Every athlete wants the opportunity to win championships and go down as one of the best in their respective sport.
Dwight Howard, center of the Orlando Magic, is no different.
He too wants to compete at the highest level and win NBA championships.
The opportunity is there for the taking for Howard right now.
The opportunity is not with the Magic but with another NBA team.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the team he has that opportunity to win championships and go down as one of the best.
The Lakers are the team that gave many players the chance to win, win and win.
Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabber, Shaquille O'Neal, James Worthy, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Kobe Bryant and etc. are just some of the many players who came and did a whole lot with the Lakers.
Right now the Lakers are pleading a trade that will send Chris Paul, one of the best point guards in the NBA right now, to Los Angeles where the Lakers look to win another championship and many more in the years to come.
Howard has a chance to be a part of that. He has the chance to go to Los Angeles and win, win and win with Paul and Bryant.
There is a problem though . . .
There is a rumor going around that Howard does not want to come to the Lakers only because he refuses to continue to be compared to O'Neal and have people claim he is trying to be like O'Neal.
Although that is something that can be irritating and annoying to be accused of being like someone--the chance to be as good or better than a hall-of-fame player is the best thin that can happen to a player, especially Howard.
Howard has the chance to be better than O'Neal and have people see him differently.
Although their roads started the same and can end the same. When the story is over, Howard has the control of deciding what people are going to compare when it is between O'Neal and him.
Howard cannot allow this to determine his choice to be traded to Los Angeles.
He will basically avoid winning simply because he does not want others to think he is copying O'Neal. What he should be thinking is that he is blessed to be compared to the likes of O'Neal and has the shot to experience what O'Neal did.
It is not a bad choice. O'Neal did it and he is one his way to the hall-of-fame.
The Lakers are a no brainier. The New Jersey Nets are not the right choice.
Deron Williams will leave and Howard will be alone.
The Nets are not going to be respected and the New York Knicks will always be the better team in the big apple, even if they suck.
The decision is simple and it is up to Howard to determine if he wants to be his own self or always let people to think he is the like O'Neal.
Los Angeles is where he needs to be. Paul and Bryant will be waiting for him.
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Lakers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Angeles Lakers. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
NBA legend hangs up the jersey
Shaquille O'Neal has called it quits.
Many believed he was done a season ago but the Boston Celtics gave him one more season which turned out to be a mess, but the big fella is walking away from the game with a smile.
He announced on his Twitter account June 1 in a video that he is letting his fans know first that he is retiring from the NBA.
The news spread wild throughout the social media community as NBA legends, fans and friends of O'Neal shared their thoughts about him.
The Los Angeles Lakers quickly announced they are going to retire O'Neal's No. 34 Lakers jersey sometime in the future.
Laker fans admire and applaud O'Neal for the three NBA championships he brought to Los Angeles along with Kobe Bryant.
Before O'Neal signed with the Lakers in the summer of 1996, he spent four seasons with the Orland Magic. Following his eight seasons with Lakers, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004 where he helped the Heat win its first NBA championship.
Following a short run with the Heat, O'Neal spent a few years jumping around teams which include the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics.
O'Neal has accomplished a lot in his 19-season NBA career as he is a four-time champion, three-time finals MVP, Rookie-of-the-Year and many more honorable achievements.
(Cutline -- Superman: Shaquille O'Neal told his fans on Twitter he is retiring from the NBA after spending 19-years in the league and winning four championships. Javier Cabrera / Sports Lockdown)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Lakers are coming to the end of the road
The Los Angeles Lakers are one game from being eliminated from the Western Conference semi-finals.
The team that has won two championships back-to-back and has been to the NBA finals three straight years is about to be eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers who were favorites to win a third consecutive title will not be making it out of the West this postseason.
The team that has been dominating the past two years is not the same team out there this year.
The dynasty that started in Los Angeles when Pau Gasol arrived in 2008 is ending in the hands of that same Gasol in the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs.
Andrew Bynum, the player always being the missing factor for the Lakers success but failing to do so because of injuries, is the same player playing without injuries during the time the Lakers are not succeeding.
In other words . . . It is over for the Lakers and their fans. (It hurts me to say that.)
It looks to be the end of a wonderful ride for me and my fellow Laker fans.
It was nice to have myself in the Lakers 2010 championship DVD, celebrating the Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics in Los Angeles with fellow Laker fans as I find myself onto the news stations live shots, and being present for two victory parades down Figueroa Street.
The Lakers might be falling to the ground but the purple and gold will live again and return to glory once again. Once a champion, always a champion. 16 champions and counting, the Lakers will find away back to the top.
Until then, the Lakers are signing off.
The team that has won two championships back-to-back and has been to the NBA finals three straight years is about to be eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers who were favorites to win a third consecutive title will not be making it out of the West this postseason.
The team that has been dominating the past two years is not the same team out there this year.
The dynasty that started in Los Angeles when Pau Gasol arrived in 2008 is ending in the hands of that same Gasol in the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs.
Andrew Bynum, the player always being the missing factor for the Lakers success but failing to do so because of injuries, is the same player playing without injuries during the time the Lakers are not succeeding.
In other words . . . It is over for the Lakers and their fans. (It hurts me to say that.)
It looks to be the end of a wonderful ride for me and my fellow Laker fans.
It was nice to have myself in the Lakers 2010 championship DVD, celebrating the Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics in Los Angeles with fellow Laker fans as I find myself onto the news stations live shots, and being present for two victory parades down Figueroa Street.
The Lakers might be falling to the ground but the purple and gold will live again and return to glory once again. Once a champion, always a champion. 16 champions and counting, the Lakers will find away back to the top.
Until then, the Lakers are signing off.
Friday, April 29, 2011
NBA playoffs move on to the semi-finals
The NBA playoffs are off into the next stage of the race as the teams who advanced on to the second round are set to start the next series on Sunday.
Surprisingly most of my predictions were right on the winners of the first round series' but the number of games were off badly. (Thanks to my belief I am a true "NBA analyze.")
Although the biggest surprises of the first round was the San Antonio Spurs being knocked out by the Memphis Grizzles and the Atlanta Hawks defeating the Orlando Magic.
So lets get started and lets see if I still have potential to be a NBA analyze.
The follow are the Eastern Conference semi-finals series' and my predictions:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks: This is going to be a interesting series. The Bulls had a scare a few times in the series against the Indiana Pacers, as the Bulls nearly lost a few games including Game 1.
The Bulls looked great either way, they were able to handle the Pacers and Derrick Rose had a monster series.
As for the Hawks they had a great series against a mediocre Magic team. Joe Johnson did not have a terriffic series against the Magic but the Hawks were able to play great team ball and hold down Dwight Howard in a few games.
As for the series I think it will be hard for the Hawks to guard Rose. Without Kirk Hinrich for sometime, the Hawks will have trouble keeping up with Rose and with a loose Rose roaming the floor--the Bulls will be able to get anything they want.
I have the Bulls winning the series: 4-2.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Boston Celtics: This series is going to be the best second round series. These two teams are building a somewhat rivalry--mainly for this season.
The Celtics own the regular season series, 3-1, and the Celtics were able to handle the Heat well in the three wins. The series against the New York Knicks helped the Celtics regain their energy and confidence to play anyone they face.
The sweep on the Knicks should jump start the Celtics to go off on another run to the finals.
As for the Heat, they were able to hold off the Philadelphia 78ers without breaking a sweat. Without a post game and size in the middle, I highly doubt the Heat can survive in the postseason as they face better teams.
The Celtics are short handed too in the middle but if they can get something out of their bigs in the series than they should be able to hold off the Heat with their big four: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allan, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
I have the Celtics winning the series: 4-2.
Moving from the East to the West, the Spurs will not be moving on after the Grizzles amazingly defeated them in six games. The Grizzles might be a low seed but the Oklahoma City Thunder should not take them lightly.
The following are the Western Conference semi-finals series' and my predictions:
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 3 Dallas Mavericks: This series is second best to the Boston/Miami series.
In the last regular season match, Lakers' Matt Barnes and Mavericks' Jason Terry caused a huge fight after a altercation between Terry and Lakers' Steve Blake. The two teams build a rivalry after that incident and they action picks up again when the two teams face off in this series.
The Lakers started of their first round series slow after dropping Game 1 to the New Orleans Hornets but after Kobe Bryant's great performance in Game 5, the Lakers are on their A-game and are looking like an championship team again.
The Mavericks are looking great as well after taking out the Portland Blazers in six games. The Mavericks are the closes team to match the Lakers length but it is going to take a lot more to take out the champs.
The Lakers are gong to be too hard to control when they have Bryant and Pau Gasol on top of their games while having Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and the supporting cast adding on to that success.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles: I am pulling for the Grizzles in this series. They match well with the Thunder. The Grizzles won the regular season series 3-1 and they are dangerous.
Memphis has a solid team although a lot of them are underrated including Zack Randolph. They have a underrated defender in Shane Battier who will be able to keep Kevin Durant under control.
Memphis has a great center, Marc Gasol and a up and coming star, Mike Conley who is making a name for himself in these playoffs.
A lot of people are going to say that the Thunder are too good with Durant and Russell Westbrook leading the way but they are becoming overrated.
This team is still young like the Grizzles and this team is filling in shoes that are too big for them. I doubt there is a difference between the Grizzles and Thunder.
Both teams have a equal chance to win the series and the winner will be determined by who has the most heart and whose bench shows up.
I have the Grizzles winning this series: 4-2.
Stay tuned as the NBA playoffs continue and lets see if my dreams of being a NBA analyze can stay alive.
Surprisingly most of my predictions were right on the winners of the first round series' but the number of games were off badly. (Thanks to my belief I am a true "NBA analyze.")
Although the biggest surprises of the first round was the San Antonio Spurs being knocked out by the Memphis Grizzles and the Atlanta Hawks defeating the Orlando Magic.
So lets get started and lets see if I still have potential to be a NBA analyze.
The follow are the Eastern Conference semi-finals series' and my predictions:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks: This is going to be a interesting series. The Bulls had a scare a few times in the series against the Indiana Pacers, as the Bulls nearly lost a few games including Game 1.
The Bulls looked great either way, they were able to handle the Pacers and Derrick Rose had a monster series.
As for the Hawks they had a great series against a mediocre Magic team. Joe Johnson did not have a terriffic series against the Magic but the Hawks were able to play great team ball and hold down Dwight Howard in a few games.
As for the series I think it will be hard for the Hawks to guard Rose. Without Kirk Hinrich for sometime, the Hawks will have trouble keeping up with Rose and with a loose Rose roaming the floor--the Bulls will be able to get anything they want.
I have the Bulls winning the series: 4-2.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Boston Celtics: This series is going to be the best second round series. These two teams are building a somewhat rivalry--mainly for this season.
The Celtics own the regular season series, 3-1, and the Celtics were able to handle the Heat well in the three wins. The series against the New York Knicks helped the Celtics regain their energy and confidence to play anyone they face.
The sweep on the Knicks should jump start the Celtics to go off on another run to the finals.
As for the Heat, they were able to hold off the Philadelphia 78ers without breaking a sweat. Without a post game and size in the middle, I highly doubt the Heat can survive in the postseason as they face better teams.
The Celtics are short handed too in the middle but if they can get something out of their bigs in the series than they should be able to hold off the Heat with their big four: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allan, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
I have the Celtics winning the series: 4-2.
Moving from the East to the West, the Spurs will not be moving on after the Grizzles amazingly defeated them in six games. The Grizzles might be a low seed but the Oklahoma City Thunder should not take them lightly.
The following are the Western Conference semi-finals series' and my predictions:
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 3 Dallas Mavericks: This series is second best to the Boston/Miami series.
In the last regular season match, Lakers' Matt Barnes and Mavericks' Jason Terry caused a huge fight after a altercation between Terry and Lakers' Steve Blake. The two teams build a rivalry after that incident and they action picks up again when the two teams face off in this series.
The Lakers started of their first round series slow after dropping Game 1 to the New Orleans Hornets but after Kobe Bryant's great performance in Game 5, the Lakers are on their A-game and are looking like an championship team again.
The Mavericks are looking great as well after taking out the Portland Blazers in six games. The Mavericks are the closes team to match the Lakers length but it is going to take a lot more to take out the champs.
The Lakers are gong to be too hard to control when they have Bryant and Pau Gasol on top of their games while having Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and the supporting cast adding on to that success.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles: I am pulling for the Grizzles in this series. They match well with the Thunder. The Grizzles won the regular season series 3-1 and they are dangerous.
Memphis has a solid team although a lot of them are underrated including Zack Randolph. They have a underrated defender in Shane Battier who will be able to keep Kevin Durant under control.
Memphis has a great center, Marc Gasol and a up and coming star, Mike Conley who is making a name for himself in these playoffs.
A lot of people are going to say that the Thunder are too good with Durant and Russell Westbrook leading the way but they are becoming overrated.
This team is still young like the Grizzles and this team is filling in shoes that are too big for them. I doubt there is a difference between the Grizzles and Thunder.
Both teams have a equal chance to win the series and the winner will be determined by who has the most heart and whose bench shows up.
I have the Grizzles winning this series: 4-2.
Stay tuned as the NBA playoffs continue and lets see if my dreams of being a NBA analyze can stay alive.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Lamar Odom wins a deserving award
An award overdue has finally been rewarded.
Lamar Odom, the most versatile basketball player in the NBA, is a bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers and has won Sixth Man of the Year award today.
Odom could start easily on any other NBA team but since the acquisition of Pau Gasol in 2008, Lamar has been roaming in and out of the Lakers' starting line up and he has accepted his role.
In the summer of 2009, Odom had the chance to leave Los Angeles and play for any other team for more money and be a starter but he chose to stay with the Lakers and continue winning championships.
A two-time champion, Odom makes the Lakers unstoppable, a player of his caliber coming off the bench for the Lakers is just wrong and unfair to the opponents.
Teams do not have the luxury to have players like Odom to come off the bench and replace one of their starters.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson does not worry when Gasol, Ron Artest or Andrew Bynum get into foul trouble because he has another starter to come into for them.
This season Odom has had one of his best season's of his career, averaging 14 points and eight assist a game.
He has been shooting well shooting 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point line.
His success is one factor in the Lakers three-peating as NBA champions this season and winning an award like the Sixth Man of the Year is the starting point.
Odom said in a interview with ESPN that the award will mean the sacrifice he has done to help the team and he said before winning the award that he would dedicate the award if he won it to his fans and teammates.
Lamar Odom, the most versatile basketball player in the NBA, is a bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers and has won Sixth Man of the Year award today.
Odom could start easily on any other NBA team but since the acquisition of Pau Gasol in 2008, Lamar has been roaming in and out of the Lakers' starting line up and he has accepted his role.
In the summer of 2009, Odom had the chance to leave Los Angeles and play for any other team for more money and be a starter but he chose to stay with the Lakers and continue winning championships.
A two-time champion, Odom makes the Lakers unstoppable, a player of his caliber coming off the bench for the Lakers is just wrong and unfair to the opponents.
Teams do not have the luxury to have players like Odom to come off the bench and replace one of their starters.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson does not worry when Gasol, Ron Artest or Andrew Bynum get into foul trouble because he has another starter to come into for them.
This season Odom has had one of his best season's of his career, averaging 14 points and eight assist a game.
He has been shooting well shooting 53 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point line.
His success is one factor in the Lakers three-peating as NBA champions this season and winning an award like the Sixth Man of the Year is the starting point.
Odom said in a interview with ESPN that the award will mean the sacrifice he has done to help the team and he said before winning the award that he would dedicate the award if he won it to his fans and teammates.
Friday, April 15, 2011
NBA first round brings the fun
The NBA playoffs have arrived and the trills and excitement of the NBA regular season increases as the NBA's best of best face off with each other.
16 wins seperate the 16 teams who start the NBA playoffs tomorrow and at this moment each one of these teams have a chance to win the Larry O'Brien.
The Eastern Conference made powerful moves last summer as LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwayne Wade in Miami to create a super team with the Heat. This past NBA deadline the New York Knicks landed Carmelo Anthony to created a dynamic duo with him and A'mare Stoudemire.
The following are the four Eastern Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers - This is a unfair match for the Pacers. Granted they do have lots of pride to fight for the last playoff seed in the East but their team and record defintely prove they should be a lottery team in the NBA draft.
The Bulls will win the series easily, 4-0. Derrick Rose is the clear favorite to win Most Valuable Player and the Bulls are a team who cannot be beat because they play smart and they share the ball together where they play as a team.
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks - This series is going to be boring. The Hawks are not a contending team like they were in the past few seasons. They are a good team who cannot get out of second gear.
The Magic are a team who has good pieces surrounding Dwight Howard but they seem like they have no where to go. They say they want to win a title but they do not have the identity to do that. The Magic will win this series, 4-2, but I do not see this Magic team doing anything else.
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks - This is going to be a easy series for the Celtics. The Knicks do not play defense and they are a loose team who tries to beat their opponents on quick lay-ups and three-pointers.
The Celtics are still a decent defensive team and they should be able to control the Knicks. The Celtics can use this series to jump start their big four who has been struggling ever since the team traded away its center, Kendrick Perkins.
I have the Celtics winning the series, 4-1.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers - Like the Bulls/Pacers series, I do not see the 76ers having success against the Heat. The Heat are good enough without its post game to defeat the 76ers.
James and Wade will have a great series and the Heat will win this series easily. I have the Heat winning the series, 4-0.
As the East got stronger last offseason, the West has been still competitive as years past. The two-time defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers are re-identifying themselves as they start the postseason and the Oklahoma City Thunder grew into men after picking up Perkins from the Celtics at the trade deadline.
The following are the Western Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles - The Spurs are starting off the series without Manu Ginobili after he suffered a injury on the last game of the season. Although they do not have their scorning machine who comes off the bench, the Spurs should have not have a problem taking care of the Grizzles.
The Grizzles will be without Rudy Gay and they do not have much to compete against the Spurs.
I have the Spurs winning the series, 4-1.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets - This series is a must watch for all basketball fans. The two teams are athletic, explosive and anything can go in this series.
The Thunder are entering the series as clear favorites but they have yet to win a road playoff game and they will have a lot in their hands with the Nuggets. The Nuggets are doing well without Anthony and they have the second best second half record following the NBA All-star weekend.
Either team could have shot at winning the series. This will come down to how the Nuggets defend Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.
I have the Thunder winning the series, 4-3.
No. 3 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 6 Portland Blazers - If there is going to be a upset in the first round then this series will be where that occurs. The Mavericks are not clear favorites because they are missing their toughness with the injured Caron Butler.
The Blazers have a team capable of matching the Mavericks and guarding the talented Dirk Nowitzki. The series will come down to the Blazers making the games close at crunch time and Brandon Roy being able to close out the games for the Blazers.
I have the Blazers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets - This series could not have been more favoring to the Lakers. The Lakers are limping into the playoffs with five losses in their last seven games. The Lakers almost received bad luck after center Andrew Bynum hyper-extended his knee but Bynum is set to start the playoffs with the team.
The Hornets will not be able to contend with the Lakers length. The Hornets do not have a chance in the series because they are going to be playing without injured David West.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-0.
The first round should be interesting because the 2011 NBA playoffs are going to be one of the best in recent history. Lots of great teams will make a leap and drew closer to the NBA title as the first round series play out.
16 wins seperate the 16 teams who start the NBA playoffs tomorrow and at this moment each one of these teams have a chance to win the Larry O'Brien.
The Eastern Conference made powerful moves last summer as LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwayne Wade in Miami to create a super team with the Heat. This past NBA deadline the New York Knicks landed Carmelo Anthony to created a dynamic duo with him and A'mare Stoudemire.
The following are the four Eastern Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers - This is a unfair match for the Pacers. Granted they do have lots of pride to fight for the last playoff seed in the East but their team and record defintely prove they should be a lottery team in the NBA draft.
The Bulls will win the series easily, 4-0. Derrick Rose is the clear favorite to win Most Valuable Player and the Bulls are a team who cannot be beat because they play smart and they share the ball together where they play as a team.
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks - This series is going to be boring. The Hawks are not a contending team like they were in the past few seasons. They are a good team who cannot get out of second gear.
The Magic are a team who has good pieces surrounding Dwight Howard but they seem like they have no where to go. They say they want to win a title but they do not have the identity to do that. The Magic will win this series, 4-2, but I do not see this Magic team doing anything else.
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks - This is going to be a easy series for the Celtics. The Knicks do not play defense and they are a loose team who tries to beat their opponents on quick lay-ups and three-pointers.
The Celtics are still a decent defensive team and they should be able to control the Knicks. The Celtics can use this series to jump start their big four who has been struggling ever since the team traded away its center, Kendrick Perkins.
I have the Celtics winning the series, 4-1.
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers - Like the Bulls/Pacers series, I do not see the 76ers having success against the Heat. The Heat are good enough without its post game to defeat the 76ers.
James and Wade will have a great series and the Heat will win this series easily. I have the Heat winning the series, 4-0.
As the East got stronger last offseason, the West has been still competitive as years past. The two-time defending champions, Los Angeles Lakers are re-identifying themselves as they start the postseason and the Oklahoma City Thunder grew into men after picking up Perkins from the Celtics at the trade deadline.
The following are the Western Conference playoff series and my prediction for each one:
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Memphis Grizzles - The Spurs are starting off the series without Manu Ginobili after he suffered a injury on the last game of the season. Although they do not have their scorning machine who comes off the bench, the Spurs should have not have a problem taking care of the Grizzles.
The Grizzles will be without Rudy Gay and they do not have much to compete against the Spurs.
I have the Spurs winning the series, 4-1.
No. 4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 5 Denver Nuggets - This series is a must watch for all basketball fans. The two teams are athletic, explosive and anything can go in this series.
The Thunder are entering the series as clear favorites but they have yet to win a road playoff game and they will have a lot in their hands with the Nuggets. The Nuggets are doing well without Anthony and they have the second best second half record following the NBA All-star weekend.
Either team could have shot at winning the series. This will come down to how the Nuggets defend Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.
I have the Thunder winning the series, 4-3.
No. 3 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 6 Portland Blazers - If there is going to be a upset in the first round then this series will be where that occurs. The Mavericks are not clear favorites because they are missing their toughness with the injured Caron Butler.
The Blazers have a team capable of matching the Mavericks and guarding the talented Dirk Nowitzki. The series will come down to the Blazers making the games close at crunch time and Brandon Roy being able to close out the games for the Blazers.
I have the Blazers winning the series, 4-2.
No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets - This series could not have been more favoring to the Lakers. The Lakers are limping into the playoffs with five losses in their last seven games. The Lakers almost received bad luck after center Andrew Bynum hyper-extended his knee but Bynum is set to start the playoffs with the team.
The Hornets will not be able to contend with the Lakers length. The Hornets do not have a chance in the series because they are going to be playing without injured David West.
I have the Lakers winning the series, 4-0.
The first round should be interesting because the 2011 NBA playoffs are going to be one of the best in recent history. Lots of great teams will make a leap and drew closer to the NBA title as the first round series play out.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Lakers are down for the moment
Stranger things have happen in the Lakers 2010-2011 season so there should not be a surprise for the current four-game losing streak with three games left in the season.
For starts, the Lakers have been blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs in a row.
Then lost another three games in a row a month later, including a five-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But the Lakers also have won 17 of 18 games including key victories over the Spurs, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
The season has been a roller coaster ride as the Lakers package a group of solid games together then follow it up with a group of inconsistent sloppy losses and the pattern repeats itself.
The two-time defending champions have been playing the most basketball in the past four years starting with their first NBA finals run in 2008.
The team has of lots experience and games played where they are comfortable playing against whoever it is they play in this season's postseason. The Lakers are comfortable playing anyone, anywhere, anytime because they have seen it all in these past four season.
The two championships are proof the Lakers are no where near of worrying about themselves heading into the postseason on a four-game losing streak with three games left.
Although they are now in a dog fight with the Celtics, Heat and Mavericks for playoff positioning in potential playoff match-ups which will determine who has homecourt advantage, the Lakers are ready for whatever comes their way as the team tries to clinch its third straight championship.
The playoffs start in a week and the Lakers know in a week the season changes to the postseason and the postseason only means no more screwing around.
With the leadership of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are in the right state of mind to start the postseason despite what the records show.
For starts, the Lakers have been blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs in a row.
Then lost another three games in a row a month later, including a five-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But the Lakers also have won 17 of 18 games including key victories over the Spurs, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
The season has been a roller coaster ride as the Lakers package a group of solid games together then follow it up with a group of inconsistent sloppy losses and the pattern repeats itself.
The two-time defending champions have been playing the most basketball in the past four years starting with their first NBA finals run in 2008.
The team has of lots experience and games played where they are comfortable playing against whoever it is they play in this season's postseason. The Lakers are comfortable playing anyone, anywhere, anytime because they have seen it all in these past four season.
The two championships are proof the Lakers are no where near of worrying about themselves heading into the postseason on a four-game losing streak with three games left.
Although they are now in a dog fight with the Celtics, Heat and Mavericks for playoff positioning in potential playoff match-ups which will determine who has homecourt advantage, the Lakers are ready for whatever comes their way as the team tries to clinch its third straight championship.
The playoffs start in a week and the Lakers know in a week the season changes to the postseason and the postseason only means no more screwing around.
With the leadership of Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are in the right state of mind to start the postseason despite what the records show.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
NBA Western Conference gets interesting
The race for the top seed in the Western Conference heats up.
The San Antonio Spurs lost today to the Memphis Grizzles and are now on a two-game losing streak.
After losing its starting center/power forward Tim Duncan, the Spurs have dropped several games and are losing their cushion over No. 2 seed Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have been a different story following the NBA All-star weekend, winning 14 of their last 15 games.
With the loss today against the Grizzles, the Lakers could be four games behind if they are able to beat the New Orleans Hornets tonight at Staples Center.
The chance seemed impossible but now that same chance is looking brighter and possible every day as the Lakers and Spurs race toward the end of the season.
Both teams will have nine games remaining after tonight and the teams have one more meeting with each other in Los Angeles next month before the season ends.
The Lakers might finish first in the West after all.
The San Antonio Spurs lost today to the Memphis Grizzles and are now on a two-game losing streak.
After losing its starting center/power forward Tim Duncan, the Spurs have dropped several games and are losing their cushion over No. 2 seed Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have been a different story following the NBA All-star weekend, winning 14 of their last 15 games.
With the loss today against the Grizzles, the Lakers could be four games behind if they are able to beat the New Orleans Hornets tonight at Staples Center.
The chance seemed impossible but now that same chance is looking brighter and possible every day as the Lakers and Spurs race toward the end of the season.
Both teams will have nine games remaining after tonight and the teams have one more meeting with each other in Los Angeles next month before the season ends.
The Lakers might finish first in the West after all.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Not another NBA team in Southern California
The Anaheim Royals . . .
Do not rub your eyes and reread that. It is true, the Sacramento Kings officially sent in their request to move the team to Anaheim and relocate as the Royals.
If the request is granted, the Kings will begin next season in their new city. The question now shifts to how can the Kings compete in Southern California when there are two NBA teams in Los Angeles?
Not only are the Kings competing with the Clippers but they are also competing with the Lakers, who are kings of Los Angeles and rule all of Southern California.
The majority of Orange County residents are Laker fans but how many of those fans are willing to ditch the 16-time (soon to be 17--hopefully) NBA Champions for the Royals?
Granted the OC will get its own NBA team but why would you root for a lousy team if you are already a fan of a legendary team? (This is were NBA fans can run with this and assist that Laker fans are bandwagon fans--which is not true.)
Three NBA teams in Southern California is not the best solution. Is there anyway Southern Californians can trade the new neighbors and the Clippers for a NFL team? Now that is a awesome idea that every Southern Californian can agree on.
The soon to be Royals will suffer a long time to fit in Anaheim but it can be another two more home games for the Lakers since those Laker road games to Anaheim will be filled with Laker fans.
Do not rub your eyes and reread that. It is true, the Sacramento Kings officially sent in their request to move the team to Anaheim and relocate as the Royals.
If the request is granted, the Kings will begin next season in their new city. The question now shifts to how can the Kings compete in Southern California when there are two NBA teams in Los Angeles?
Not only are the Kings competing with the Clippers but they are also competing with the Lakers, who are kings of Los Angeles and rule all of Southern California.
The majority of Orange County residents are Laker fans but how many of those fans are willing to ditch the 16-time (soon to be 17--hopefully) NBA Champions for the Royals?
Granted the OC will get its own NBA team but why would you root for a lousy team if you are already a fan of a legendary team? (This is were NBA fans can run with this and assist that Laker fans are bandwagon fans--which is not true.)
Three NBA teams in Southern California is not the best solution. Is there anyway Southern Californians can trade the new neighbors and the Clippers for a NFL team? Now that is a awesome idea that every Southern Californian can agree on.
The soon to be Royals will suffer a long time to fit in Anaheim but it can be another two more home games for the Lakers since those Laker road games to Anaheim will be filled with Laker fans.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Kobe Bryant continues to break records
This season has been a marvelous season for Kobe Bryant on the all-time NBA scoring list.
Bryant has jumped over multiple players including Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins and John Havlicek.
The next person ahead of Bryant on the all-time scoring list is a former teammate, the player who he won three straight NBA title with, the one and only, Shaquille O'Neal.
But the question remains, can Bryant do the unthinkable and eventually become the overall all-time scorer in NBA history?
The challenge is difficult but if Bryant can remain healthy and have consistent seasons for another four seasons then Bryant will be knocking on the door.
Bryant currently has 27,447 points and is 10,910 points behind the all-time scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
With the injuries he has to his fingers and the looming questions if his knees are fine, the question remains how long does Bryant have until his prime begins to decease.
Bryant is only 32-years-old and is in his 15 season in the NBA. Only time will tell when Bryant will begin to decrease. Signs show of old age but there are times when Bryant looks young.
No matter what anyone says Bryant still dominates the league and continues to show greatness as he runs pass former hall of fame players on the all-time scoring list.
Bryant will go down as one of the all-time greatest players in the NBA if he or does not conquer the all-time scoring list.
Bryant has jumped over multiple players including Moses Malone, Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Dominique Wilkins and John Havlicek.
The next person ahead of Bryant on the all-time scoring list is a former teammate, the player who he won three straight NBA title with, the one and only, Shaquille O'Neal.
But the question remains, can Bryant do the unthinkable and eventually become the overall all-time scorer in NBA history?
The challenge is difficult but if Bryant can remain healthy and have consistent seasons for another four seasons then Bryant will be knocking on the door.
Bryant currently has 27,447 points and is 10,910 points behind the all-time scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
With the injuries he has to his fingers and the looming questions if his knees are fine, the question remains how long does Bryant have until his prime begins to decease.
Bryant is only 32-years-old and is in his 15 season in the NBA. Only time will tell when Bryant will begin to decrease. Signs show of old age but there are times when Bryant looks young.
No matter what anyone says Bryant still dominates the league and continues to show greatness as he runs pass former hall of fame players on the all-time scoring list.
Bryant will go down as one of the all-time greatest players in the NBA if he or does not conquer the all-time scoring list.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Lakers go back to back
The Los Angeles Lakers repeated as NBA Champions last night after defeating the Boston Celtics 83-79.
What a game it was for the Lakers.
The team started off bad on the offensive side. Missing shot after shot, especially Kobe Bryant.
They trailed by nine points after the first quarter and scoring only 14 points.
It continued to look bad in the second quarter and Lakers fans started to get nervous and scared that it was going to be a sad ending to the season.
The Lakers managed to cut the Celtics lead to four points by halftime, but Bryant continued to shoot poorly from the field.
After the game, Bryant said that he let the hype of the game and what was on stake, get the best of him and he was lucky that his team was able to pull him up.
The second half started to become a nightmare for Los Angeles, as the Celtics lead grew to their max high, 13 points, but the Lakers continued to play hard.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson, was asked what did he say to the team during the Celtics run, and he said that he told the team to keep rebounding the ball.
His players listened as Bryant (who was not effective offensively) had 15 rebounds to finish the game.
Pau Gasol, the Lakers true MVP of the finals, finished the game 19 points and 18 rebounds.
The Lakers had 23 offensive rebounds.
The Lakers came out in the fourth and made a magnificent come back from the free throw line and was led by Gasol.
The real player that had a big contribution to this win was none other than Ron Artest.
Artest, the player who had a horrible percentage from beyond the arc in the playoffs, hit a huge three pointer for the Lakers down the stretch, after Rasheed Wallace hit a big three to cut the Lakers lead to three.
It was a wonderful ending for the Lakers. Not only did the Lakers went back to back, but they also got the big payback on the hated Celtics.
As a Lakers fan, I am so excited to see the Lakers succeed and watch them get another championship.
It was a long season and as hard it is to repeat, the Lakers did it.
Now it is a summer of partying and showing the pride and love of being a Lakers fan.
When the new season starts in Novemeber, the quest for a three peat starts.
Lets do it again Los Angeles!
What a game it was for the Lakers.
The team started off bad on the offensive side. Missing shot after shot, especially Kobe Bryant.
They trailed by nine points after the first quarter and scoring only 14 points.
It continued to look bad in the second quarter and Lakers fans started to get nervous and scared that it was going to be a sad ending to the season.
The Lakers managed to cut the Celtics lead to four points by halftime, but Bryant continued to shoot poorly from the field.
After the game, Bryant said that he let the hype of the game and what was on stake, get the best of him and he was lucky that his team was able to pull him up.
The second half started to become a nightmare for Los Angeles, as the Celtics lead grew to their max high, 13 points, but the Lakers continued to play hard.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson, was asked what did he say to the team during the Celtics run, and he said that he told the team to keep rebounding the ball.
His players listened as Bryant (who was not effective offensively) had 15 rebounds to finish the game.
Pau Gasol, the Lakers true MVP of the finals, finished the game 19 points and 18 rebounds.
The Lakers had 23 offensive rebounds.
The Lakers came out in the fourth and made a magnificent come back from the free throw line and was led by Gasol.
The real player that had a big contribution to this win was none other than Ron Artest.
Artest, the player who had a horrible percentage from beyond the arc in the playoffs, hit a huge three pointer for the Lakers down the stretch, after Rasheed Wallace hit a big three to cut the Lakers lead to three.
It was a wonderful ending for the Lakers. Not only did the Lakers went back to back, but they also got the big payback on the hated Celtics.
As a Lakers fan, I am so excited to see the Lakers succeed and watch them get another championship.
It was a long season and as hard it is to repeat, the Lakers did it.
Now it is a summer of partying and showing the pride and love of being a Lakers fan.
When the new season starts in Novemeber, the quest for a three peat starts.
Lets do it again Los Angeles!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Biggest game of the season
After a grueling NBA Finals series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, the series comes down to one single game at Staples Center tonight.
The series has been marvelous as both teams have shown that they can rebound from a bad loss and win a game with full dominance.
The Lakers faced elimination in Game 6 and played specular as they held the Celtics to 67 points!
The Lakers cannot let their guard down after that impressive win. If they want to repeat as champions; they must repeat what they did in Game 6 and raise up the notch ten times more then the Celtics.
I am confident the Lakers will prevail in Game 7 and win the NBA's Larry O'Brien Championship for the second time in two years.
It has been a amazing season for the Lakers and winning Game 7 against their arch rivals would just be the perfect ending to the season.
Without Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics will be vulnerable inside the paint, so the Lakers must pound the ball inside to the big man for as long as they can.
The Lakers motto for the series has been, "No rebounds, no rings."
That's exactly what the Lakers also need to do, rebound!
Rebound, rebound, rebound Lakers.
Lets go Lakers. Lets get us another banner!
The series has been marvelous as both teams have shown that they can rebound from a bad loss and win a game with full dominance.
The Lakers faced elimination in Game 6 and played specular as they held the Celtics to 67 points!
The Lakers cannot let their guard down after that impressive win. If they want to repeat as champions; they must repeat what they did in Game 6 and raise up the notch ten times more then the Celtics.
I am confident the Lakers will prevail in Game 7 and win the NBA's Larry O'Brien Championship for the second time in two years.
It has been a amazing season for the Lakers and winning Game 7 against their arch rivals would just be the perfect ending to the season.
Without Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics will be vulnerable inside the paint, so the Lakers must pound the ball inside to the big man for as long as they can.
The Lakers motto for the series has been, "No rebounds, no rings."
That's exactly what the Lakers also need to do, rebound!
Rebound, rebound, rebound Lakers.
Lets go Lakers. Lets get us another banner!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Lakers are down but not out
In the shadow of the the FIFA World Cup, the NBA Finals are heating up as the series is heading back to Los Angeles.
The series has been a pattern as one team would win than the other team would win the following game and etc.
But now that pattern has been stopped as the Boston Celtics are the first team to win back to back games in the series.
The Los Angeles Lakers are now facing elimination for the first time in the postseason since the 2008 NBA Finals.
The Lakers are down 3-2 in the series but they are not discourage, because they have the final two games at home.
Now this series has been unpredictable with all the big performances by random players from both teams.
In Game 2 it was Rajon Rondo, Game 3 it was Derek Fisher, Game 4 it was Glen Davis and Nate Robinson and Game 5 it was Paul Pierce.
No game has been won by the big names like Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett.
But the prediction by NBA Experts like Jalen Rose are on target.
He and many other experts predicted the Lakers to win the title in seven games. They also said each team would win one game on the other team's floor.
Phil Jackson is 47-0 when winning Game 1 of a seven game series.
The Lakers won Game 1.
The winner of Game 3 after a series is tied at 1-1 in a 2-3-2 format goes on to win the title 100 percent.
The Lakers won Game 3.
It does not look like the Lakers are favorites to win at this moment, but they have all the odds with them to come back and win the title.
I predicted the Lakers in six, but I am confident they are going to win the final two games at Staples Center.
I am never going to lose hope.
The series has been a pattern as one team would win than the other team would win the following game and etc.
But now that pattern has been stopped as the Boston Celtics are the first team to win back to back games in the series.
The Los Angeles Lakers are now facing elimination for the first time in the postseason since the 2008 NBA Finals.
The Lakers are down 3-2 in the series but they are not discourage, because they have the final two games at home.
Now this series has been unpredictable with all the big performances by random players from both teams.
In Game 2 it was Rajon Rondo, Game 3 it was Derek Fisher, Game 4 it was Glen Davis and Nate Robinson and Game 5 it was Paul Pierce.
No game has been won by the big names like Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett.
But the prediction by NBA Experts like Jalen Rose are on target.
He and many other experts predicted the Lakers to win the title in seven games. They also said each team would win one game on the other team's floor.
Phil Jackson is 47-0 when winning Game 1 of a seven game series.
The Lakers won Game 1.
The winner of Game 3 after a series is tied at 1-1 in a 2-3-2 format goes on to win the title 100 percent.
The Lakers won Game 3.
It does not look like the Lakers are favorites to win at this moment, but they have all the odds with them to come back and win the title.
I predicted the Lakers in six, but I am confident they are going to win the final two games at Staples Center.
I am never going to lose hope.
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