Lakers Thread

[air gordon]

Yeh I agree. Its easy to say that they will turn it on in june. It's gotta be a concern though. Losing to bad teams happens. Not twice in a week span. Or having a losing record against the top teams in the league.

The bulls on their 3rd leg of their 1st 3peat were in a similar situation. I remember not worrying about having the best record in the conference. Or that nyk wasn't a threat

We all know how that story ended...

The spurs are a bigger threat to dethrone the lakers then the knicks were to the bulls. They have championship experience and they will be healthy for a change. Popovich is already resting duncan and manu

[Jackal]

I suppose you could expect some people to be concerned, but personally speaking, I'm not really.

I still firmly believe that the Lakers can beat any team in a 7 game series when it comes down to it. Until I don't believe that anymore, then I suppose I'll join the concerned.

[Stress Fracture]

I still believe that the Lakers would be in the NBA Finals for the 4th straight time. I've seen them suck, but still end up winning.

[Bruce]

Well definitely loving the current win streak. If they can drop the heat and mavs as well, that'd be sweet.

[Jackal]

Bynum has been a monster on the boards these last three games, their defense has really picked up as well.

Awesome basketball by LA since the All Star break.

[Jackal]

That was a cheap play by Bynum on Beasley, not needed at all. I love Matt Barnes though, I love scrappy guys like him...just not when they are playing against us. (Aaron Affalo, Chris Anderson, Dahntay Jones, James Harden & Thabo Sefolosha are some of the names that come to mind.)

Ron Artest is fucking nuts though, the guy is so far gone it's slightly worrying yet amusing to watch much like a train-wreck.

"I think him and Phil set me up because they're friends," Artest said. "I think they say Ron is going to do this, so play him like this. I think he and Phil have dinner about me. I'm so happy I don't have to play against Minnesota this year. I hate playing against Minnesota. I'm happy I don't have to play against Minnesota anymore."

[rise]

Bynum's been suspended two games for the flagrant.

[Jackal]

One game I'd understand, two is uncalled for.

Oh well...

[Andrew]

phpBB [video]

I guess they're trying to send a message not to do it again because that was pretty dirty. Still, one game would've been appropriate; if he does it again, go for two and so on.

[koberulz]

Dunno if other angles show differently, but there it almost looks like he's going up to block the shot then, for whatever reason, attempts to get out of the way but can't quite manage to.

[NovU]

That definitely was a flagrant and I was happy he was suspended. Elbow to the chest/throat or something if I remember correctly. Beasley seemed to be injured from the fall too(thought he broke his arm or shoulder). Very very dangerous foul.

Dunno why Bynum did that though. He was having such a great stretch of games.

[shadowgrin]

Dunno why Bynum did that though. He was having such a great stretch of games.

To show other teams that no weak shite is allowed in the paint when he's around.

[Fresh8]

The foul was not good but at least he helped send a message to the rest of the league. And a 2 game break ain't that bad for Bynum! I rather him healthy in the playoffs. But yeah, the foul was not nice. Don't wanna see players get hurt like that.

Anyways, good to see the Lakers have such a good stretch even though Kobe is shooting like crap! But he and Fish really showed how clutch they were today with the final few minutes of the game against the Blazers. I hope we go undefeated to the end of the season!

[Jackal]

And that right there probably just jinxed it.

Kobe taking those shots pisses me off though, if he makes it, great...if he doesn't he basically costs them the game. Mad love for Fisher though, stellar down the stretch despite sitting for a large portion after the 4th foul.

The tech on Artest was insane, that should have been on Wallace. Odom was certainly irritated with Artest on that one though, his body language & facial expression clearly said dude, you're fucking up & could cost us the game! Great game for Odom, the refs don't give him any calls at all though. Oh well...

Nice play from Barnes again, Brown gambles a bit too much on defense. Fun game.

[Fresh8]

Kobe taking those shots pisses me off though, if he makes it, great...if he doesn't he basically costs them the game.

He should definitely tone down his shot attempts. I don't know what he's thinking before and after the game. Whether him missing 60% of his shots is really helping the team... He is playing hurt so you would think it's enough reason for him to slow down a little Ah well, I guess this is Kobe.

[Jackal]

Holy smokes.

Easily the best Laker game of this season with huge contributions from everyone, even Ron-Ron! (The Spurs one point loss was the most thrilling before this game for me.)

Awesome win, great game!

[rise]

Still, one game would've been appropriate; if he does it again, go for two and so on.

He's already injured people on flagrant fouls. Remember when he broke Gerald Wallace's ribs and partially collapsed his lung?

Anyway, that Suns Lakers game, I wish I could've watched it, but I've been so sick the last couple days that I was asleep before the game even started.

[Andrew]

That's a good point, that probably did factor in them being a bit tougher on him this time around.

[Fresh8]

I have said on Facebook and should have posted here a few days after ASW that I thought Lakers could go undefeated until first round began. So far, they have only had 1 loss so it's looking good. Glad to see that Lakers are going for 15-1 after the break.

One thing I did not think possible but could very well happen is the Lakers claiming the number 1 seed... however, I am still pleased that we could end the season with the second best record in the NBA. And I do know we will beat the Spurs in a 7 game series.

Can't wait for the games v Mavs and Spurs for regular season!

EDIT: In response to Jackal, that triple OT game was sweet. And wish Pau scored more points last game to raise more money But nice to see him and Magic combine for $52,000 donation! Yeah!

[Jackal]

That's what I'm thinking too, it's going to be quite hard to beat this team 4 times. They are a better team than last year. OKC I think will be their biggest challenge methinks.

[Fresh8]

Fatigue is catching up with the Spurs. First Duncan and now Manu. I believe we match up very well and favorably against the Spurs. Yes, I agreed that the Thunder would be the toughest hurdle for us in the West but I do not think realistically any team can stop us on our way to the NBA Finals.

I know that you and I and other fans have been confident despite the team's slump during the early-middle part of the season. And this is proof of why!

[Andrew]

I'd say fatigue hasn't caught up to Duncan as much as the ankle injury that's currently sidelined him. In any case, the Lakers certainly have a chance to grab that number one seed.

[Fresh8]

I'd say fatigue hasn't caught up to Duncan as much as the ankle injury that's currently sidelined him. In any case, the Lakers certainly have a chance to grab that number one seed.

When I say fatigue, I refer to the ankle injury. When body is tired, easier to get injured and once injured, slower to recover.

[Andrew]

Are you really, or had you forgotten about the injury and just threw the idea that they're struggling because of fatigue out there?

Of course if you are suggesting the injury is caused by fatigue, I'd still say you're 100% wrong. Rather, it was caused by stepping on an opponent's foot, which can (and does) happen at any time to anyone, given the nature of the sport.

phpBB [video]

Ginobili also suffered an injury, which came from a hard fall:

phpBB [video]

Of course, it all adds up to the same thing. The Spurs aren't in tip top shape and the Lakers have an opportunity to get the top seed.

[Dan's Brain]

In any case, the Lakers certainly have a chance to grab that number one seed.

They aren't the only ones who can capitalise on the Spurs newfound misfortunes. Definitely worth thinking about.

Moreso in a different thread, though. Apologies.