Lakers-Celtics Game Six Preview: Everything and Nothing
by DexterFishmore on Jun 15, 2010 9:30 AM PDT
in Game Previews
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One way or another, this season's coming to an end soon. By this time tomorrow, we'll know whether the Lakers survived to play a Game Seven. By this time Friday, if not far sooner, we'll know whether their NBA title was successfully defended. I'd love to tell everyone that win or lose, they should enjoy these final moments. Basketball will be out of our lives shortly, and we're lucky to be fans of a team that has played into mid-June. For all the angst and frustration these Finals have visited on Lakerdom, there isn't a team in this or any other sport I'd rather follow or root for.
But let's not kid ourselves. How we remember this season depends hugely on what goes down tonight and, if things break our way, Thursday. This Lakers team was built to win a championship now. It has the highest payroll in the league. It features Kobe Bryant, a hoops immortal, at the height of his powers. Pau Gasol has the talent of an All-World baller and the lavish salary to match. Andrew Bynum is a skilled and burly seven-footer that any team would love to have. So loaded is the roster that Lamar Odom and Ron Artest, who would be featured offensive options on any number of squads, are role players. When you step back and take it all in, it really is an astonishing pile of talent. And that's before you even get to the coach, he of the 10 rings and 12 milly in annual compensayshe.
Why is why anything short of a repeat championship will be difficult to stomach.
If the Lakers lose tonight, you'll have a right to be disappointed. Angry, even. You and I, as longtime fans of the team, are invested in the franchise, emotionally and financially. Consider: in discussions of player salaries, someone occasionally will chime in with a facilely dismissive "Oh well, it's not like it's our money" remark. The thing is, it actually is our money. Jerry Buss doesn't have a special dispensation from the U.S. Treasury Department to print his own currency. The players' salaries, Phil's salary, the leftover cashishe that underwrites Dr. Buss's trips to Italy... it's all extracted from the pockets of TV networks, advertisers and the paying fan, the lot of us included. You paid for this team, with cash monies and your willingness to sit through crap commercials on Fox Sports West in the middle of January. This gives you the right to demand a championship-caliber performance tonight.
You don't need me to tell you that it won't be easy. This will be the 104th game played by the Lakers this season. Any way you slice it, that's a Long March to warm the cockles of Mao's undead heart. Fatigue will tax muscles and minds. Defenders will clutch when otherwise, with a bit more gas in the tank, feet might have slid. Jump shots will line-drive their way to the front of the rim.
Beyond that, there are few certainties. Each game in this series has been radically different from the one before. Momentum is an illusion. If the Celtics play to their ceiling, they're good enough to end the Lakers' season tonight. If the Lakers play to their ceiling, nothing the Celtics do will matter.
Kobe, for one, will be focused and pugnacious. That much is known. If his campaign for a fifth ring goes up in a column of smoke, it won't be because Kobe overdeferred to his teammates. Not with the atrocious way they acquitted themselves in Boston. With a season teetering on a knife's edge, Kobe's supporting cast has forfeit its right demand touches other than at the Mamba's discretion. He might choose to begin the game in distribution mode, but the moment the offense starts to sputter, he'll find his own shot or die trying. And if the game is close at the end, and the Lakers need a score on one possession? What are the odds Kobe doesn't take the shot? My sources in the math world tell me there's a 10% chance he passes off to Fish and a negative 800% chance he passes to anyone else.
His teammates, for the most part, simply need to decide whether they're equal to this moment. Not one of them deserves to feel satisfied with how he's played so far. Gasol was humbled in Boston. Bynum, though owed massive credit for soldiering on through injury, knows he can do better than his unproductive Game Five. Odom and Artest are simultaneously bewildered and bewildering. Derek Fisher's heroics haven't come often enough.
Will some two or three of them make a stand with Kobe tonight? Iunno. It seems a fool's errand even to hazard a guess. If they no-show like they did in Game Five, the 2010 offseason will begin in a matter of hours.
What would showing up look like for the supporting cast? How about Fish chasing Ray Allen through screens and selling the occasional moving-pick violation. How about Gasol refusing to get pushed around and aside by Kevin Garnett. How about Lamar securing a dozen or more rebounds. How about Jordan Farmar not letting Nate Robinson embarrass him when the two are on the floor in the second quarter. How about Drew taking sole ownership of the rim and its immediate environs.
And then there's the Staples Center crowd. It's been a disaster at times in these playoffs, although it was decent in the first two games of the Finals. Tonight it needs to be better than decent. Home-court advantage has to mean something again. In my book, anyone who attends tonight's game but doesn't make their voices heard loudly and often shares culpability if the Lakers lose.
If you're reading this, you know what you need to know about tonight's game. You know the cast of characters and how they match up with each other. You know the plays the two teams run. You know who they want to have shooting and who not. You know the next few days could be some of the best ever in your lifetime of sports fandom, or some of the worst. You know everything.
And yet, you know nothing. All of us combined know nothing. Because we don't yet know what any of this means, what the payoff will be from the months we've put in following this team. We haven't yet been told the return on our investment. It's irksome that so much turns on events we have no control over, but for better and worse, that's what each of us signed up for when we decided to be Laker fans.
I'm ready. Let's go.
Follow Dex on Twitter here.
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facepalm
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Newbie
is it the way you treat newbie here?
by dumbestlakerfan on Jun 15, 2010 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Sorry Dr. Cox
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
No, but you're the first newbie to join SS&R and have "1st" as your first official piece of input...
then again I’m a newbie, so that just as far as I’ve seen..=)
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
You signed up to say, "1st"
and that username…
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Honesty is a virtue that should be rewarded with patience. =)
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
lol
I was reading the post and could have typed
1st 2nd 3rd 4th before anyone showed up. =]
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
LA
will win game 6 and 7, back to back.
by dumbestlakerfan on Jun 15, 2010 9:37 AM PDT reply actions
We need Adam Morrison's ferocity with Lamar Odom's talent and Luke Walton's IQ all in one player
….too much to ask for?
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
Ammo's already got all that
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
Prediction:
Lakers-95
Celtics-88
Too much Kobe, Gasol and surprisingly…ARTEST!
Good luck guys, I want my C’s to win oh-so-bad, but a game 7 looks destined :D
Haha, nah man
Just tellin the truth in my opinion. I’m a realistic Celtic fan. I know what they are capable of and just dont think we get game 6.
Neither do I truthfully, but I didn't think you guys would win 2 out of 3 at home,
or win at Staples and umm…well…
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
I didn't think we were gonna lose Game 2 but I knew we were gonna lose 2 in Boston.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Well,
We have been underrated all postseason. No offence to yall, but when the Celtics are healthy they are the best team in the NBA. Very balanced, very sound defense. I think if yall are to lose, this shouldnt hinder Kobe’s legacy at all or whatever that talk is.
this is why the 2-3-2 sucks
It just makes no sense that the road team only has to win 1 of 2 games in LA. The pressure is all on LA for Game 6. It shouldn’t be that way. The pressure is ALWAYS supposed to be on the road team. That’s part of the benefit of winning the regular season race.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
You should be ashamed
to call yourself a Celtic fan. No C’s fan in there right mind would make a prediction like that.
*There* right mind?
Anyway, whatever spelling you choose, ’tis an oxymoron.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
No no no
I think Boston is going to blow out LA!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
You either win by 40 or not at all.
I HAVE SPOKEN!
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
if that happens...
I might have to give up on LA until they replace most of the roster around Kobe. Because if that happens again, and this time at home? What a bunch of pussies.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
I think Game 6 is Boston's best chance for a win. I don't think they want a Game 7
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
me too. if boston is going to be champions, they will win it tonight. but i am predicting a lakers blow out win.
"the man who created a legend; the legend who resurrected a franchise."
I disagree
Home court is a factor but not that big of a factor. Boston tends to play better on the road regardless. I think game 7 will be one of epic proportions, something like either team winning by 2.
Best of luck guys.
after a week in Boston...
…i think home court has more intangible benefits than what we would normally consider. That 3 game stretch is pretty rough and only happens in the finals. The difference between games 3 through 5 and game 6 mentally may be night and day for the Lakers.
when we win game 6.
and if by any chance the game 7 will be down the wire, that would be an epic heart attack for many
Not only can water float a boat, it can sink it also.
Haha, I know!
I would damn near pass out. And we all know what will probably happen. Last second Kobe drills a three to win, and I go into binge-drinking mode for a month or two.
Lakers fan, question.
What do yall think about Doc Rivers as a coach. I say he is the 3rd best in the league overall, but when it comes to X’s and O’s he is 2nd only to PJ.
Alot of our Celtic fans hate the man, and I’ll never know why. He is one hell of a coach, and win or lose this series deserves the respect he has earned.
His plays out of timeouts are terrific
His rotations are awful. Consistently kills momentum in bad moments.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Sticking with the reserves
in game 4 speaks volumes about his coaching IMHO. He had the balls to do something no other coach would surely do.
So you're saying any other coach would've sent every one back to the bench
while they’re playing terrific defense and offense? Sounds like quite the hypothesis…
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
To leave players
Like Nate, and Tony Allen out there last is a risk man. They are two of the craziest most turnover prone basketball players I have ever seen. Just to keep them in for the whole 4th Q till about 2:50 left or whatever it was, was very gutsy.
by C'sfan4life on Jun 15, 2010 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions
If they're hot
its the obvious choice when you’ve got nothing from the starters. Alvin Gentry did as much last series when his bench was outplaying the starters. Its a good coaching move, but its also an obvious one if the starters aren’t playing well.
Yeah, you have a valid point
But to leave out the Big 3 + Rondo that late in a game, especially with our hot and cold bench, shocked me. It worked, but I wouldn’t count on it again lol.
Best of luck!
by C'sfan4life on Jun 15, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
It was a risk
but its not as big as if you had been down. They had the lead and they were extending it. You gotta leave them in at that point if the starters weren’t getting it done.
it takes development
suns fans sat through cringing stretches as some of the bench players were still cutting there teeth during the season. I don’t know about rivers, but gentry gets lots of credit for developing those players…unlike dantoni. I think it’s telling that nate under dantoni was ineffective and under rivers he’s a factor.
"I DON'T EAT DAWG EITHER"...."A dawgs got personality, personality goes a long way."
by Mace Windu
It does
our bench sees significant time during the season for this exact reason. I don’t think Dantoni’s a bad coach, but he definitely lacks in development. Doc does develop people well, but I’m just saying that in this given situation it was easier to say the bench is getting it done because their starters were definitely not in that game.
lol
how can you even claim that d’antoni is the reason why robinson was ineffective in NY?
1) D’antoni has a certain offensive system he runs, that requires certain playes. Nate is not one of those. Buh-Bye.
2) Who knows the behind the scenes chemistry, but with all of the drama around NY, who knows what Nate thought of D’Antoni? Perhaps he dogged it (NY management thought so). Buh-Bye.
3) A coach telling a player to be aggressive is great coaching? Well, better give every coach that award. Because they all tell their role players to be aggressive at their role.
4) You can see, if you watched Boston throughout the playoffs, that Doc is actually NOT happy with alot of Nate’s antics, because he’s NOT running the offense. Doc has no confidence in Robinson in a 1on1, iso situation.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
how...
I watched coach D run a seven man rotation for years. not claiming he is THE reason but it’s worth noting. Nate is fast and has a quik release on his shot, how can this not work in ssol.
I haven’t been paying attention to rivers reactions to nates antics but he’s been a serious spark off the bench and getting good minutes, so how NOT happy could he be.
"I DON'T EAT DAWG EITHER"...."A dawgs got personality, personality goes a long way."
by Mace Windu
well
Nate isn’t a consistent 3 point shooter. SSOL requires consistency to keep the threat alive, and keep the defense guessing.
Nate can hit several in a row, but he’s definately a streaky scorer. He either gives you points in buckets, or he gives you nothing at all.
And I’m sure Doc was happy with Nate in Game 4, maybe even in somewhat in Game 5. But you do need to watch Doc when they show him, or look how quickly Rivers calls a TO after Nate totally destroys an offensive set.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
I don't know how happy or unhappy Doc is with Nate
he may be happier now but Nate didn’t get ANY playoff minutes until later in the Magic series…He didn’t get a lot of playing time in the regular season either.
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
Agreed about leaving the reserves
I wish PJ would resort to this more often. There are times when the team is playing well behind our reserves and he refuses to let them stay on the court. See Sasha from last game. Or Walton for game 3.
its because they give up too much defensively
Walton can’t guard Pierce and Sasha hit shots, but his defense is a liability at times.
good numbers these Finals
3-8 from the field, 2-5 from 3 so far.
And I think his D is better than Shannon’s, he just gets called for fouls more frequently (probably a ref hatred for his overreaction to every whistle).
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
yeah...
but Ron isn’t playing any better D himself, and consider he’s completely useless in the offense… how is Luke not a better option? Or hell, put Kobe at the 3 and Sasha at the 2.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
Because it takes a bevy of screens
to get artest off of pierce before pierce can create space. Walton automatically has to give Pierce space because he’s not quick enough or strong enough to keep him out of the paint. Phil doesn’t want Kobe guarding Pierce because well you saw it last night. Kobe got a 5th foul just for being in Pierce’s vicinity. We can afford for Artest to be in foul trouble because we have a backup capable of playing his role in the offense. no backup comes even close to replacing Kobe’s presence on the floor. I do think Luke makes an attempt to pass it in the post though. So I like him, but I don’t think his defense is newhere close to Ron’s bad defense.
ok...
so then what about the 1on1 situations where Ron is NOT screened off of Pierce, and he still gets burned? I mean, if they’re going to do that every single play (and Boston, like SA, is a smart team like that), then I’d rather have Luke Walton in there, because I know it’s going to get the offense moving.
If we’re not going to play any damn defense, then we need to atleast be scoring to try and keep it close.
Honestly, I just want Ron to play alot fucking better. Him and Odom have completely submarined this team, and I’m sick of them.
Maybe basketball is like real life work? You just can’t work with friends, because then neither of you is really giving it your best effort, and neither of you is really calling the other out for their mistakes.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
It's like saying the Celtics should
take Ray and Tony Allen off Kobe duty because they got burned in game 5. Paul Pierce hit shots he’s missed all series in game 5. The spacing Ron gave him is in anticipation of the screen. I don’t think you see him give the same space in game 6 because Pierce is going to think he doesn’t need them anymore. Ron played a bad game on defense, but Paul Pierce still hit shots he’s been missing and there wasn’t much Ron could do about it anyways.
Look at Ron's defense in context of what's happening in the game
Superstars have games where it doesn’t matter who is guarding them. They are gonna go off and hit just about everything. It happens. It happened 1 time in Boston. It’s not a trend. This game will show as much
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
you cannot be serious
You think the defense being played by Ron Artest is as good as the Allens? Seriously? I mean, christ, Ray Allen is playing better defense than Ron Artest is.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
They give Ray Allen lots of help on Kobe
Especially when trying to keep him from getting in the lane. He’s much smaller than Ron which makes it easier to get through screens and stay with Kobe…You forget the C’s have used screens to get Pierce open and last game he was just on fire. Didn’t matter who was guardian him. Ron’s d on pierce the 1st 3 games was very good. Kobe hasn’t gone 2-11 or 5-12 and the stats are skewed in the 1st game some of Pierces points came when the game was basically out of reach.
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
I'd counter
that Pierce was just not assertive enough on his offensive moves, and simply did not take alot of shots. Obviously, he was on fire in Game 5.
But I also saw several plays (not a few) that PP faced Ron 1on1, and calmly sunk a nearly flat footed jumper.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
Defense is just like offense
in that players have bad games. Ron isn’t perfect on defense but there is no one else i would rather have guarding Wheelchair than Ron Ron in a big game…For all of Ron’s faults, he seems pretty good at compartmentalizing his struggles…If he’s sucking on offense it doesn’t detract from the way he plays D. Plus i think he’ll be better at home on both ends.
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
I'd disagree because Allen gets away with what he doing,
which is lean on the offensive player, in this case Kobe. Literally, put his body on Kobe. Ron can’t do that all given his frame. Ron Artest has actually played solid defense in this series on Pierce.
well, i did complain about that
but no one seemed to agree. probably because of the FT disparity.
I think if anything, it just proves that in a lightly called game, the team who generally hacks is going to get called for more fouls than the other, but they will also get away with alot of non-calls that messes up the other team’s rhythm.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
the calls have been all over the place this series
the first 2 games—every little touch & non-touch got called.
the last 2 games—nothing except for blatant hacks got called
umm
Alvin Gentry did the same thing just a series ago. Unfortunately for him, his gamble cost his team the game and the season (from a certain point of view). Doc’s worked.
And Doc is not unique in this. Many teams run their reserves deep into the 4th if they are making shots and/or getting stops.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
The difference is, on the Suns, the reserves play better defense than the starters.
They also had a lot of experience as a unit.
I disagree that this cost the Suns the game, as well. The reserves closed a 14 point deficit to 5. The starters may have been out of rhythm, but they were earlier, too.
Auntie Em: Hate you, hate Kansas, taking the dog.
Dorothy
This is essentially what I was going to say
He’s not a bad coach, but his offensive X’s and O’s are not that great. Defense with him and Thibodeau is great though. I’ll reserve my feelings on his defense until Thibodeau leaves and see what he does
Oh trust me
The defense is all Thibs, Doc is a players coach and certainly has his strengths and weaknesses.
by C'sfan4life on Jun 15, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
A Physical Game
Something I’ve been thinking about is this… The lakers should try to make the first quarter especially chippy / physical even at the expense of extra fouls. If the refs are forced to call the game tight it’s a disadvantage to the Celtics. Even the Boston players have claimed as much.
Ref’s always have a habit of tightening up the game once both teams start shoving and fouling blatantly and this impacts both teams.
Really really bad Idea..
The last thing I want to see is Kobe out in the 3rd because he’s sitting on four fouls same goes for the rest of anybody..
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
I like the idea..
Kobe doesn’t haft be the one to do it. Drew or Ron could get rough..It would also serve a dual purpose like it did in game 1 and get this team’s juices flowing
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
But it increases the whistle, and expends extra energy.
I would think a game with offensive FLOW would be something that would favour the Lakers…
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
this is killing me
i coudnt sleep last night, im not hungry anymore, im just eating like 1/3 of the portion i usually eat, i cant stand this anymore
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
When fandom reaches physical symptoms..
Have we taken it to far?…
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
yes,
regardless of what happens, I still have to work, we all still have bills, and there will still be another season, and even another one after that.
I’m upset for several hours after a loss, very grouchy towards my wife, but after some time passes, I get over it (because there’s nothing anybody can do about it except the people we can’t control) and move onto another form of entertainment until the next game.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
Pssh, I kill people after every loss. The bodies are piling up.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
by SoCalGal on Jun 15, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
3 years ago
If I had told one person, “I’ll give you KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis, and a bunch of other no-names.” The next guy I tell “I’ll give you Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, and some other no-names.”
Who do you think would have been happy, and who would have felt they didn’t have a better team?
This just goes to show that talent isn’t always everything, that you can never scout who mentally tough a player is, and this is why we play the game.
I think at this point we can all agree that Ron Artest is dumb. Not like an idiot, or an imbecile, but w/o a doubt, he’s NOT a smart person. Sure, he understands basic offensive sets, but let’s be real. Defense is really an ability that is innate. It’s hard to teach great defense unless the ability is there to be taught. Also, it’s easy to be a scorer, like Ron once was, using just basic knowledge of basketball. But I think we all can agree that the triangle is just way too complicated for Ron Artest.
My solution? Win or lose, we must dump Ron Artest. Kobe Bryant is getting older. Kobe needs to move to SF as he gets slower. We need to start grooming a new, small, get in the paint SG to give this team another spark from the backcourt.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
didnt artest sign a 5 year contract
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
yeah
so let’s hope he somehow gains 15-20 IQ points in the offseason?
Either that, or package him and injury prone Andrew Bynum for Chris Bosh in a S&T.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
He wouldn't be THAT horrible if only his shot is going down for him.
It looks like a lot of time he’s just afraid to shoot the 3 unless he’s wide open. And something is wrong with his shooting because he was never THAT horrible of a FT shooter either (his FT shooting has been shaq-esqe lately)
he hope he works on shooting and finishing at the basket in the off season. He’s been horrible at blowing layups.
He needs to sit in the gym all summer
And practice catch-and-shoot threes. No hesitation, just catch and fire. His game would improve immeasurably if he can do that, as the floor will open up for other opportunities.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Toronto already has Turkoglu on a massive contract
No way they’re taking Artest unless we take Calderon from them, and then we’re left with a hole at the three.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
well
Hedo is going to be traded. Not sure where, and who wants him. I’ve heard a crazy idea that Orlando might offer VC for Hedo. Laughable, but it kinda makes sense.
And right now, we still have a hole at the 3.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
The scenarios in which Turkoglu is traded
Invariably involve taking back big money in the process. In other words, it won’t happen until he shows next year that he’s moved from “toxic piece of crap” to “reasonably okay player with giant contract.”
As for the hole we would have, Artest/Walton is better than Walton/Vujacic. I’d rather not add signing a three onto our list of things to do in the offseason.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
well
if I could trade Bynum straight up for Bosh, I would. But the numbers don’t match. And I don’t believe anyone is going to take Ammo, Vujacic, or Walton in combination with Bynum for a Bosh S&T.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
and I don't hate Bynum
I just feel he’s injury prone, and after YEARS in the triangle, I still don’t believe he’s fully comfortable. His understanding is definately better than Ron Ron’s, but he’s already behind Pau Gasol, and even the other role players know the offense better than Bynum seems to know.
Or maybe he just needs to learn to pass out of the post when his first move is denied. That might help.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
His passing out of the post is definitely something he needs to work on.
It’s something that he is just now seeing this year and shows the amount of respect teams have for him when he gets the ball in the post..As far as him being injury prone, i agree with that to an extent. This year was much better than previous years and i think he should wear knee braces when healthy just to cut out the freak injury factor as much as possible. He does that i don’t see any reason he can’t dominate in the future
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
i don't know about dominate.
those injuries have killed a lot of his atheleticism
but he’ll still be one hell of a player if he manages to stay healthy.
and yea…work on the passing :)
I think he could dominate
Think about it like this, He can grab the rim standing on his tippy toes. Even without the athleticism he had im sure he can jump and get most of his arm above the rim. That’s still more than the majority of centers not named Dwight Howard can do. Add in that he has been working on his game and doesn’t rely on his athleticism to beat people minus the oops and you have a beast…He just needs to stick to the kneebraces after he’s healthy lol
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
offensively, no problem
but to be dominant, i imagine he’ll need to be a defensive beast, too. the lack of atheleticism may hurt in rebounding and being fast enough for help defense.
True
I wonder if it will slow him down that much…Rebounding is more being in the right position, determination and taking the ball. Pau doesn’t have the hops Bynum has now and he usually gets a lot of boards. But you notice one thing is that he’s always right there around the ball.
I only need 2 words for my sig now....."FUCK BOSTON"
Vujacic's contract is expiring
He thankfully becomes an asset next year.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
I don't think the Lakers would be getting Bosh even if they found a way to match salaries.
I agree with your thought of trading Bynum. He is injury prone and because of that problem, I don’t think the Lakers would get equal or something close to equal value for him.
Jesus damn... Bosh for Bynum? Are you drunk?
Has this series taught us NOTHING?
Bynum is precisely the sort of center LA needs, when he’s not at even 75%, that’s when LA have struggled.
You’d trade him… for a guy who can’t even spell “D” much less play it. Bynum for … Gasol-lite?
Please god, no.
The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic living in Japan...
Bosh is a pretty good defensive player.
If the trade does or doesn’t happen, I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. A player can’t be effective on the court when he is a perpetual injury risk, which Bynum is.
Yes, the series has taught us that Bynum is very effective against the Celtics frontcourt given his array of offensive moves and length and shot blocking presence.
exactly
Bynum, when healthy, is the better fit. And sure, he made it through a good portion of the regular season, but this is now 3 postseason’s in a row where one knee or the other has caused him issues. I’d rather take Bosh and the limitations it might bring over Bynum at less than 100% everyday.
Plus, as we all seem to recognize, Bynum at 100% isn’t even that great. He still has a long way to go in terms of polish.
I like Bosh in the triangle because I think he’s even better at the high post than Gasol is, while Gasol is one of the best in the low post. So I’m not sure that Bosh for 100% Bynum is actually worse.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
The amount of underselling of Bosh's talent
And the overselling of Bynum’s that has occurred in the last week or so amazes me. Everyone realizes this is Chris Bosh, right?
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Nono, they're right!
Bosh sucks!
LA should stay away… ;)
GMs will always make exceptions for talent
There simply isn’t a better offer on the market unless Chicago is offering Noah — Colangelo isn’t turning down Bynum in any scenario imaginable.
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Dude, get over it
Bynum is an awkard landing away from Greg Oden. :P
SFs
aren’t getting slwer these days. The up-and-comers most play SF. Danny Granger, Kevin Durant, Melo, Lebron. SFs are becoming a more priority position these days. I don’t think Kobe needs to be chasing these guys around the court for entire games.
SF is a rare position
not many great players come into that position. Durant, btw, is currently a SG. In a few more years, if he bulks up, then maybe he moves to the 3 (kinda like how Dirk and KG moved from the 3 to the 4 as they got more weight).
But you think it’s a better option to chase around small guards, rather than bigger and slower SFs (don’t even mention James, he’s a unique freak).
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
btw
Kobe can keep up because most guards these days are attackers. Wade is an attack the basket guard. Roy is an attack the basket guard. Rose is an attack the basket guard. Rondo, Westbrook. Most of them attack the basket. There are few Ray Allens in this league and Kobe likely wouldn’t even guard them. For him to guard players that are one bigger, therefore able to take more contact and bumps and still finish, and with better game I think its a fallacy to state that SF is where he should be playing. We need him on offense not playing lockdown defense until we get a replacement on offense for him. When we find that, then he can go play SF. Until then, he needs to stay as a guard because he doesn’t have the size for most forwards.
and that's my point
rather than looking to replace Ariza at SF, I thought we should have gotten a guard who can break down the d off dribble penetration and finish at the rim. Kobe’s the only one we got who do that. Farmar is our next dribble penetration guard, but his scoring abilities is extremely lacking once he gets amongst the big men.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
also
this forces great matchups in our favor
Kobe is a great defender. I’m not going to claim that he can stop the bigger SFs in the post, but if Kobe was the 3 and we had a solid 2, that forces teams to matchup to us. Imagine if Pierce was forced to defend Kobe every game, all game. And if teams use the defensive specialist against Kobe, that puts either a bigger, slower player on the 2, or simply a player who’s not good at D trying to guard a legitimate threat at the 2.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
We already have matchups in our favor
most do not have the roster to guard our starting 5 +1 with Odom. Teams like the Celtics do but most don’t. Either way, just cuz someone plays the 2 and someone else plays the 3 doesn’t mean thats how matchups go. If I’m the opposing coach, I will take Kobe playing on Melo or Lebron or Durant if it means they have to guard him at some point too. For Kobe to be effective on offense we need him doing less work on defense. Its diminishing return to have too many players on the floor that drive. Kobe wouldn’t be as great if we force him into the spot-up shooter role because he’s not a spot-up shooter. We have enough problems without trying to change his role on the team. We need to maximize what we get out of him instead of trying delegate him to different roles. We don’t maximize his impact if we make him a spot-up shooter. Why was Ariza so crucial to that run because he was a great spot-up shooter? Breaking down the defense takes penetration which Kobe can still do, but we have to hit the shots. We don’t need another penetrator because what happens when a player hits shots. They close on him harder and penetration is easier and ripple effects. We just need to continue hitting our open looks and our offense would be fine. Since we aren’t our offense looks anemic because the only person hitting is Kobe, and that contrary to popular belief is not his fault.
do or die
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckXIV9ISCr0
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
We'll know a lot sooner than tomorrow morning. I'm sure we'll hear a roar across the city, win or lose, sometime around 9:30 PM.
By this time tomorrow, we’ll know whether the Lakers survived to play a Game Seven.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I won't hear anything
but my wife. dogs, cats, and maybe the fish will hear something. Me. :)
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
either lots of cussing or lots of cheers
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Holy shit Dex
Wow, did you have to invoke the fury of Ammo in Game 6? I know it’s a must win, but now the Lakers are going to go on and sweep the rest of the next 8 seasons. That’s not going to be nice to other franchises/fans.
On a serious note though, Ammo? Holy crap just by putting him there you know that something magnificent is going to happen. I mean, gold may rain in Bulgaria tonight, or liberty will come to those seeking suffrage and freedom. I kinda wanted a game tonight. Oh well.
Lakers 457, Celtics -8.
Sheesh.
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
by 99bc99 on Jun 15, 2010 10:53 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Shaqfor3...
Ammo will take 5 of your toughest knives.
Now throw them at his chest, and watch them shatter.
LAKERS BABY!
For me its the consistent inconsistency that concerns me - PAGFL
It's always AMMO Time, in spirit- DexterFishmore
lo, that was fast
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
it just didnt work out
now im looking for jobs in banking or hotel work such as answering phones.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
lol
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 15, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Did you keep some knives?
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 15, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
no
I returned the sample kit so I can get my deposit back.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Oh ok.
Crazy experience no doubt.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 15, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm in the minority...
but I think Ron has played pretty good. His defense has been solid. Pierce got off a lot of open looks due to poor switching and rotation. To put it all on Artest isn’t fair.
As for his offense, the guy doesn’t get many looks to get into a healthy groove. He hot two 3’s in game 5 but sadly will just be remembered for not finishing the 3 point play opportunity or making the two free throws.
The thing I like about Ron is that he is a tad crazy. Trust me when I say he doesn’t take anything good or bad from one game to the next. Each game is a new wonderland for him, so hopefully tonight he can come out and feed off the home crowd and play better then he already is.
definately in the minority
here’s his shooting numbers:
FG: 30%
3PT: 31%
FT: 48%
Epic failure on the offensive end.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
think he just needs his mojo back...
…like a few of the guys. I’m guessing time in LA will do them good.
for good luck
im wearing my championship t-shirt from last year.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I'm gonna bust out my 1985 champion shirt.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 15, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Some reading at Slam to pass the time
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2010/06/stakes-is-high/
Kobe Bryant continues to have what is arguably the most fascinating, enthralling, frustrating, and bizarre career of any NBA Hall of Famer.
Things started off so promisingly, then disaster struck, and then he somehow pulled it all back together and redeemed himself in the court of public (and athletic) opinion.
Tonight — and potentially, Thursday night — he gets yet another opportunity to rewrite his story. His own brilliant, divisive, twisted, convoluted, and endlessly fascinating story.
A loss to Boston this summer provides his critics with plenty of ammunition: he’s no Jordan and never will be; he’s not the greatest Laker; the ‘09 title was a "fluke"; he can’t make his teammates tougher and better; etc.
(Key thing to remember in all of this: Magic Johnson won five NBA championships. Along the way, Johnson and his Lakers lost in the title round FOUR times. And last time I checked, no one considers his career a let down in any way.)
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 15, 2010 11:08 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I wish more people would remember this.
(Key thing to remember in all of this: Magic Johnson won five NBA championships. Along the way, Johnson and his Lakers lost in the title round FOUR times. And last time I checked, no one considers his career a let down in any way.)
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
by SoCalGal on Jun 15, 2010 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
to be fair
Michael had Scottie Pippen and Rodman (for the last 3). But honestly, going into his run, did anyone think MJ’s supporting cast was up to the task?
This is the same thing facing the Lakers. Are the role players good enough? Will they step up? Kobe Bryant cannot score 93 points a game. He needs some help. Michael had help, but they didn’t get the attention. If LA wins this title, Kobe will get the lionshare of the credit, while Farmar, Brown, Vujacic will get absolutely none. Odom, with no all stars to his name, will go down as a debatable historical figure. Gasol, Bynum, etc.
As Laker fans, we all believe our team is extremely talented. But do they have the cajones to reach down and BE that team? I have confidence for Game 6 because role players always shoot better at home (sightlines of the arena…. very key… no one ever mentions this).
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
Wrong MJ, dude. This is talking about the original.
Michael had Scottie Pippen and Rodman (for the last 3). But honestly, going into his run, did anyone think MJ’s supporting cast was up to the task?
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
reply fail
was meant for Gil. because I AM talking about Jordan, and not Magic. Magic had some serious talent on his team.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
You made the mistake of replying to my post, so since I WASN'T talking about Jordan, I let you know.
Thanks for playing.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
well, good for you?
because I wasn’t.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
The 09 title was not a fluke
But Orlando’s presence in the title game was
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
LOL, don't be a hater!
But I know you hate them.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
zing!
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 15, 2010 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Apologists tagline...
Key thing to remember in all of this: Magic Johnson won five NBA championships. Along the way, Johnson and his Lakers lost in the title round FOUR times. And last time I checked, no one considers his career a let down in any way.
Thinking a like again.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
To be fair:
I think you’d have to compare Magic’s losses to Kobe’s a little more closely (although to say it’s only their wins or losses is kind of silly, but I understand the thought process).
Anyways, here are Magic’s losses:
- 1983 to Philadelphia to a superior 76er team, without James Worthy (yeah, he was a rookie but still) and Norm Nixon.
- 1984 to Boston in a series of two extremely evenly-matched (and loaded) teams. The Lakers lost this one more than Boston won it (hmm), and Magic carried the bulk of the blame, only to redeem himself in ’85 (and again in ’87)
- 1989 to Detroit to a pissed-off Piston team, who felt that the ’88 title should have been theirs. Magic, by the way, got hurt in Game 2, and missed the rest of the series.
- 1991 to a hungry Chicago Bull team; Jordan’s first title.
The Lakers could have been seen as the underdog in every one of those series’ (in none of them did they have home-court advantage), in fact those are some pretty awesome teams they lost to. But except for Chicago, Magic’s Lakers also beat those teams- including Philly and Boston twice, including once each w/o the homecourt.
Kobe’s Lakers beat four inferior teams, got upset against Detroit, lost to a better Boston club in ‘08, and face the possibility of losing to them a second time, this time as the favorite. So his 4-3 does look a lot worse than Magic’s 5-4 when you break it down. One can argue that Magic’s supporting cast had more (guts) than Kobe’s, but Magic also elevated his team, so long as that team was at full strength. And again, this came against some fairly well-known talent.
That said, I feel for Kobe, and the unfair criticism he is sure to face if the Lakers don’t win this series. Maybe compared to Magic, there’s some justice, but maybe we should stop the comparisons altogether (to Magic, to Jordan, etc) and appreciate him for what he is.
And here’s hoping he can pull off a big eff you these next two games.
I'm here to talk about the past.
So...
Bynum and ariza being injured in 2008 doesn’t go against Kobe. Malone being injured in ‘04 doesn’t go against Kobe, and the Celtics are a hungry team because they thought they should’ve won last year. Seems like they’re in the same boat. Stop this. Everyone likes to point out different things for different reasons. Jordan’s teammates played their roles and played them well. Magic’s teammates are mostly hall of famers that played and did what they did together. Kobe’s teammates are not. 23 points in a row shooting 80%, we’d be talking about how great Lebron or Wade is right now. Because our team looks great on paper, Kobe will always be discounted, especially by people who watched the older teams and don’t want anyone from the new age shining brighter than the old. Sorry to say it but thats just what it is. Everyone has selective memory about older players.
If my post seemed anti-Kobe it wasn't meant to be.
My love for Kobe borders on irrational. I have no problem with him shining brighter than Magic or anyone else; in fact I am counting on him doing just that tonight and Thursday.
It’s not completely selective memory though. You simply can’t compare the 2000 Pacers, 2001 76ers, or 2002 Nets to any of those teams that Magic’s Lakers beat or (lost to). That’s not an old man’s rant, that’s just reality.
Thanks for brining up Bynum/Ariza in ’08; agreed.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I'm not comparing those
the East was weak, the West was tops back then. I’m just saying that selective memory is in question because the Western Conference was as strong as ever back then. The Pacers may not have been good, but the twin towers, the Jail Blazers, and the Kings were all good teams borderline great teams to play against. the Lakers just made them look silly. No teams are ever going to compare to those because there is more league parity. You don’t have 5 hall-of-famers on one team. You don’t have that anymore. Jus as much as no team that has been beaten by Kobe’s teams have been as great as Magic’s. Kobe’s teams have never been as stacked as Magic’s was. It wasn’t meant to be aimed at you, just at the argument in general. Magic’s team was stacked top to bottom while the Lakers teams have always been 50% Kobe and insert big man and then 50% everyone else. There was no Norm Nixon to help lead the team with Magic. There was no James Worthy down there with Shaq. It was a starting 5 that consisted of two all-stars and role players from then on. The team was only looked at to be stacked because of the role player contributions in title runs, even if their only shot made for the game was the last second 3. The only deviation was in ‘04 when Malone got injured and they lost in the Finals. Lots of issues with that team that don’t need to be explored. Just saying. Compare the teams not the resumes. Sure Magic lost 4 times and won 5, but his team should’ve won at least 5 times on paper. Kobe and Shaq could be said the same, but I’ll take Magic, Nixon, Worthy, Kareem over Kobe/Shaq anyday.
fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck
kenny mauer reffing game 6
yes the same guy who reffed game 2 of the 2008 finals and game 2 of the 2010 finals.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
we need some bennett salvatore, lol
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
didn't we win game 2 of the 2010 finals?
If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose.
Just take the ball inside- LakersForDeuce and just about everybody else on SSR
Hey SoCalGal, I'm at tinychat/lakers right now
If you’re interested…
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
No can do, but thanks!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
hey
as long as we get none of the refs from Game 6 in 08. I think the refs killed the Lakers in that game in the 1st half. When they saw they weren’t going to get any calls, and the lead had already ballooned to double digits, I feel like the team then said “Fuck it, fuck the NBA, fuck the refs, fuck you all.”
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
Kenny Mauer is the guy who looks like the origina Hannibal Lecter
In “Manhunter”
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
quick note...
i am somewhat happy that the lakers are favored by 6.5
i don’t like to have conspiracy theories, but after gambling for so long, it seems inevitable. 70% of the money is on the celtics moneyline, meaning you only have to put up $100 to win $250…70% is on the celtics spread and 75% is on the over…which is around 188.5-189. i’m hoping vegas stays true and since they don’t like losing money more than me probably, i’mma have to ride with the lakers and a double digit win with the under…let’s do this
Man the pitchforks!
Set the fires!
Figuratively of course.. lol
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
by bluexfalcon on Jun 15, 2010 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
you guys need some motivation
here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X4g-LcFnU8
but lets hope this doesnt have the same ending ;)
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
another piece of motivation...
this music gets me goin everytime….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=—Z45aw8b7c
by hahnMagiCjuan on Jun 15, 2010 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
ssr is the bomb...
i’m not always posting, but i’m always reading. just wanted to say that you guys are dope and i love all the great and insightful posts. hopefully i can be on more and get to know you all better. i’ll be on for game 7 too…we got this!
just noticed your pic
awesome
If you have a debate with a scholar, you can win. If you have a debate with an ignorant person, you will definitely lose.
Just take the ball inside- LakersForDeuce and just about everybody else on SSR
And one finals beatdown
And one soon to come.
Are you admitting that the Lakers were beat by a handicap?
They prefer to be called challenged, not handicapped.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
I don't know what "pugnacious" means
But I wrote something about Kobe, too. I think it’s good.
http://sportscasualties.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/its-your-turn-kobe/
And not feeling the first 5 or so paragraphs. I don’t think this team “owes” anybody anything. I do, however, think that – fair or not – Kobe’s legacy rides on the next 60 or hours.
Kobe has matured...
He ‘s become a leader and has learned from the past. He won’t make the same mistake by letting this opportunity go to waste. Forget pride, ego, revenge; Kobe just wants to win. He’s going to put it all out tonight., by any means necessary win Game 6.
Go Lakers!!!!!!
the question isn't about Kobe
it’s about Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol (somewhat), and the rest of the bench players.
"The problem actually is that PER is a extra-long, double high wagon load of horse crap." - timbo (7/3/09)
Yep. You can lead a horse to water, but you can;t make him drink.
"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." - John Wooden
yes you can...
if you shove the horse’s damn head in the water he’s bound to get some water in his mouth. Hopefully Kobe has done this…
Yeah I agree with tandur
Kobe’s a leader, had learned from the past, won’t make the same mistake, and really wants to win.
But it’s his teammates who have let not just Kobe down, but themselves.
Kobe can score 40 tonight and they could still lose. His teammates have to man up and play.
What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say "fuddle duddle" or something like that?
one at a time, i have faith in this squad
"i remember one time,we was playing basketball,and we was winning the game,it was so competitive,he broke a piece of lead from a table,and he threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court" - Ron Artest on wonderful childhood memories.
This is 1988 all over again
after beating the Celtics in 1987, the Lakers felt much more adversity and struggles during that season, and had tough battles with the mavs and jazz in the playoffs.
Then in 1988, they ran into a defensive juggernaut in the Detroit Pistons, they lost game 1 and had to settle with a split at home. But on the road, they took 1 game, came back home and took games 6 & 7 in hard fought struggles despite Isaiah Thomas’s heroics to go back to back.
Now its our turn to do the same.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I like your thinking.
Those two games, with so much on the line, were off-the-planet nerve-wracking.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Question for you guys...
Kobe is getting hammered from some of the media, including LA Times writer TJ Simers for trying to win it himself. What are Laker fans opinion on this? As a celtic fan, I haven’t had much respect for Kobe over the years for his seemingly selfish ways. I thought getting rid of Shaq was a mistake and evidence of Kobe wanting to be the sole leader. But honestly, after game 5, I have a new respect for Kobe, and as hard as I try, I just can’t hate someone that good. I feel he recognized no one else was stepping up, so he had to take over. Your thoughts?
Don't worry guys
I have seen the future.. Lakers will win. For years now I have had a what you call strong sense of Deja vu and I have foreseen the Lakers winning. Now, if the Laker’s lose then my life is a lie and I have serious issues to worry about…
he did keep trying to get the offense started
He generally starts games in a distribution roll trying to get things going. He went back to some of this in the 4th quarter.
Alot of the ball hog stuff and selfish Kobe blah blah seems to be just goofy anti Lakers comments and stuff in the media. In games like game 5, unfortunately, Kobe must have realized at some point that his shot was going to be the most efficient choice for offense at the time. Catch is our defense couldn’t get stops and for that Cs fans and media has a heyday at Kobe’s expense. Pretty sad actually.
Look for awesomeness tonight though. We’re due for at least one solid game in the series.
M*thaf*ckas like Jon Barry would lead you to believe that, but for the most part, the criticism has been
surprisingly non-existent, with a few words here and there.
those shelfish ways have been over a while ago....
though that image has remained in the minds of all non lakers fans. Everyone still hates Kobe as if he never worked his ass off to get back on his feet. Hey the guy made mistakes in the past. So does everyone else. He’s matured. You got to respect the man’s unparalleled work ethic and unmatchable desire to win. You can see for yourself. Broken pinky, messed up knee and ankles, yet he’s the only one on our team that’s guaranteed to give 100 percent every night.
A second consecutive title for the Los Angeles Lakers would trigger a $2 million performance bonus in Jackson’s contract, according to NBA coaching sources.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
2 million reasons to win tonight and Thursday
Jackson in huddle on WIRED: “C’mon guys, this is gonna pay for Jeannie’s engagement ring!”
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 15, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
"...PLUS, if you guys win I'll give you all a copy of her playboy shoot"
Lakers lose by 25…
Kobe is like constantly in Kill Mode - Ron Artest
lol
"i remember one time,we was playing basketball,and we was winning the game,it was so competitive,he broke a piece of lead from a table,and he threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court" - Ron Artest on wonderful childhood memories.
Don't forget
BOX OUT RONDO, this means you #24!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Kobe needs to stick to him at all times
hes letting rondo roam free around the court and get easy layups on cuts to the rim.
Please Kobe, STICK TO RONDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
At least foul the shit out of him to make earn the two points.
Well, let someone other than Kobe foul him, I mean.
I'm here to talk about the past.
How awesome would it be if Ammo were an unlikely hero tonight?
+++++
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
the tip-in that Rondo had over him
was when Kobe was boxing and rebounding over Allen. I love how that image floats around, but Allen is all of a sudden pushed out of it to show Rondo over Kobe instead of showing that Kobe was indeed already rebounding over someone.
WE ARE STILL THE CHAMPS!
This statement is 100% accurate.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
WRONG
We are the champs of LAST FRIGGIN YEAR!!
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
by desecrator09 on Jun 15, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
nah im playing :)
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
by desecrator09 on Jun 15, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
By the way desecrator
What we are expressing here is not faith (wells some are, if they are saying we WILL win)
We are expressing and excitement and anticipation … you’re welcome to join!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
I am too geeked up right now
I feel like an audience member at one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” shows.
yeah, I said Oprah.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Another thing
I totally subscribe to this thought: if the Lakers can’t defend their home court, they don’t deserve to be the champs.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
"Suuuunny days!!!! Everything is AAAA-Okay!
Faith.... a fan's biggest downfall
I don't even know what this means
Big Bird is sick?
he doesn’t like Japanese grasshoppers?
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
Is he eating that little girl or throwing her up?
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
This is one time that I will could not care less if there is David Stern Conspiracy talk after the game
Because that will mean the Lakers won!
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
by Gil Meriken on Jun 15, 2010 3:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Meh
I don’t see why you guys would have a right to be angry. Your team has ridiculous number of championships, you got an all star fall into your laps, you’ve only missed the playoffs five times…
You know where I’m going with this.
"We follow people who know a lot more about basketball than I do or pretend to..."
--David Stern
That's a cryin' shame.
"We follow people who know a lot more about basketball than I do or pretend to..."
--David Stern
by Jacob Grinyer on Jun 15, 2010 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions
when you are in the spot we are in right now
you seize the opportunity. You dont let it escape.
You make the most of it cause you dont know if you will be back here for a long time….
CARPE DIEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
of course we get to be angry
had this been another team we’re playing against, you have a right to say we are spoiled.
But it’s the fucking celtics, who actually have more banners than us (and i hope they never get any more) and more Future Hall of Famers than us. So yea…we get to whine this time round :)
Fair enough.
"We follow people who know a lot more about basketball than I do or pretend to..."
--David Stern
by Jacob Grinyer on Jun 15, 2010 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions
this
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
by shaqfor3 on Jun 15, 2010 3:45 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
the crowd needs to be this fucking loud:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftYCBrObR98&feature=player_embedded#!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Im hoping home cooking will do everyone good and our Laker team will show up.
If we do go down for some reason, we better go down swinging. I dont see it happening, but anything can happen. I just hope we play some D tonight, and Kobe gets some help. Lets go Lakers, lets have the real Laker team show up these next two games.
"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 is from TLN but the message is clear:
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
no doubt the biggest game in Lakers history in about 22 years
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
From George Lopez, via Twitter:
Game 6 in LA.. Celtics VS Lakers ! Were down 3 games to 2 .. "WE GOT THIS " in my voice !!
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
DO IT LAKERS! FOR US!!!!
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
The Lakers went through that 82 game slog to earn this home court advantage
Time to make it pay off.
"This is not a game for boys. This is a game for men." - Phil Jackson
nah
just reading some articles online. but of course, I shouldn’t be angry. we had ours ready last year…
The Celtics have never blown a 3-2 lead in the finals. The only time they ever did it in the playoffs was last year vs Orlando.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
What a ray of sunshine you are! Thanks for stopping by!
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
In the last 3 seasons, Boston in 1-7 in close out games
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
What are close out games?
I think your definition is different
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
yea via @LakersReporter
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
lol
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Did I ever tell you
You give off a beautiful, glimmering radiance as well?
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
again
we should throw these records away. These are not teams of the past. phils 47-0?
the team that wins game one and three are 9-1 in game 5 blah blah blah. and celtics never blown 3-2 crap. celtics always closed in less than 5 when up 3-0..what happened? this is the present.
just 8th?
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
lol I seen a 2010 set for us too
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
I cannot believe
that you are citing payroll as an advantage tonight for the lakers. and then in the next breath, citing gasol’s salary as part of his game. what? it’s all about what happens tonight. Furthermore, Odom and Artest WOULD be featured players on other teams… BAD teams. Or ok teams at best. Not teams that make it to the finals.
The Lakers are not an astonishing pile of talent as you say. They have one incredible player and then a good, not great supporting cast. Oh and in the same vein as the payroll stuff above, Phil Jackson’s 12 million dollar salary is NOT an advantage for the Lakers tonight. Neither are all the rings he won coaching the greatest athlete ever on a different team. Your head is in the wrong places, just like your team.
You fail at Internet
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Jun 15, 2010 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
+1
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
like this
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
My troll radar is going off
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Can't wash off the stink of a troll.
"Prejudice not founded on reason cannot be removed by argument." - Samuel Johnson
wonder how many more of these trollish comments we're gonna get
hopefully they all retreat to their caves after thursday.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
but i love how right i am.
bringing up Phil’s rings is the same as saying, “Hey, the Lakers won in 2000, so they should win tonight.”
Let's Go!!
Damn, I’m so pumped for this game!!
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Lakers
Please win game 6. That would eliminate so much stress, at least until game 7. Assuming we win game 6 of course.
Ball don't lie.
by East.Coast.Laker.Fan on Jun 15, 2010 5:18 PM PDT reply actions
I know it would be better if the Lakers won game 6
But wouldn’t losing tonight eliminate stress too? After all, the season would be over.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
thats right, it would eliminate our lifes
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
Oh kb06
You guys don’t need this title as further certification of what a storied franchise you have. Losing this series won’t take away from all that you’ve accomplished in the past. You still have a lot to be proud of. A lot more than me, anyway. Just think about how much jeopardy the Cavs franchise is in.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
i was just joking
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
but, since we are winning, that wont happen
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
yeah
but watching boston celebrate would make us all die of diphtheria.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
in our homecourt!!!
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
You'll survive, shaqfor3. I promise you.
I made it through watching the Spurs celebrate on our home court.
Saying "Hello With Malice" seven times will wake the dead.
But the Celtics?? The Celtics??
THE CELTICS??!!
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
we must silence the trolls!
losing is not an option
you fail at internet
;p
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Kind of
but at least if they lose game 7 it means a potentially awful summer will come a couple days later. I just home court actually means something.
Ball don't lie.
by East.Coast.Laker.Fan on Jun 15, 2010 5:21 PM PDT reply actions
oops, reply fail
Ball don't lie.
by East.Coast.Laker.Fan on Jun 15, 2010 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
btw, has anyone since czheck lately_
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
nope
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
45min till Game time. Chillin with some Jay-Z
LET’S DO THIS
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Serious Cat is serious
Twitter feed: @dexterfishmore
by DexterFishmore on Jun 15, 2010 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions
beat me to it again.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
please win Lakers.........
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." -Kobe
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails
where’s that descretor?
lol good one.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
I approve this comment.
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
Hey Dex, is C.A at Staples?
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Crowd sounds rowdy!
Sweeet! I have that winning feeling!
the optimist see a green light everywhere, the pesimist see a red one,
while the real wise ones are color blind
"You are asking me if LeBron is going to New York?, I’m trying to tell you in a polite way, I don’t give a shit"
these espn guys make me more nervous
"These young guys are playing checkers. I'm out there playing chess." -Kobe
The pregame and halftime show are turrible
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
has jon barry picked the lakers to win a game yet?
Ball don't lie.
by East.Coast.Laker.Fan on Jun 15, 2010 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions
he accidently called them the fakers
nuff said
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
game thread up =)
Queensbridge. Littlerock.
"Derek Fisher shouldn't be allowed to shoot unless theres fewer than one second on the shot clock" - Kelly Dwyer
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