Oh, It's You Again...

Don't ever let it be said that the Lakers don't know how to put on a show and keep you on the edge of your seats. With the series teetering on the brink the Lakers brought it down right to the wire. Thank you Ron Ron! With so much expected of them you would think the Lakers would be edgy and nervous. You think they would win as quickly as possible. Not this LA team, there called Lake Show for a reason. Finding more than one way to be entertaining is just second nature to them. Whether it's las minute heroics or an offensive barrage, it's never boring.

Now the Lakers are back in the Finals and facing the Celtics. It doesn't get any more exciting than this. Who would have thought the Celtics would over come and make it to the finals?(I think I did, check the posts if you don't believe me!). Only one word comes to mind and that's VENGEANCE! Like Kobe said beating the Celtics in the NBA finals would be icing on the cake.

Not that I needed more reasons to hate the Celtics or hope that the Lakers would crush them but one more reason has made its self known. After the 2008 game 6 in Boston as the Lakers waded through the crowd in the team bus. The tactful gentlemanly Bostonians began to hurl rocks and push the bus. Talk about kicking someone when they're down. It's fine though, it's just more ammo for the arsenal. There was only one person on the team that wasn't there that night and they all vividly remember it. The player that wasn't there was Artest who doesn't really need a reason to hold a grudge.

"It was painful," Lakers forward Pau Gasol said. "It is a feeling that I want to keep in my mind for every single minute that I’m out there playing them."

We've waited all season for this, it's time.

Here We Go Again!

We may have lost two games in a row but don't let that get you down. We'll bounce back, Phoenix are a good team. Our defense will pick up again back in LA. If that doesn't cheer you up then I have some words that might.

President Obama was at it again, yes that's right he was once again declaring the Lakers as favorites. Plus he said Pau Gasol was the best big man in the league. Haven't we heard that some where before.

"I've got to go with the Lakers again," Obama said. "I think Gasol may be the best big man in the league right now. He's different from Dwight Howard, but he's (got) unbelievable footwork, speed, savvy, he's playing magnificently."
"Kobe is the fiercest competitor in the league and they've got what I continue to believe is the best coach in the NBA right now in Phil Jackson, so they're going to be formidable and I think it'll be a tough series. Boston's a veteran club, but the Lakers are looking pretty good."

You don't fool me Mr. President you're really a Laker fan at heart aren't you? It's ok, I don't blame you, I know all too well the allure of the Purple and Gold.

Western Conference Finals Game five is on it's way, what's that Mr. President? You're right we will crush them!

If Pau Were A Jedi?

He can't be stopped, drives to the lane it's a dunk, post him up he's scoring over you, double team him and he is shooting a fade away over you. Yes, you just can't stop Pau Gasol. Who did you think I was talking about? Oh, I bet you thought I was talking about number 24, I don't blame you, easy mistake. However, I was not. Instead I want people to take notice of Gasol and I want to talk about something that has been irking me a little. Pau is the best big man in the league, it's not just bias it's true. Some argue that Dwight Howard is, no, until Dwight gets the skill set and consistency that Pau has then we can consider him. Unbelievers (aka infidels) will mention Dwight's 'dominance' in the paint. Stop it, it is too subjective a description for it to make a valid argument. Let me give you some real evidence, when Pau was acquired, that same year, the Lakers were battling to get into the playoffs. Three months after the Gasol trade the Lakers were in the finals. Last year the Lakers played Orlando in the finals and won, with Pau having his way with Dwight, is that what dominant is? I could go on but I don't need to, I just thought it was time to stick up for my man Pau! (we're friends on facebook!)

Looks like Boston will be greeting us in the Finals. I like to think of Boston as Darth Vader, you know fat and ugly but pretty good with a lightsaber. The Lakers are Obi-wan fighting the evil. Darth Vader may have struck down Obi-wan (see 2008 NBA final) but remember what Obi-wan said, something about becoming more powerful blah blah blah. Well it's true, you may have got us Boston but we're back and we're coming for you!

It's Nothing Personal Phoenix

The Lakers hosted the Suns for the first game of the Western Conference finals and it was non stop Lakers the whole way through. Leaving the Suns wondering what happened, well Phoenix I'll fill you in, Kobe happened. Don't worry you're not the first and you surely won't be the last. It's just what the Mamba does, you shouldn't feel bad.

The reporters now have a definitive answer to their question they asked Kobe whether or not he holds a grudge against Phoenix for knocking the Lakers out of the playoffs two years in a row.

Does 40 points with 21 in the third quarter alone clarify things?

Lamar Odom also played well with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Pau, again deserves another mention for his slick passing and wonderfully skillful offense.

Only a day to wait for the next game let's hope that the Lakers can do the same thing once again to maintain home court advantage.

Phoenix; Nothing Rhymes With Your Name

Western Conference Finals time, the Lakers and Suns will be battling it out to advance to the NBA finals. It's time to check out who is doing what on both teams.

Point Guard

Phoenix

Steve Nash
Any talk of the best point guard in the league and Nash's name has to be mentioned. A great shooter with unnaturally good passing abilities, this Canadian can slice through a teams defense in numerous ways. His pick and roll attack with Stoudemire will be the main attack weapon for the Suns and Steve will have to be on fine form to keep the fast paced Suns playing their style of game.

Los Angeles

Derek Fisher
His shooting has become more and more reliable which isn't surprising considering that the Lakers are getting deeper and deeper into the playoffs where big plays are required. Fisher will have the unenviable task of guarding Mr. Nash and will rely on his strength to limit Nash. Nash is not as quick as guards like Westbrook so Derek's speed won't be exposed. Against Utah, Fisher did a good job containing Deron Williams and will look to continue that defensive intensity. Spreading the floor and putting a body on Steve will be Derek's mission in this series.

Match-up: I have to go with Steve on this because of his unrelenting skill this two time MVP has the experience and mentality to play well at this high level.

Shooting Guard

Phoenix
Jason Richardson
Richardson's game has been improving during the Suns' playoff run. With solid three point shooting he'll want to continue Phoenix's league best three pointing shooting percentage against the league's top three point defense team. Jason has the task of being the first person on the floor to be challenging Kobe. Not what you want, especially since Kobe has recently been hitting his stride.

Los Angeles

Kobe Bryant
Fresh from five consecutive games of thirty points or more, a well rested Kobe Bryant does nothing but set off alarm bells for Phoenix. Kobe is going to be clinical once again with no one on th Phoenix to match his athletic ability, Kobe will want to drive the lane and draw the double team. This will create space on the perimeter for Artest and Derek when he drives and give valuable space inside for Pau and Andrew when the double team comes.


Match-up: Improved game play doesn't quite cut it against the Player of the Decade.


Small Forward

Phoenix

Grant Hill
A reliable consistent player Grant's knowledge and experience helped him contain players like Manu. However Hill will be forced out onto the perimeter to stop Artest's improved three pointers. This will hinder Hill's ability to help against Kobe and it will be interesting to see if Phoenix choose to leave Artest open on the perimeter to try and prevent Kobe making baskets at will.


Los Angeles

Ron Artest
Being snubbed by the NBA all defensive teams doesn't mean he is not one of the best defenders in the league. It just means some people are a bit short sighted. Artest has been a defensive wall during the playoffs and will have a strength advantage against Grant Hill in the coming series. Artest will have a chance to make an offensive impact if he can hit his three and even in the low post. However once again Ron's main duty will be on the defensive end where we will probably see Phil switch Ron between players because of Phoenix's talented bench.

Match-up: Ron Ron is just a better player, here's to you Artest!


Power Forward

Phoenix

Amare Stoudemire
A strong season continues into the playoffs for Amare though his scoring has dipped he still remains very dangerous. However he will have to improve on the defensive end against Pau and Bynum who boast a height advantage. Combined with Nash, Stoudemire will be using the pick and roll offense primarily to attack the Lakers and if they can get easy looks and push the ball with Stoudemire at the head it will be very difficult for the Lakers to contain.

Los Angeles

Pau Gasol
I can not say enough good things about this man. He has been on fire in these playoffs with 65% shooting percentage the Lakers will be wanting, as with the past series, to get the ball into Pau who can put it in the bucket almost at will. If you thought his offense was improved so has his defense, limiting Carlos Boozer throughout the Utah series. Pau will be a huge piece of the puzzle for a Lakers victory.

Match-up: Pau is the best big man in the league, no debate just fact.


Center

Phoenix

Robin Lopez
Coming back from injury Lopez will want to fid his feet again. His main role will be to body up on Bynum and Gasol and try to limit their presence in the paint. It won't be easy since Lopez hasn't played since the end of March. He will undoubtedly have a tough time dealing with the length of LA.

Los Angeles

Andrew Bynum
With his knee worsening Andrew has decided opt for the what-would-Kobe-do? approach and play through the pain. Bynum's presence is a valuable asset for the Lakers and will be crucial for the Lakers in terms of controlling the game. Playing time will probably be limited to twelve to fourteen minute stretches but even that will prove valuable as the young center can be brutal down low. In any case when Bynum does need a rest the walking mismatch that is Lamar will be available.

Match-up: If both these players stay healthy enough to play my money is on Andrew. An incredibly under-rated post player with a size advantage, Bynum could prove to be very influential indeed.


Game Keys:

Phoenix will rely as they have done on their bench players, with an incredibly talented and deep bench Phoenix will want to get everybody involved to really put the pressure on LA. LA will have to impose their will with defense, keeping a body at all times on the Phoenix players to slow them down. In my opinion Lamar is a man that needs to shine this series. He will be crucial during times when the starters rest to help the second unit hold off the Suns.

Lakers:4-2

I've Got My Eye On You Boston!

Creepy picture!

Well the Lakers pushed the Jazz aside to advance to the Western Conference final in which they will face the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers won the last two games in Utah to complete the sweep. In the first game Utah clogged up the paint to try and limit the Laker big man and use a much faster tempo game to try and outrun the Lakers. However this caused a lot of Laker jump shooters to be open and lead to terrific perimeter shooting. This almost worked but Utah couldn't seem to deliver a killer blow and the Lakers scraped a one point win. The second game belonged to Kobe and Pau who made short work of the Jazz and combined for 65 points. It was the fifth consecutive time Kobe has scored more than thirty points. For me the man of the series has to be the scruffy Spaniard, Dr. Pau was clinical with 65% shooting, he continues to get better and better. This will continue against the Suns because once again Pau has an smaller inferior big man guarding him.

Other news around the league is the Celtics knocked Lebron and Cavaliers out of the playoffs. So for all those NBA fans wanting to see Kobe Vs Lebron playoff, it's just too damn bad. I've heard bandwagon fans saying that Laker fans were cheering for the Celtics to win so the Lakers wouldn't see Lebron in the final. I've never heard such a vile and base statement in my life. How dare they! I am both appalled and disgusted. Trust me, the Lakers don't care who we see in the finals, all it is is just another obstacle. Lebron, the Celtics it doesn't matter, they are just a means to an end. Lebron has to prove that he can actually make it to the finals before other fans can start calling Laker fans out about facing him. Maybe next year Cleveland, oh wait that's right, Lebron has his eyes set on other franchises to disappoint.

The Celtics have to face Orlando to complete their journey to the finals. I hope they do make it, not because I'm scared of Orlando (been there done that!) but because I want revenge. We haven't forgotten and it would just make our victory that much sweeter.

So before I go let me give you some advice Laker fans, if you see some Cavalier fans, wait excuse me they're not real, Lebron fans don't say a thing. That's right not a word, just look them in the eye shake your head and walk away. Don't be brought down to their level, leave that to me. Send them to a link here if they continue to argue, I'll be more than happy to deal with them.

Up next a positional breakdown followed by your local news.

Yeah, It's OK, But What Else Have You Got?

The Staples Center did not seem as if the semi-finals of the Western Conference were being played under its roof. The crowd, of course, was there in its multitude but maintained a rather reserved manner during large parts of the game. There was even someone missing in the first game, Jack was not in his usual spot, how bizarre. Compared to Oklahoma the crowd seemed almost silent. But it's nothing to worry about or even a bad thing, like the Lakers themselves the Staples Center crowd is an experienced one and used to going deep into the playoffs. So, with a beat up Utah coming to town wins were expected and wins were received. The Staples Center enjoyed the victories in a quiet contentment with an almost expectant demeanor. Laker fans have but one thing in mind and that's another ring on the finger's of their purple and gold armored knights. Once that victory is sealed then there will be cause for celebration, then there will be a parade no other NBA team could possibly even hope to receive, then you will see the fans explode in a passionate fury of Laker glory. Until then the Laker fans will be waiting with anticipation waiting to give the Lakers a boost when truly needed and not just gratuitous fan fare that lesser teams are used to.

Speaking about lesser teams, the Utah Jazz with their much reduced team, missing two starters and significantly undersized against the Lakers, struggled to deal with the skilled Laker front men. Pau, Bynum and Lamar cleaned the glass, shot with precision and protected the hoop. This was the key to the two victories for the Lakers, pounding the ball inside and suffocating the paint. Pau deserves a special mention for his continued outstanding play and in my opinion is one of the best performing players in the playoffs at the moment, PAU! There was that other guy Kobe who scored more than 30 points for the third consecutive time but who cares about what he does on the court, check this out!

Razz-A-Ma-Tazz it's the Jazz!

Round two and here it goes the Utah Jazz ready to slug it out. As I did with the First Round I have broken down each individual starting position. Let's get down to business.

Point Guard

Los Angeles

Derek Fisher
Fish has steadily become more productive on the offensive end during the past month and is starting to nail those threes. However his assignment will be tough when dealing with Deron Williams who is probably one of the best point guards in the league. Derek's ability to spread the floor on offense will be key to give the bigs in the paint some space to operate. Also that invaluable experience that can keep a team grounded during intense playoff games.

Utah

Deron Williams
Williams is an all round player, he passes with precision, has a great jump shot, and the strength to rebound effectively. His defense isn't too shabby either. It won't be the case that the Lakers contain Deron but rather make him slightly less effective. Williams will have to the job of getting his teammates going with his passsing and filling in the gaps with his shooing.

Match up: I have to give this to Deron he is just too good and will be a main focus of defensive pressure.

Shooting Guard

Los Angeles

Kobe Bryant
Kobe has been looking healthier and stronger as each games is played. His shot is starting to zero in, the elevation is back and the determination is still burning strong. Kobe is probably going to be switching on defense, helping teammates out against Deron, Carlos and his counter part shooting guard. Look for Kobe to be clinical and lethal as he will have the size advantage and experience in his favor.

Utah

Wesley Mathews
When you look at the defensive assignments and you see your detail has the number 24 you know it's going to be a long series, especially when you're a rookie. Wesley is now in the direct path of the only thing that Kobe cares about and that's another championship. Mathews will have to hustle and continue to prove that he needs to be guarded. This will keep Kobe on him and give the other players a little room without Mamba hands reaching in.

Match up: Come on it's Kobe against a rookie.

Small Forward

Los Angeles

Ron Artest
Well, this is simple, defense that's all that matters, stop the other team putting the ball in the bucket by being so close to them that siamese twins have more personal space. It's what he's here for and it's what he's been doing, holding Kevin Durant to a full five points below his regular season scoring average. It wouldn't hurt to have Artest display some of his offensive abilities a bit more.

Utah

CJ Miles
In Kirlenko's spot due to injury Miles won't have the defensive presence as Andre but will be able to spread the floor a little more with his much more potent three point shooting. The Lakers will have to be aware of his ability to cut to the basket that gave Denver problems.

Match up: Ron Artest's defensive ability will shine through once again.

Power Forward

Los Angeles

Pau Gasol
His efficiency on the offensive end is almost mind boggling and his length bothers players all across the ene-b-a. His defensive assignment will be tough considering he will have to contend the powerful boozer and punish Williams for trespassing in his territory. The Lakers will be using Pau to establish their presence in the paint and use it as an anchor for their offense. They will use Pau's length again to gain an advantage on the smaller Jazz.

Utah

Carlos Boozer
Mr. Boozer is going to have problems dealing with the length and quickness of Pau, Bynum and Lamar who can close out Boozer's jump shot and contest him at the rim. Deron will have to be good at finding an open Carlos to make use of his offensive abilities. On the defensive end Pau's length and skill set will make life very difficult for Boozer.

Match up: Pau with his length and abilities will get the better of Boozer who has previously struggled against the Lakers.

Center

Los Angeles

Anderew Bynum
If Bynum's injury doesn't prove to be limiting than Bynum will have a serious advantage against the undersized bigs of Utah. With his powerful post moves and ability to block shots, it will be defense that Phil will have his young center focusing on and it's defense where Andrew can make his biggest contributions.

Krylo Fesenko
Stepping into the injured Mehmet Okur's shoes, Fesenko will have to use his bigger body to give Utah some presence down low. Rebounds, rebounds and more rebounds to limit second chance opportunities that the Lakers will sure look to capitilize upon.

Match up: As long as Bynum doesn't have too many problems with his knee, Bynum will have the length, ability and strength to really dominate on the low post.


The Jazz will be relying heavily on Williams to drive and organize their offense. The familiar call of "Stockton to Malone" may be a thing of the past but what you will hear now is "Williams to Boozer" which is just as effective.

The Lakers will be turning their heads to Kobe and Pau to be the dynamic duo to drive the offense and close out games. Not a bad combination if you ask me.

Match up: Lakers 4-2

Pau In Your Face!

That scruffy Spaniard helped the Lakers move through the first round of the playoffs by tipping in a missed Kobe jump shot with 0.5 seconds left in the game, putting the Lakers up by one point to win the game.

The Jazz are the next opponent the Lakers face and as before I will have a starting lineup positional breakdown.

Now we can take a look to see the results of the first round and see how many I got right.

I picked Denver to win, whoops! Then I picked Phoenix over Portland 4-2 got that one nailed. Then I picked Dallas over San Antonio, though I almost did pick San Antonio I didn't. I got 1 out of 3 not so good, perhaps I can do better next time. Good thing I don't gamble.