Folks isn't it possible that in our blind love for the Lakers we may be overlooking two very important pieces here:
1) The Rockets with or without Yao pose matchup problems for the Lakers and are a GOOD team
2) They played the game of their lives on Sunday and IMO there was not many teams in the league (Cleveland included) that would have beaten them.
Its the playoffs guys - 16-0 is not going to happen - bad games are.
Win or lose some of us are not going to enjoy any of this because we are so wrapped up in every second, turnover, missed shot and missed rebound.
It's the journey not the moment.
Agreed. Let's be fair they are a very well coached team. They we're prepared for when McGrady and Yao's scheduled injuries would happen and they played with more heart last game. Thats all it comes down to.
Folks isn't it possible that in our blind love for the Lakers we may be overlooking two very important pieces here:
1) The Rockets with or without Yao pose matchup problems for the Lakers and are a GOOD team
2) They played the game of their lives on Sunday and IMO there was not many teams in the league (Cleveland included) that would have beaten them.
Its the playoffs guys - 16-0 is not going to happen - bad games are.
Win or lose some of us are not going to enjoy any of this because we are so wrapped up in every second, turnover, missed shot and missed rebound.
It's the journey not the moment.
Dear Vic the Brick Jacobs... (lol)
I would agree with these things, except that the team has had a pattern in its character. Its not like I am making this stuff up. I started commenting on it long ago, and I have heard many a reporter on the radio as well as in print make similar comments since.
As for gts as your comment about you never saying the Lakers are a championship team... then why even participate in this thread? Seriously, i have made it as plain as day that a title is what i use to judge the season and I expect/want the Lakers to win it all.
So, the basis for everything i have said (and I have said this repeatedly) is in consideration for the nba title. I have written many times about this. Perhaps you are unable to see the angle upon which I have made my statements and it is unclear to you. That's fine as there are obviously some who do get it. I am not going to take the time to be Mr. Google and check every damn stat and report back a freakin-wikipedia book report for ya. That may be your way, but it is not mine.
In summary, if you look throughout nba history, the championship teams generally carry a universal trait which I will define as "heart." They are able to sustain this heart for the battle to the title. My contention has been that the Lakers currently lack the heart necessary to be an NBA title holder. Of course, I have added to that over time, with comments like "defense and heart," etc... add in intensity, focus, and words like that.
I would agree with these things, except that the team has had a pattern in its character. Its not like I am making this stuff up. I started commenting on it long ago, and I have heard many a reporter on the radio as well as in print make similar comments since.
As for gts as your comment about you never saying the Lakers are a championship team... then why even participate in this thread? Seriously, i have made it as plain as day that a title is what i use to judge the season and I expect/want the Lakers to win it all.
So, the basis for everything i have said (and I have said this repeatedly) is in consideration for the nba title. I have written many times about this. Perhaps you are unable to see the angle upon which I have made my statements and it is unclear to you. That's fine as there are obviously some who do get it. I am not going to take the time to be Mr. Google and check every damn stat and report back a freakin-wikipedia book report for ya. That may be your way, but it is not mine.
In summary, if you look throughout nba history, the championship teams generally carry a universal trait which I will define as "heart." They are able to sustain this heart for the battle to the title. My contention has been that the Lakers currently lack the heart necessary to be an NBA title holder. Of course, I have added to that over time, with comments like "defense and heart," etc... add in intensity, focus, and words like that.
Listen I understand what you are saying and as you and I have discussed - I agree to a certain extent. But what I am trying to get across here is that the Lakers lost to a team playing probably the BEST game of their lives which made them damn near unbeatable.
What I find funny is if the Lakers had won that game by 1pt and were up 3-1 instead of being 2-2 in this series - this forum would have an entirely different tone to it this morning.
To me all that is important is if you are ahead by at least 1pt when that final buzzer sounds. Because come July nobody cares by how many leads you blew or how crappy you played against an undermanned team. Its ALL about winning. If the Lakers come out and win the next two or even two of the next three - they still WIN THE SERIES which is the ultimate goal.
Listen I understand what you are saying and as you and I have discussed - I agree to a certain extent. But what I am trying to get across here is that the Lakers lost to a team playing probably the BEST game of their lives which made them damn near unbeatable.
What I find funny is if the Lakers had won that game by 1pt and were up 3-1 instead of being 2-2 in this series - this forum would have an entirely different tone to it this morning.
To me all that is important is if you are ahead by at least 1pt when that final buzzer sounds. Because come July nobody cares by how many leads you blew or how crappy you played against an undermanned team. Its ALL about winning. If the Lakers come out and win the next two or even two of the next three - they still WIN THE SERIES which is the ultimate goal.
Is it not?
Had to call you Vic the Brick, glad you found it funny!
I do not disagree with what you are saying specific to the Rockets series, but my focus is not on the series alone, and with my thoughts and comments, I am taking a step back and looking at the team, season, competition, etc., as a whole when I make my comments. From the 10,000 foot level, if you will.
Again, they may prove me wrong and if they do win a title, I will buy the first round of beers (or soda) for the ISH after party. Mark my words.
That Shaq led team was the kings of giving up leads or falling behind by a large margin and turning on a switch to take the win... some folks just seem to forget that part
So so so so so true. I remember everyone calling for Phil's head back then saying it's because of his coaching style etc. Everyone is in a panic because this is the Lakers... the Rockets lost Yao and we expected them to win easily but the opposite happen. Sprinkle on the fact that the Cavs are looking great out East sweeping the Pistons and Hawks and you have a recipe for the sky is falling in LA.
But after tonight's game and when we take the series in 6 we can put this BS behind us (thought BSPN and other media outlets will not).
Kobe and Fish got to get a hold of this team though and toughing them up. That is my main concern....they need to lead by example and everyone else needs to follow suite. We need to play tough team defense and we will be fine.
So so so so so true. I remember everyone calling for Phil's head back then saying it's because of his coaching style etc. Everyone is in a panic because this is the Lakers... the Rockets lost Yao and we expected them to win easily but the opposite happen. Sprinkle on the fact that the Cavs are looking great out East sweeping the Pistons and Hawks and you have a recipe for the sky is falling in LA.
But after tonight's game and when we take the series in 6 we can put this BS behind us (thought BSPN and other media outlets will not).
Kobe and Fish got to get a hold of this team though and toughing them up. That is my main concern....they need to lead by example and everyone else needs to follow suite. We need to play tough team defense and we will be fine.
just so you know, i am not panicking... i am frustrated more than anything, but definitely not panicking and i have been consistent with my concern over the course of the season, each game begging the lakers to be consistent with their focus and intensity on their way to a title, which is what they expect and i expect.
just so you know, i am not panicking... i am frustrated more than anything, but definitely not panicking and i have been consistent with my concern over the course of the season, each game begging the lakers to be consistent with their focus and intensity on their way to a title, which is what they expect and i expect.
p.s. how is the baby doing? sleep much? :)
Baby is doing great Mike. As for me sleeping that's another story of course. On a good night about 5 to six hours. And that isn't sleeping those hours straight right. LOL
But of course it's all worth it. My boy is growing face already gain 2 pounds!!!! I'm hoping he will be my height and built so so far so good!
I feel you on your concerns though. But one thing real real real good I have to say about this Lakers team is when they had their backs against the walls they always responded in a HUGE way so far this season. They beat the Cavs and Celts right after losing Bynum...they responded well after the game 1 lost this season...and responded well after losing Fish for Game 3. I think they will do the same tonight and on game 6. I'm not worried one bit.
Bottom line we have the toughest road to the Finals championship and our team is getting learning more and more with each game and series.
Baby is doing great Mike. As for me sleeping that's another story of course. On a good night about 5 to six hours. And that isn't sleeping those hours straight right. LOL
But of course it's all worth it. My boy is growing face already gain 2 pounds!!!! I'm hoping he will be my height and built so so far so good!
I feel you on your concerns though. But one thing real real real good I have to say about this Lakers team is when they had their backs against the walls they always responded in a HUGE way so far this season. They beat the Cavs and Celts right after losing Bynum...they responded well after the game 1 lost this season...and responded well after losing Fish for Game 3. I think they will do the same tonight and on game 6. I'm not worried one bit.
Bottom line we have the toughest road to the Finals championship and our team is getting learning more and more with each game and series.
GO LAKES!!!
i sooooo know that feeling even still.... mine is 8 months old now and she still does not sleep well. ugh! lol
your point is also well taken and it is one of the reasons i still remain hopeful that the lakers will get a title... one of the reasons i keep begging them to prove me wrong!
Had to call you Vic the Brick, glad you found it funny!
I do not disagree with what you are saying specific to the Rockets series, but my focus is not on the series alone, and with my thoughts and comments, I am taking a step back and looking at the team, season, competition, etc., as a whole when I make my comments. From the 10,000 foot level, if you will.
Again, they may prove me wrong and if they do win a title, I will buy the first round of beers (or soda) for the ISH after party. Mark my words.
yeah but if they lose you'll have to buy 2 rounds to drown our sorrows at the lakers forum wake...lol
imo, those blowout loses in Laker history were more like fluke events than systemic issues; i.e. THIS Laker team appears to have a systemic issue...defensive inconsistency.
there are other issues as well (poor/inconsistent bench production), but it is always the defense that bothers me.
again, my point is that with past lakers teams i always felt confident the lakers could win. even when they were behind in the series.
for whatever reason, and i think it has to do with personnel, i don't feel that way with this team. maybe if they win the ship that will change?
your hit the head on the nail it's personnel, i can see why you would feel confident..
Glen Rice, Fox, Horry, Horace Grant, Shaw, Harper, AC Green etc were the role players of that team to back up Shaq and Kobe, all vets all sporting rings from multiple title runs with other teams...
to expect or compare sasha farmar bynum brown ariza and crew to respond the same as those guys did is goofy or highly misplaced....
i mean look at that 2000 roster! holy cow that was one seriously loaded basketball team... that team was everybit as loaded as the showtime teams were if not more so once you get past the stars
^i had mentioned earlier in the year when we were talking about tweaking the roster, that the lakers needed that wiley and cagey veteran, preferably in the front court to help bolster this team's psyche... the names you mentioned are perfect examples of that.
think about who the celtics had last season that fit that bill??? (just another example)
^i had mentioned earlier in the year when we were talking about tweaking the roster, that the lakers needed that wiley and cagey veteran, preferably in the front court to help bolster this team's psyche... the names you mentioned are perfect examples of that.
think about who the celtics had last season that fit that bill??? (just another example)
we all did last off season we wanted vet presence on the team.. we lost turiaf and gained powell... the good point is the guys we have may not have that experience but they have youth and are gaining that experience now... those teams had to be reshuffled every couple years this team is basically good to go for many years with minor tweaks....
good and bad, one way is "instant title" just add water and the other needs to simmer for a bit but it'll stick to your ribs longer
Re: How soon we forget?
