The Lakers extended their record to 12-4 yesterday, excellent news, the only downside being the two losses to potential playoff teams. But in my view it isn't as big of a problem as it might seem. The loss to Denver wasn't great but the Lakers kept it close despite playing against an invigorated Denver team, sometimes losses happen. Then came Phoenix, who, in order to beat the defending champions, dropped 22 three pointers, the second most in NBA history, oh my. Even though the Suns dropped 22 shots "from downtown" the Lakers still managed to keep it close and if one or two three pointers fell for the Lakers in the last few minutes of the game it could have been a whole different story. The two teams that beat the Lakers this year had to score over 120 points. That's great news for the purple and gold but not so great for the rest of the league, especially with Lakers scoring a league high 112.2 points per game. To add further woe to coaches around the league, the Lakers are still waiting for the return of their defensive center, Andrew Bynum. With Bynums's return the Lakers will add a second 7 footer who will troll around the paint making sure no one trespasses on his turf.

It's good times for Laker land, everybody is playing most notably Pau and Lamar, but a special mention must go to the bench. The 'killer bees' (not sure on this nickname) Shannon Brown and Steve Blake are managing not only to hold onto leads but expand upon it. Brown has made an incredible shooting improvement this summer and the addition of Matt Barnes seems to have been an inspired choice. I can't really find fault with the Lakers at the moment except for maybe a few too many turnovers and some slack defense from time to time. Things are looking good and it will be interesting to watch the Lakers take on the Bulls tomorrow who will push the Lakers speed and see if the Lakers can control the tempo and execute their offense rather than run and gun with Chicago.

Let me know what you think, are there any key weaknesses that you see? Is there a player that you would like to see added in January? Did you also forget how good a passer Luke Walton is?

Ode to Artest

Trolling my way through the internet I came across a facebook group that is purely devoted to hating Ron Artest. I can understand some animosity to the rather eccentric Queens native forward, but hate seems a little strong. Can't we all just get along. Apparently not. The facebook page puts forward a case a Ron being nothing more than a violent thug that is, "detrimental to the world of basketball". Ok, so Ron has had some not so stellar points in his career,most notably the infamous brawl, but he is definitely not detrimental to the league. I find it difficult to hate Artest because, well, I think he's brilliant. Ron is a rather complicated man. He has a degree in mathematics, yes that's right a bachelors in mathematics. I can barely count to ten using my fingers, so I am instantly impressed. The brains are there, but Artest seems to be constantly battling with what can only be discribed as an insane little imp on his shoulder and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Are some of Ron Artest's actions questionable? Absolutely! But they are not malicious actions. His intesity may get the better of him at times but it also gives him character. From yelling "no soap, no soap" from the shower or having an iphone that Kevin Ding describes as "shattered" to yelling at reporters "acknowledge me"! or my
personal favorite conducting an interview of himself. That's right Ron Artest interviewed Ron Artest.
Maybe it's my twisted humor but I think these actions ar quite frankly hilarious.There is no vendetta or evil intent. Calling a former defensive player of the year detrimental to basketball is a little bit extreme.
I think Ron Artest brings humor to the Lakers, it's better than an interview with Pau, who, seems to be reading his answers from the book 'media for dummies'.

Ron is auctioning off his championship ring for charity, so there is a caring side. Can you guess the benifitting charity, that's right a charity for mental health. What else do you expect from a player who thanked his psychiatrist along with God and his parents for winning the championship.
I think we should all just lighten up and thank Ron for being Ron. Doing the crazy stuff so you don't have to!

No Complaints Here.

With the Lakers playing out of their minds right now it's fairly difficult to find anything to write about. Kobe got a triple double, Pau earned one today and Lamar, as MacMillan (Portland's coach) said, is "playing like an all-star". These are good times in Lakerland best described by Fisher "it's like disneyland".

The Lakers remain undefeated and every single player seems to be improving. There was even a rare sighting of the Slovenian Sasha Vujacic who recently got engaged to tennis star Maria Sharapova.

Ron Artest guarded Brandon Roy, who in Artest's words is more difficult to guard than Kobe (don't worry Ron's not quite sane at the best of times) kept Mr. Roy to a limited 8 points. Impress-much? I think so.

We can only hope that these trends continue making it even easier to be a Laker fan. This week will see a much more formidable Minnesota and an always bitter Denver trying to rock the Lakers' dream boat. If the Lakers keep their playing standard at it's current level, well you know what the means!

L.O. PoW

This week saw Pau Gasol be awarded the Western Conference Player of the Week award. Good news for Pau and the Lakers. Pau does deserve this award he has been outstanding the past three games. However a well earned award given to a Laker is not going to stop me from complaining. It may take a bit of digging but I'll find something and this time is no different.

So, with a little bit of digging, I found something to moan about. This time it's about Lamar or more accurately Lamar's absence in the consideration for player of the week. Other players were considered like Louis Scola(?) Montana Ellis(?) Brook Lopez(?) but Lamar was all but ignored despite his monstrous three games that have him averaging 17 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Those are some of the best numbers in the league and not even a consideration. I know! I can sense your disgust!

Now to try and curb my image of a grumpy old man, I'll try to say something positive. It's nice to see that L.O. is energized and stepping up to fill the void of Bynum. Also while writing this Lamar has just achieved 11,000 points, 6,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists one of 29 players ever to do this. So, Lamar you have my consideration for Player of the Week(does that sound gay?)

They're back!

The first game cam and went and the Lakers scraped a win despite falling 15 points down at the half. No real surprise that the Lakers started in a seemingly distracted manner with the awesomely outrageous championship rings shining in their eyes. However the Lakers fought back in the third quarter leading to a final charge in the fourth.

The Laker bench provided their own momentum coming off the bench, with Blake and Shannon standing out. It's good to see the Lakers being able to rely on their bench to provide an offensive spark when called upon. If this continues then the Lakers will be very difficult to beat this season.

There was plenty of room for improvement with the Lakers missing open jump shots and lazy defense. Hopefully we can put it down to the distractions of receiving a ring that weighs more than my car.

But hey we got the win, job done.

The Land of the Rising Sun.

Two more days, that is all that is left between us and a brand new NBA season. Jam!
The Lakers will play Houston for their opener, or better known to Laker fans as ‘ring night’. It promises to have more diamonds then Kanye’s bottom row of teeth. This is the second year in a row that Houston has had to sit through ring night. I personally felt that it should have been the Celtics for the opening game by I’m still not allowed to draw up the NBA schedule and it’s not through a lack of asking. Damn you Stern.

Ok, back to reality it’s time to take a quick glance east and take a look at would-be challengers.

The Celtics added Shaq… hahahaha. Wait let’s take another pause...and another mocking…hahahahaha. Ok better…oh wait…hahahahaha! This does give the Celtics breathing room while Mr. Perkins heals up but don’t count on Shaq making significant contributions. Perhaps if Doc Rivers uses Shaq better than Cleveland did, the Celtics can tighten up defense which has always been a cornerstone of the team. The Celtics’ old age has a lot of critics ruling out Boston.
Orlando are always a strong contender with Vince looking ever more comfortable on offense and Dwight continually improving, it is hard to over look the Magic as possible finals opponents. If Dwight continues to remain a beast inside and all signs point to that being the case it will prove very difficult for teams deal with Orlando.

Coming out of the pan handle and further down to the tip of the state we arrive in Miami. Grabbing headlines and dreams of dynastic greatness, Pat Riley has put together a super team involving Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Lebron James. This indeed is free agent coup. The basketball world has been reeling from such of move leaving many wondering how the hell this happened. I don’t know and I don’t care. It happened, we’re just going to have to deal with the consequences. Obviously Miami has moved itself to instant contenders but if we scratch the surface a little bit there are some holes in the plan. There is no inside presence, Ilgauskas won’t be able to cope with teams like Boston or Orlando who have a string of bigs that like to pound the paint. There is no real team offensive depth, when the stars come off, the Heat’s bench don’t really have much fire power to go to. Opponents will seize this opportunity to make a run and in an 82 game season plus playoffs I think the lack of depth will show itself. Plus if injuries become a factor then Miami will really struggle. Defense will also be a major concern with Bosh at power forward his lack of defense and a tendency to sag off his man it will be difficult for Miami to deal with the likes of Kevin Garnett, Carlos Boozer, Rashard Lewis and my man Pau.
For me I think it is very likely that the Celtics will rise triumphant in the East don’t count on old age, their experience, skill level and bench depth will prove too much for other teams to deal with. Sorry Miami, it takes a lot more than three players to win a championship.

Quick side note, keep an eye on the Bulls this year they be I a good position to surprise and upset some of the bigger teams.

In other news it turns out that Gilbert Arenas faked an injury to give more playing time t a rookie. Hmm would you ever see Kobe faking an injury? The man would play in a wheel chair if they’d let him.

Celebration Hangover Time

I'm back, nanananana (insert batman theme here). If the NBA can take some time off, then I can too. Shouldn't I be able to take a break from the half an hour a day it takes me to do this. Phew! What a break!

Well, let's take a look, has anything happened?

Lamar won a gold medal at the World FIBA Championship, well dome Lamar. Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliffe, Derrick Caracter, Devin Ebanks, Drew Naymick and Trey Johnson have all joined the Lakers, welcome.

D.J. Mbenga, Jordan Farmar have left the Lakers, thanks guys, enjoy the rings.

Well, what has this done for the Champions I hear you cry out!

In my opinion and the only one that matters on this blog, is that the Lakers have addressed certain aspects and weaknesses present through the last season and made moves to hopefully quell these problems.

The Lakers biggest weakness was our stability and reliance coming off the bench. Bring in Mr. Blake, who is one of THE most under rated guards in the league. When Steve is given the green light he can light up the court. I first noticed Steve during a Laker game against the Clippers in the 08/09 season where Steve put up an 18 point game with 12 coming in the fourth quarter alone. Leading the Clippers to a rare victory against the Lakers. Playing what will probably be split minutes with Fisher, this remarkable talent will keep intensity and offensive momentum throughout the game. Something that was painfully noticeable last season. Plus add the athleticism, quickness supplied by Shannon and Ebanks it gives Phil more flexibility to adjust to opponents. Phil can shorten the line up and add speed when necessary, PERFECT!
Plus more defensive intensity has been added on the perimeter with Matt added to the roster. Phil is always preaching about defense, at least when he is not pretending to be a frog on a lily pad,(that's not even a joke).

It looks like the Lakers have become better on paper but this will take to time to come to fruition. The recent signings add some real depth to the bench a key component that wins championships. Ooooh was that a cheap shot and Miami, yes it most certainly was, we will get to that later though.

How are the Lakers looking over the past few weeks? Terrible. With a lack of court time and conditioning practice the Lakers are looking lethargic and out of shape. To best explain, Ron Artest gained 20 pounds in the two months off. The Lakers lost two pre season games, Phil is extremely unhappy with the players energy and thinks " the Lakers are not ready to play games that count just yet."

With Kobe recovering from knee surgery he has looked out of rhythm but seems to have much better movement, I wouldn't worry about Kobe, he'll be ready. Andrew Bynum is also recovering from surgery and won't be expected back until late November. Now, Bynum has been under criticism for delaying his surgery in order to go to the World Cup. Come on it's the World Cup and you're criticizing an athlete for going to one of the biggest sports events in the world, it happens every four years, cut him some slack. Plus Bynum doesn't even need to start playing for the Lakers until playoff time to earn his contract money. That is when we will need the 7 footer and coming back in November doesn't seem like such a problem. It will also give Bynum more time to work on his core strength training. No real problems here.

So all in all things are looking up for Laker land. Let's hope Phil can bring the team back to fitness and fluidity. If that is so, it should be a very good season for the Purple and Gold. The Lakers are in a good position to repeat their championship run. Good times may be in store yet again. Excellent news!

Tomorrow we will have a look at some other NBA teams that may want a parade of their own.

Tune in, same time, same place for more of the caped crusader. (Yes! Another batman reference!)

I've been silent recently. I've been silent for the entire NBA finals. I thought it would be best. You didn't need me rehashing the same old thing that any basketball fan was hearing every time he tuned into the basketball world.

But now it's time to break the silence, it's time to add one more voice, it's time to proclaim to the world that the Lakers are once again NBA CHAMPIONS!

This banner will hang a little higher, a little bigger and with a little more pride. Because the Purple and Gold snatched it from the clutches of their most bitter of rivals; the Boston Celtics.

Go out and celebrate Laker fans, it's been a long season and a long series but the faith and perseverance have paid off. Vengeance is ours and victory is for us to enjoy!

LAKERS!!!

Ok, I'm sorry, you're normally expecting a full rundown of the teams by now. I'm sorry I'm not going to provide it. It's been done to death already. Instead I'm just going to say: Kobe, Kobe Kobe! Oh wait PAU!!!!

Boston you've been warned, we're coming for you! Not just the championship but for you! I'm sorry but you must be punished for your sins. If you do not agree; Kobe will listen to your grievances. hahahahahahahahaha!

Bye bye Boston!

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.

Proud of You!

Well it's good to see the Lakers doing something useful, I guess.

Razzle Dazzle!

All doubts, all fears, all criticisms swept aside and left to suffer a miserable death in the gutter. The Lakers welcomed the Thunder back to LA with open arms and then crushed the life out of them. They didn't even have a chance. Right from the tip off the Lakers went 10-0 up and continued through the entire games to make the Thunder look like deers caught in the headlights.

The Lakers did everything right, defense, offense, hustling, passing, everything. It was a sight to see and it was the first time in a long time the Lakers looked like the NBA champions that they are. While everyone did a fantastic job two players stand out the most and that is Pau with his 25 point and 11 rebounds and Kobe Bryant who hustled and lead the team with ferocity. The Thunder were just never going to win this one.

The Lakers made it seem that the team that has boundless energy ready to always fight back look like they had nothing left in the tank.

"It was tough to fight back. Once we tried to, we didn't have any more energy left." Durant

Back we go to Oklahoma to see if this spark will carry into the Ford Center in front of the maniacal Oklahoma crowd.