Phil isn’t going to play bench on bench, Kobe will run with the bench and again just like the Jazz series Suns have noone to guard Kobe so I’m not worried and until the Suns do it to the Lakers then I will start believing.
There are basic Fundamentals that are needed to move forward in this game. Always keep your guard up at all times to avoid being caught in a trap. Overcome the fouls that will be committed against you REBOUND AND PRESS ON. ADJUST to the Limelight: ALL-STAR PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION. Know what your role is and play your position. Find a game plan and execute it. REMEMBER YOU ONLY GET OUT OF THE GAME WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT.
no to mention our wing defense is miles better than the spurs
with kobe and artest (and shannon brown isn’t shabby in terms of defense)
…as compared to ginobli, jefferson, and mason.
in other words, jason richardson & G. Hill are not going to burn us the same way they burned the spurs.
Personally the more I think about it the more delusional I think Suns fans are
While I was listening to the podcast, I noticed the BSoS guys really downplaying the Lakers beating Utah because Utah was so injury ridden, yet the Suns themselves were beaten at home by a team with even MORE severe injury issues than Utah.
Suns fans don’t want to admit it, but this series is entirely the Lakers to lose.
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
The Spurs messed up by switching the Pick and Roll
Their bigs got put on Dragic and Barbsoa and effectively got eating alive. As long as Pau, LO or Bynum don’t get stuck on the smaller guys consistently, we will be fine. Dudley owned the boards at times due to the fact that does anybody consider Blair (undersized) or McDyess (old) Bonner (slow) really challenges for anybody who wants to rebound?
Phil will keep LO and either Bynum or Pau on the floor to keep the Suns off the offensive boards.
Even if our bigs do get stuck on the smaller guys
They’re far better equipped to deal with it. Bynum will be toast, but Pau and LO both are huge upgrades in length and lateral quickness over what San Antonio had to offer.
I don’t want to see Pau or LO switch every time, but if and when it does happen, they won’t be quite so helpless.
I have my own theory on LA's struggles towards the end of the season...
Yet herein will I imitate the sun,
Who doth permit the base contagious clouds
To smother up his beauty from the world,
That, when he please again to be himself,
Being wanted, he may be more wonder’d at,
By breaking through the foul and ugly mists
Of vapours that did seem to strangle him.
(Henry IV part 1, I.ii.197-210)
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
But that is regarding the Sun
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on May 13, 2010 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Well... a metaphor
Pretty sure I don’t have to explain this, and you’re simply being facetious, but I’ll go there anyway!
My analogy is that Hal’s the Lakers, and Falstaff et al are “poor performance”.
Ok. Too much?
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Here's one for all the Sun's fans
´There is a tide in the affairs of men,Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune:Omitted, all the voyage of their lifes bound in shallows and in miseries.On such a full sea are we now afloat,And we must take the current when it serves,Or lose our ventures.
by rickfox on May 13, 2010 9:56 AM PDT reply actions
been listening to Vic the Brick lately?
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
There is hate and there is "get the fuck out of my way, I've got a parade to get to" - Cool Dudes on May 12, 2010 10:11 PM PDT
http://twitter.com/KBZinLA
If I may add one from the same play for Cavs fans, should they lose today?
Et tu, Brute?
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
I think LBJ has a good game (not a great one), but Boston still wins.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Hi Folks, Suns fan here.
Just wanted to hop on quickly before the troll forces on both sides start sharpening their blame throwers.
I’m really looking forward to this series. I admit that the only Lakers games I caught were the 4 regular season ones against the Suns, and I’m not as familiar with your team as I should be before wading in here.
Just wanted to make a few quick points I think are valid before I run away.
1) The argument that Lakers went 12-18 at the end of the season doesn’t matter. They walked away with the #1 seed still and have been playing at an level of greatness equal to my Suns right now.
2) The argument that the Suns can’t play in a half-court set is unfounded. These aren’t the SSOL Suns anymore. We’re just as comfortable playing in a half-court set as a run-and-gun set. And we’ve got different weapon to make it happen. The Lakers should be more worried about preparing to play two different teams (the starting 5 and the Dragic/Dudley 5) than about slowing down the run.
3) Kobe out for revenge against the Suns seems like stupid Media buildup to me. I would even go so far as to say (with no proof whatsoever) that if this series becomes about Kobe getting revenge on the Suns then the Suns will win this series in a much easier fashion than I’m anticipating. If it becomes a game of team vs. team (which I’m hoping for) then I think we’re in for an epic series.
4) This was a very well written post. I agree that both teams’ fanbases are equally homerific right now, but there’s no reason they shouldn’t be. That’s why we’re fans, right?
I leave you to your general shenanigans and thank you for not throwing California’s fine salmonella infected produce at me during my stay.
Educated Basketball Fan, Totally Uneducated Baseball Fan.
Royals Record: 7-11; Royals record when I watch the game: 1-1
"Sharpen a flamethrower"?
Nicely put G.
I agree with a lot of what you stated… except…
1) if there’s a coach in the league who adjusts better than Phi-Jax, I don’t know who it is.
2) you’re making a gross assumption on how Kobe would respond to a challenge. Just as “this is not the Suns of a few seasons past”, the same is a truth for Kobe: this is not the Kobe who just guns.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Jackson, despite my irrational hatred, does earn my respect, and will make the adjustments needed. Of course, a lot of us thought the same of Popovich before the Spurs/Suns series. I’m by no means saying that Jax will make the same mistakes, but that the Suns might be able to confound him in the first couple of games.
I also accept that my irrational hatred of Kobe overwhelms my judgment of his game at this point of his career. My argument above is agreeing with you in part though; if this is a “revenge” thing for Kobe and he decides to try and win a game by himself, the Suns will win that game. I’m much more afraid of a well-rounded Kobe than a gunning Kobe.
My points about the Suns stand firm though, just in case people want to make the “Suns only run” or “Suns are the worst defensive team in the league” or “Suns can’t play in a half-court set,” or my least favorite, “Suns are SSOL still.”
Educated Basketball Fan, Totally Uneducated Baseball Fan.
Royals Record: 7-11; Royals record when I watch the game: 1-1
the Kobe part is
probably true because Kobe is not 26 or 27 years old anymore because with Kobe dropping 81 pts on you or 63 in 3 quarters and this team playing Defense like they are … I don’t think it’s safe to say Kobe taking over the game means the Suns win , heck even if Kobe does take over the game now as long as he is shooting 50%+ and Gasol is involved, with the D the Lakers play I would say if you can’t stop Kobe your team would lose
Well...
I still see the Suns as somewhat defensively-challenged, something that’s borne out by pretty much any defensive metric you use.
I think that one of the Suns offensive staples – the 3 – is usually defended pretty well by LA… however, the other – the pick ‘n’ roll – has long been a bugbear for LA.
And on Phil, the difference between he & Pop is simply options. Phil has far more at the moment.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
i agree with the Phil and his options compared to Pop'
I don’t think with that dogged out Dallas series that the Spurs would have won the series but I didn’t expect them to be swept
Lakers are actually good at defending the Pick N Roll right now.
It’s still a hard offense for anyone to defend, but Gasol and Odom are mobile tall dudes, the one Achilles heel to the pick and roll, and when you have another big men down the line to challenge the shot, well, that really cuts down the options on the roll.
In fact there might not be a better team in the league at defending the pick and roll in 2010.
by Derek Fisher Fan on May 15, 2010 1:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Can't Stop My Confidence
Great article. I understand why Suns fans are so confident, but personally I just can’t stop thinking “Utah played the Lakers better during the regular season than the Suns and the Lakers SWEPT them.”
I haven’t been so sure that the Lakers would dominate a series since, well, the Rockets last year. And that didn’t turn out so well, so I’m hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself.
by Derek Fisher Fan on May 15, 2010 1:41 AM PDT reply actions
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