OH MY GOSH UPSET!!! oh that’s right the thunder are down 21 bwahahhahahahhahah. Oh and I’m calling you out when the Thunder don’t dominate the third.
21 is the new 1 point margin, don’t you know that?
EDIT 23 past the hour: NVM, LAL Lackers stroked the basketball genie’s dick today. No way they playin this ugly and shooting 66% in game 6
[quote]randman wrote:
[quote]AndrewG909 wrote:
I was thinking the same thing. Mavs would have been a challenge and the Nuggets always give us a run for our money, Spurs on the other hand are not nearly as dangerous to us and the Jazz wont be able to hang. Part of me wants a competative series with the best in the west to prepare us for the championship, but at the same time it’d be nice to be able to have a fairly easy series and get ready for the tough opponent! I’m just worried that what happened 2 years ago will happen again, the Lakers cake walk thru the west and get murdered against the best in the East, we may need these tough teams to prepare us mentally for the big dog, whether it be Orlando or Cleveland.[/quote]
I actually thought the revamped Mavs (Caron Butler et al) were the most dangerous threat but they are sputtering once again. Playing well below their talent level. I should talk as a Lakers fan!
Geesh. I understand all the hope for OKC. They are super young, talented and energetic and I get why a lot of people are saying the Lakers aren’t that good when observing the first four games. That’s the frustrating thing. Talent-wise, pound-for-pound they are still the most talented, long team in the league (especially looking at their top 6 players). It’s just they have this extremely frustrating tendency to play down to their competition and ride on their talent.
I mean OKC is good, but the Lakers are making them look like Supermen. Gasol or Bynum were not going after rebounds agressively last game but OKC was. So far, they are acting like the hungrier team.
I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news but unless some proverbial fire is lit under the Laker’s asses, I think they will lose to Orlando or Cleveland in the finals. Their talent alone will get them through the western conference (unless the Thuggets or Mavs somehow take their respective series then their is a chance for an upset).
I just don’t see them repeating unfortunately UNLESS freaking Lamar Odom and Ron Artest get their shit together and start playing they way they can play and the rest of the team (Gasol, Bynum, bench mob) starts getting an attitude and a swagger again. The problem is the Lakers are suffering the disease of more. Once you win a championship, everyone wants more money, more playing time, etc and they don’t want to work as hard.
It seems like the Lakers are starting to tune out Jackson and Bryant for that matter. I think you actually keep coach Jackson at all costs and jettison some of the players.
I’ll tell you, this offseason if we don’t jettison some of the bench mob I’m going to pull my hair out. Get rid of freaking Vujacic once and for all since his contract is up. Send another one or two along with him (i.e. Farmar) and get a tall, quick point guard that can hang with the other top point guards in the league. I’m not dissing Fisher. I would actually still like him to come back next year but have a more limited role. I still think his leadership presence is critical to the team but he can’t hang with any guard now. And Farmar shows signs of brilliance but it is frustratingly inconsistent and makes too many bad decisions at bad times still.
When I heard we were in the running trying to make a trade for Kurt Hinrich before the trade deadline I was very excited about this but we couldn’t pull it off. This would have been a significant acquisition for us heading into the post season.
Can the Lakers still repeat this year? Yes. Will they? I’m not too confident about that this year.[/quote]
Thats a shitload of analysis and its pretty good. However just writing on the Gasol trade, that trade isn’t going to be as one-sided and incredible as some people see it today. I’ve heard expressions like “trade theft” and stuff being put out there but remember what the Grizzlies got in return. They got a good center in Marc Gasol. I think this guy will eventually surpass his brother in the long-term. Its already happening.
Ahahahaha!!! I’m calling you out already on your 3rd quarter domination. Lakers up 28 points with an upcoming Bynum foul shot. Size and experience will never be beaten in a 7 game series by speed and inexperience. Size and experience will eventually exert their will.
[quote]Gettnitdone wrote:
Who gives a shit about the Lakers, you yourself even proclaimed that they aren’t going to win the championship this year. 21 at half time is NOTHING. I expect the Thunder to dominate the 3rd, call me out on it.
I’m more surprised we saw a Caron Butler sighting, although this is actually going to make the Spurs dominate Game 6.[/quote]
I couldn’t be happier that the Spurs are taking it to the Mavs. I would rather the Lakers face them then the Mavs anyways.
[quote]Gettnitdone wrote:
Thats a shitload of analysis and its pretty good. However just writing on the Gasol trade, that trade isn’t going to be as one-sided and incredible as some people see it today. I’ve heard expressions like “trade theft” and stuff being put out there but remember what the Grizzlies got in return. They got a good center in Marc Gasol. I think this guy will eventually surpass his brother in the long-term. Its already happening. [/quote]
You know what? You’re right. Marc Gasol has been developing that last couple of seasons and it wasn’t as much of a lopsided trade as people are making it out to be.
The Antwan Jamison trade was ridiculous however. They traded away Zadrunas Ilgauskus for Jamison and then 30 days later the Cavs resign Zadrunas; wait a minute, what? I can’t believe the NBA allows this. Stern obviously wants a Lakers-Cavs finals. It’s a conspiracy theory!
Calling all Laker Fan Dudes. Do you all see the level of facilitation Kobe is exhibiting tonight??? His fingerprints are all over this game. LMAO to all of you saying Kobe is washed up, too old, etc.
I just wish he would go into this mode more as he ages instead of almost always trying to dominate the game with scoring. He’s been setting up his teammates for easy opportunities all night. If he did this throughout the postseason I believe the Lakers could win it this year. The big question is will he? Unfortunately I think the answer is no…He’s going to need to accept the aging thing some more before he relies on this part of his game. As good as he is he is definitely stubborn…
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
[quote]randman wrote:
The biggest steal of the decade other than when the Lakers got Pau Gasol.
[/quote]
This still amazes me as LAL got Gasol for virtually nothing. Maybe that’s why MEM felt the need to draft Marc Gasol.
I’m not discrediting LAL in any way, I feel OKC is peaking at the right time and LAL doesn’t have their best stuff. Both teams did struggle at the end of the regular season though. Tonight’s game will be interesting to see if OKC can pull out a win on the road, make it a series, and wrap it up in game 6 back in OKC, but tonight’s game will be tough, no question. It’s a true speed vs. size matchup, and whoever wins their respective battle wins the game.[/quote]
And that still bugs the hell out of me, even 3 years later.
Nobody will ever be able to convince me that that WASN’T Mr. Laker himself giving his old team a parting gift right before he rode off into the sunset.
Gasol really was the last piece to LA’s team, the minute they got him they went from middle-of-the-pack to title contenders. And they got him for NOTHING. A perennial All-Star PF in exchange for what, a cheeseburger and cab fare?
That was naked collusion between LA and and a former LA-guy who knew damn well he wasn’t acting in his own team’s best interests, but wouldn’t be around to suffer the consequences.
The NBA should’ve put the kibosh on that deal back in '08, but they didn’t.
Lakers got game 5. I still think it’ll go to 7. OKC is too fun too watch for them to lose their next game!
Refs give Dwight fouls like like they get paid per foul. I don’t think Cleveland, or even Atlanta, should have too much trouble with them. Jameer only shines against shitty defensive guards (a la charlotte). Cleveland can get Moon to gaurd jameer for some stretches and put Lebron at point.
You know it’s bad when Adam Morrison is scoring.
Man, my boys got drilled tonight! They were down 10-0 to start game 3 and came back to win. I was thinking the same may happen tonight, but obviously not. Bynum and Gasol dominated down low, and Kobe being the usual Kobe. And as drewh said, when Adam Morrison is scoring, it’s just not your night (for the Thunder at least).
Props to LAL, Thunder need an insanely strong performance for game 6.
[quote]drewh wrote:
You know it’s bad when Adam Morrison is scoring.[/quote]
hahaha lol.
The Lake Show put it on OKC tonight! If they play like they did tonight every game (yeah I know thats not gonna happen but a fan can dream) they would definitely repeat as Champs… I’m just hoping they can string a few games per series together with this kind of energy, defense and rebounding
.greg.
[quote]tGunslinger wrote:
[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
[quote]randman wrote:
The biggest steal of the decade other than when the Lakers got Pau Gasol.
[/quote]
This still amazes me as LAL got Gasol for virtually nothing. Maybe that’s why MEM felt the need to draft Marc Gasol.
I’m not discrediting LAL in any way, I feel OKC is peaking at the right time and LAL doesn’t have their best stuff. Both teams did struggle at the end of the regular season though. Tonight’s game will be interesting to see if OKC can pull out a win on the road, make it a series, and wrap it up in game 6 back in OKC, but tonight’s game will be tough, no question. It’s a true speed vs. size matchup, and whoever wins their respective battle wins the game.[/quote]
And that still bugs the hell out of me, even 3 years later.
Nobody will ever be able to convince me that that WASN’T Mr. Laker himself giving his old team a parting gift right before he rode off into the sunset.
Gasol really was the last piece to LA’s team, the minute they got him they went from middle-of-the-pack to title contenders. And they got him for NOTHING. A perennial All-Star PF in exchange for what, a cheeseburger and cab fare?
That was naked collusion between LA and and a former LA-guy who knew damn well he wasn’t acting in his own team’s best interests, but wouldn’t be around to suffer the consequences.
The NBA should’ve put the kibosh on that deal back in '08, but they didn’t. [/quote]
Most def. The Logo stuck it to MEM, and it was a definite win-win for the Lakers. Surprised the NBA let it go through as you said.
It will be truly interesting to see how OKC responds to this game. OKC put a hurting on us and they saw how we responded, now it’s your turn…
I have a feeling Kobe is going to stick to guarding Westbrook the next game and the game will be decided by Westbrook and Durant, and Kobe and Artest. If Kobe and Artest allow Westbrook and Durant to spark the offense the OKC can take the next game. If Kobe and Artest can contain them then I don’t think the rest of OKC has the will to pull it thru. Very excited for the next game.
OKC, give you guys props, you made this series interesting, but let’s not make it too interesting. =) Do what you guys know is right in your hearts and just go away!
It just cracks me up how many are saying Kobe’s old, he’s got too many injuries, etc (some of you on this thread). This from the OKC coach:
Kobe Bryant is too old. He’s too injured. He’s no longer explosive. He’s played to many minutes over too many years. He’s lost a couple steps. He’s not THAT Kobe Bryant anymore.
Don’t try to sell that to Thunder coach Scott Brooks.
“Kobe had an impact on the game the stat sheet doesn’t show,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. “The guy was competing and set the tone defensively… He won the game with this toughness tonight.”
He not only shut down Westbrook defensively, he took it to Durant offensively on many possessions. Yes, Kobe has lost a step AND he’s dealing with a litany of injuries right now. But the guy can still flat out play and can still exert his will on a game. Many of you are trying to write his Obit way too early.
Anyone taking bets on how many games they think the Celtics Cavs series will last??
6 or 7 games. I think people are way underestimating what the Celts have left in the tank. I would love nothing more for the Celtics to upset the Cavs. I’ll be watching every game with great interest. Down with LeQueen and Fat Lazy Shaq!!!
Told ya’ll Kobe would have an impact game. T, I hate to say it man but your Thunder are done. The Lakers will close it out on Thursday and Bryant will have a big game. T can verify that I’ve been saying the Thunder have a bright future for a long time, and barring injuries, trades or some internal meltdown they’re the future of the league. This isn’t like last year when the Lakers slept on the Rockets and Houston stole 3 games. The Thunder earned every win in this series.
[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Told ya’ll Kobe would have an impact game. T, I hate to say it man but your Thunder are done. The Lakers will close it out on Thursday and Bryant will have a big game. T can verify that I’ve been saying the Thunder have a bright future for a long time, and barring injuries, trades or some internal meltdown they’re the future of the league. This isn’t like last year when the Lakers slept on the Rockets and Houston stole 3 games. The Thunder earned every win in this series.[/quote]
I don’t quite agree with everything you said. Yes, the Thunder have a bright future. We may be looking at next year’s Western Conference final match-up right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if OKC wins 60 games next season. If they can get a good center, watch out.
That being said, the Lakers slept as much through this series as they did last year with Houston. They took them for granted. The Lakers are a lazy bunch and don’t typically respond until their backs are against the wall. If you went back and watched the tape of games 3 and 4, not only would you notice poor floor spacing, bad angled passes in the triangle, poor half-court and transition defense, but the overall exertion level was pathetic as well. You could point to play after play where Bynum and Gasol halfheartedly went after rebounds where the collective 5 OKC players on the floor at any one time went after them with reckless abandon. This is not to take anything away from OKC, but LA continues to under-perform and play lackadaisically until they have to turn it up. It’s an extremely frustrating pattern that will eventually come back to bite them.
I see huge parallels between the Houston series and the OKC series this year. The one big difference, however, is that Houston overachieved last year whereas OKC is just starting to realize their potential and can not be accused of overachieving. These guys are really good and have a bright future.
[quote]randman wrote:
[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Told ya’ll Kobe would have an impact game. T, I hate to say it man but your Thunder are done. The Lakers will close it out on Thursday and Bryant will have a big game. T can verify that I’ve been saying the Thunder have a bright future for a long time, and barring injuries, trades or some internal meltdown they’re the future of the league. This isn’t like last year when the Lakers slept on the Rockets and Houston stole 3 games. The Thunder earned every win in this series.[/quote]
I don’t quite agree with everything you said. Yes, the Thunder have a bright future. We may be looking at next year’s Western Conference final match-up right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if OKC wins 60 games next season. If they can get a good center, watch out.
That being said, the Lakers slept as much through this series as they did last year with Houston. They took them for granted. The Lakers are a lazy bunch and don’t typically respond until their backs are against the wall. If you went back and watched the tape of games 3 and 4, not only would you notice poor floor spacing, bad angled passes in the triangle, poor half-court and transition defense, but the overall exertion level was pathetic as well. You could point to play after play where Bynum and Gasol halfheartedly went after rebounds where the collective 5 OKC players on the floor at any one time went after them with reckless abandon. This is not to take anything away from OKC, but LA continues to under-perform and play lackadaisically until they have to turn it up. It’s an extremely frustrating pattern that will eventually come back to bite them.
I see huge parallels between the Houston series and the OKC series this year. The one big difference, however, is that Houston overachieved last year whereas OKC is just starting to realize their potential and can not be accused of overachieving. These guys are really good and have a bright future.[/quote]
I agree that the Lakers have a terrible habit of sleep walking through series, but that’s not what happened here. If I remember right they had a pretty good lead in game 3 for a bit and then got lazy [as you said], but in game 4 OKC just came out and punched 'em in the mouth. What you said about Houston/OKC was exactly my point. My only concern for OKC is management blowing it somehow. Also, OKC has a terrific center for the future in BJ Mullens, as long as he doesn’t get content with cashing big checks and vows to work his ass off to get better. If the Nuggets can’t figure out how to pull their heads out of their collective asses then the Thunder are definitely the future in the West.