Lakers vs. Minnesota

[Fresh8]

Minnesota it is!

Any early Laker predictions? Will the series go to 7 games? Will the Fab Four fare against the different opponents? Will there be any unexpeected heores? (i.e. D Fish)

I'm gonna make a predictions...

If Lakers play Minny they will win 4-2 courtesy of play-off experience which gives them an edge and minnesota's lack of experience.

[Andrew]

Right now, I still think both the Wolves and Kings have chance to defeat the Lakers. The Wolves have home court advantage - it didn't do the Spurs much good, but all of the Laker losses this postseason have come on the road, so I feel it remains an advantage. The Kings probably have more bodies that can contend with the Lakers inside, but don't have home court advantage. It won't be easy; I doubt it will be a pushover for the Lakers, either.

My early prediction is that the series will go to six games, possibly seven. I'm guessing there'll be another 2-2 split after the first two games, with the winner of Game 5 taking it in six or seven, same as the Lakers/Spurs series.

[.]

I myself would like to see the Western Conferense Finals go between the kings and the Lakers, the Lakers will have the homecourt, and we get to see who really the best team in California/NBA is. However, I think it wont be like they played the Spurs, during the Lakers-Spurs serie, the Lakers gave the Spurs alot of chances to knock down the wide open three, but the Spurs were shooting under a very low percentage. While the Kings have players who can knock down the open looks like Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic, Doug Christie and even Brad Miller can make them.

I would like to see the same defense as the Lakers-Spurs series because both Tony Parker and Mike Bibby get their looks off the pick and roll, the Lakers helped eachother out alot more after game 1 & 2 which caused Parker to commit less Field Goals and more Turn Overs. The only difference is that Tony Parker goes more inside then Mike Bibby does, so the Lakers dont have to focus about shutting down the lane with 4 defenders which causes open looks around the 3-point line.

Practicly for the Lakers, a matchup against the Timberwolves will be better, the Kings are a better defensive team Imo, and have a player who can trick Shaq and get him in to foul trouble early while Minnesota doesnt have that, also...last game the Lakers faced the Kings, they did a hell of a job shutting down Kobe by putting 2 guys on him while he gets around his defender or over the pick from Shaq/Malone, while the Timberwolves have more faith in Sprewell in guarding in in a 1 on 1 situation, i think Kobe gets much easier past Sprewell then past 2 or even 3 Kings defenders.

I think emotional the Lakers are better prepared then both teams, the Wolves have never been in the Western Conference Finals before, and I bet Payton and specially Malone will do anything to get them a win. But the Kings probably didnt forget what happend in 2002, we will have to see....I cant wait for tonights game

[Ben-le-ouf]

I want the West finals to be LAKERS vs KINGS.
I'll never forget the last matchup in playoffs in 2002. That was huge and high level games.

[cunnilinguist]

to be fair to Sacramento, Chris Webber is playing on 1 and a half legs. if Sacramento advances, i don't think it will be their best team to ever face the lakers

[Bang]

I hate the queens.
Lakers vs minnie. And Queens look like they're going to lose right now.
I know Lakers vs Queens will be more intense, but I hate the Queens. So they will lose.
Lakers will win it in 5 or 6. 5 if it's against queens, 6 if it's against minnie.

[Amphatoast]

Time for the MVP to show why he is MVP and show why he is the best player in the league vs the tough Lakers.

[patrixxx73]

Lakers versus Timberwolves

Lakers versus Pacers

Lakers versus Pistons

Lakers versus Nets

It doesn't matter which opposing team they play against with...

One thing's for sure:

Los Angeles Lakers will be crowned the 2004 NBA Champions

If they remain healthy and injury-free...

[Andrew]

Well, it's going to be Lakers/Timberwolves. I'm still predicting a six or seven game series. I don't want to count the Timberwolves out before the series even begins, but overcoming the Lakers will be no easy feat.

[PRoPuLsiOnDJ]

i say lakers win it in 5 or 6 ... but hopefully 4

[Fresh8]

Man- this Lakers- Wolves series is gonna be sweet!

They matchup fine:

Shaq and Kandi
Malone and KG
George and Spree
Kobe and who's their starting SG?
Payton and Cassell

I can see KG winning his match up...Shaq winning his...Kobe winning his and Spree beating out Devean...and the point guards are even. It's all good- both teams are even if you match them up- in my point of view.

And the benchs have players who always give it their all to perform! Welcome back Madsen to STAPLES centre this year!

I predict LAKERS IN SIX!

[Matt]

Just for fun i'm gonna pick Minnesota....although i think they will lose Game 1

Lakers can lose their cohesiveness easier than it took them to get it. Shaq might stop playing D, Kobe might stop shooting the ball and Malone could get injured at any time....anyone of those could end the Lakers

Go Minny!!!

[gandhi]

Man the Queens choked again! Dudes i haven't posted on here in years so whats up fellas? The Lakers will win in 5

[Fresh8]

Yo sup Ghandi...I dont know u- where u from?

I'm Sit and I'm a lakers fan....

Anyway- I used that online simulator thing...and it is sorta stuufed but I will post the results...

GAME ONE

LA at Minnesota

Starters:

C: Shaq - Kandi
PF: Malone - KG
SF: George - Spree
SG: Kobe - Hassell
PG: Payton - Cassell

End: Lakers win 89-58 ... player of the game: Shaq

Final 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers 30 17 25 17 89
2003-04 Minnesota Timberwolves 18 17 8 15 58


VISITING TEAM: 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers
PLAYER MIN FGM/FGA 3PT
FGM/FGA FTM/FTA REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Shaquille O'Neal 36 6/13 0/0 5/6 15 4 0 1 4 0 17
Kobe Bryant 28 8/18 2/5 7/7 5 0 0 0 4 0 25
Karl Malone 24 1/5 0/0 0/2 8 2 0 0 1 2 2
Derek Fisher 24 2/5 2/4 3/3 3 3 0 2 0 1 9
Gary Payton 24 4/7 0/1 2/4 3 3 0 0 1 1 10
Rick Fox 20 0/4 0/3 0/0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0
Devean George 20 1/5 1/3 0/0 3 1 1 0 0 3 3
Stanislav Medvedenko 18 3/3 0/0 1/2 5 1 1 2 1 1 7
Kareem Rush 15 4/5 2/2 0/0 2 2 0 0 0 0 10
Jamal Sampson 12 0/3 0/0 0/2 7 0 1 1 0 0 0
Luke Walton 8 0/1 0/1 2/2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2
Horace Grant 6 0/0 0/0 2/2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2
Bryon Russell 5 0/0 0/0 2/2 1 0 0 1 0 0 2
TOTALS 240 29/69 7/19 24/32 54 19 3 8 11 9 89
42.0% 36.8% 75.0%

HOME TEAM: 2003-04 Minnesota Timberwolves
PLAYER MIN FGM/FGA 3PT
FGM/FGA FTM/FTA REB AST BLK STL TO PF TP
Mark Madsen 26 4/10 0/1 1/2 6 0 0 0 0 3 9
Michael Olowokandi 25 1/9 0/0 0/0 9 0 3 0 1 2 2
Latrell Sprewell 25 2/11 0/3 0/0 3 1 0 1 0 1 4
Kevin Garnett 25 7/12 0/0 2/2 9 0 0 0 1 2 16
Sam Cassell 24 2/7 0/1 4/4 1 1 0 1 2 3 8
Gary Trent 19 2/6 0/0 1/2 2 2 0 0 3 3 5
Wally Szczerbiak 18 1/8 1/1 2/2 1 0 0 0 0 1 5
Trenton Hassell 18 1/4 0/0 0/0 2 0 0 2 0 1 2
Fred Hoiberg 18 1/3 0/1 0/0 4 1 0 0 1 2 2
Ervin Johnson 15 0/3 0/0 0/0 5 0 0 2 0 2 0
Quincy Lewis 8 1/1 0/0 1/2 0 1 0 0 1 1 3
Oliver Miller 8 1/1 0/0 0/0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2
Troy Hudson 6 0/3 0/1 0/0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
Keith McLeod 5 0/0 0/0 0/0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
TOTALS 240 23/78 1/8 11/14 44 6 3 7 11 23 58
29.5% 12.5% 78.6%

[bboyk10]

one thing certain: minnie doesn't have a defender at the 5 like the spurs...
duncan guarded shaq pretty well in those games which spurs had won and throughout the series...

but just think: ervin johnson? oliver miller? mark madsen? Kandi man?

give me a break people..

i don't give a f*** bout sam cassell, spree, and garnett...
they're great players and stuff

but it's pretty obvious that kobe , mailman and gp has the same or more superior abilities and playoffs experiences..

bottom line: minnie cannot stop shaq...so the lakers will win
what about last year? hell..minnie had at least rasho nesterovic who's now in spurs

and listen people: don't say things like u hate the lakers...accept the truth they advance to the conf. finals cause they're good and they 've won 3 titles in a row did the spurs to that? did the twolves do that? did the queens do that? HELL NO
so just don't bullshit round with those stupid rivalries....

if u want some real rivalries, bring hakeem olajuwon or patrick ewing at their prime.. just don't talk about it if u don't have a DOMINANT POST PLAYER it's just simple as that

fact: 2003 champions had duncan
2002 had shaq
2001 had shaq
2000 had shaq
1999 had duncan
1998 had MJ(the only exception that basketball will ever accept)
1997 same
1996 same
1995 the dream
1994 the dream
1993 MJ
1992 MJ
1991 MJ
1990 John Salley Bill Laimbeer James Edwards
1989 Rick Mahorn John Salley James Edwards Bill Laimbeer
1988 Kareem
1987 Kareem
1986 The chief
1985 Kareem
1984 The chief
1983 Moses
1982 Kareem
1981 The Chief
1980 Kareem

[Jackal]

Give the Wolves some credit.

Shaq will win his matchup, Hassel might do a decent job on Bryant. I said might.

Garnett vs. Malone = MVP vs. Old Legs.

I pity Malone.

did the queens do that? HELL NO

As much as I used to like using that nickname, it's old + lame. The team isnt even really Chris' anymore. But, to each their own.

so just don't bullshit round with those stupid rivalries....

Those stupid rivalries are what make the game of basketball that much more interesting, having a history with a team is always fun.

Los Angeles Lakers will be crowned the 2004 NBA Champions

*grumble* *grumble* I see why some fans dislike other fans. Calm down, the series hasnt started yet. *grumble* *grumble*

[HonorGlow]

Well…we can all talk the talk…but I just hope that both teams stay healthy…because we'll hear it all next year, "…yeh but if such and such was healthy then…"

I'll be at Game 2 at the Target center…half the fun is hearing all the Wolves fans screaming 'Kobe you suck…' and then see their team get beat by ten. That happened last year for Game 1 and I savored being the enemy (well, except for when the lady next to me screamed right in my face…not too nice)

…but it's awesome to see pockets of gold jerseys here and there. I say Lakers in 6, as I feel they'll be able to steal one somewhere at Target center but will be able to wrap it up at home.

I do feel quite fortunate, now that I think how the NBA game has exploded globally, of having the opportunity to see these games live…if not for a season but at least twice a year.

…more fortunate is, I'm flying out to LAX on the 29th and hope to go to the Staples viewing party to see the game from the JUMBOTRON. Tickets are spendy either way...
I love L.A.!

[Jackal]

If you have a digital camera, make us some pictures.

[The Game]

hey thats pretty cool hotshot! i wish i could experience going to an NBA game..
i predict lakers in 7... KG wont allow this series to go out of hand.. he simply wont allow his team to lose.. but experience will be a deciding factor and that is why the lakers will win..

[Jeffx]

Sam Cassell helped Houston win two finals and Spree played in one. I don't think experience will be a big problem for the Wolves. Cassell's health is a bigger issue.

[HonorGlow]

Sam Cassell helped Houston win two finals and Spree played in one. I don't think experience will be a big problem for the Wolves. Cassell's health is a bigger issue.

Sam Cassell: 2 years in finals
Spree: 1 year in the finals
Total Years: 3
Years together: 0

Fisher Experience in Finals: 3
Devean George: 3
Rick Fox: 3
Kobe Bryant: 3
Shaq: 4
Payton: 1
Malone: 2
Bryon Russell: 2
Stanislav Medvedenko: 2(but I won't really count them)
Total years: 21(minus Stan's)

21-3 that's a mismatch in experience.

I think the main key is...just how much the Lakers want it.

...being dethroned would make me hungry the next year.

[The Game]

Sam Cassell helped Houston win two finals and Spree played in one. I don't think experience will be a big problem for the Wolves. Cassell's health is a bigger issue.

actually it will be... other than Cassell, Spree and Madsen who else has championship experience? while the lakers starting 5 have all been in the finals and only the rookies on their bench have not made it to the finals...

[Amphatoast]

if u want some real rivalries, bring hakeem olajuwon or patrick ewing at their prime.. just don't talk about it if u don't have a DOMINANT POST PLAYER it's just simple as that

fact: 2003 champions had duncan
2002 had shaq
2001 had shaq
2000 had shaq
1999 had duncan
1998 had MJ(the only exception that basketball will ever accept)
1997 same
1996 same
1995 the dream
1994 the dream
1993 MJ
1992 MJ
1991 MJ
1990 John Salley Bill Laimbeer James Edwards
1989 Rick Mahorn John Salley James Edwards Bill Laimbeer
1988 Kareem
1987 Kareem
1986 The chief
1985 Kareem
1984 The chief
1983 Moses
1982 Kareem
1981 The Chief
1980 Kareem

Wolves have KG, he can be a good post presence and is a PF just like Duncan..plus he is the MVP and everyone you mention since Jordan has been MVP at least once..

[bboyk10]

if u want some real rivalries, bring hakeem olajuwon or patrick ewing at their prime.. just don't talk about it if u don't have a DOMINANT POST PLAYER it's just simple as that

fact: 2003 champions had duncan
2002 had shaq
2001 had shaq
2000 had shaq
1999 had duncan
1998 had MJ(the only exception that basketball will ever accept)
1997 same
1996 same
1995 the dream
1994 the dream
1993 MJ
1992 MJ
1991 MJ
1990 John Salley Bill Laimbeer James Edwards
1989 Rick Mahorn John Salley James Edwards Bill Laimbeer
1988 Kareem
1987 Kareem
1986 The chief
1985 Kareem
1984 The chief
1983 Moses
1982 Kareem
1981 The Chief
1980 Kareem

Wolves have KG, he can be a good post presence and is a PF just like Duncan..plus he is the MVP and everyone you mention since Jordan has been MVP at least once..

what i have meant by a POST PLAYER is the player who can work in the interior, in the paint....KG 's main scoring route is the mid range jumpers he doesn't have enought strength to go inside and challenge that big body and strength of shaq's

and also bout the experience thing: not only the twolves's players are outmatched, but also are their coaching staff

TO PSYCHO JACKAL: i wouldn't ONLY cheer for the LAKERS IF they don't have PHIL JACKSON as their head coach, cause they started winning championships since phil's first year and i'm not a real BIG FAN of the lakers either. I'm just stating the facts: LAKERS WON 3 championships and BULLS WON 6 championships with PHIL, which means no other coach has had more playoff experience than phil jackson. what about other teams? just remember the fact that only the spurs and the lakers have won championships in last 5 years.
About the kings(sorry queens or kings whatever): u can NEVER win a championship relying too much on midrange and outside shooting. without webber being healthy, that's only a minus for their team cause he's the only guy who can score inside for them. AS a fact again, with webberbeing healthy kings advanced to the conf. finals. without webber, hell they lost to mavericks and twolves...

[EGarrett]

what i have meant by a POST PLAYER is the player who can work in the interior, in the paint....KG 's main scoring route is the mid range jumpers he doesn't have enought strength to go inside and challenge that big body and strength of shaq's

You mean like Jordan on the Bulls?

Anyway...Andrew can vouch that before the playoffs I picked the T-Wolves to win it all. I say they go over the Lakers in 7...after all...supposedly the best player in the series wins and KG is the best player in this series.