Showing posts with label lakers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lakers. Show all posts
Monday, March 11, 2013
Trash talking over social media websites
It has been awhile since I wrote on this blog.
Something that has interested me has been the evolution between social media and professional sports.
Prior to the use of the Internet and, now the social media websites, trash talking between teams and players have been during the games and through reporters. Now the game has moved online and fans are getting a front row seat to all the action.
The first insistence I saw teams taking the trash talking to the Internet was a few weeks ago between the Dodgers and Angels.
The Angels' Josh Hamilton hit a home run against the Dodgers in a preseason game and he and the Angels started trending on Twitter. The Angels' official Twitter account acknowledged the trends, and it said "I wonder why is that." Then the Dodgers' official Twitter account replied to the tweet saying "It remembers the first time the Dodgers were trending on Twitter."
It was a nice chuckle to a good rivalry between the two.
A few days later the Atlanta Hawks beat the Utah Jazz and Lakers fans were excited that the Jazz loss. The Hawks' official Twitter account saw that and tweet to Lakers fans saying they won't be happy on Sunday night when the Hawks will beat their Lakers. Now, that was a shot!
Days later everyone watches the viral video of the Miami Heat doing the Harlem Shake, which was pretty cool. But after that video came out, the Minnesota Timberwolves' official YouTube channel released a video titled "Timberwolves Harlem Shake." What the video turned out to be was a guy in a Heat jersey dancing, then the mascot of the Wolves comes out with a plastic bat and beats up the Heat fan. At the end the mascot shakes his finger no and walks off. That was unexpected but pretty hilarious!
But I enjoy the trash talking over social media websites. It is a new element to sports trash talking. It gives fans a chance to be a part of the culture and as of now, it seems harmless.
Let's hope it gets better!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
And the postseason only started
The intense and excitement is in the air as spring rises which only means the NBA playoffs are going on.
The first round Game 1s brought surprises across the board as the Chicago Bulls witness their Most Valuable Player, Derrick Rose, go down in the late minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers with a torn ACL.
The costly injury to Rose has changed the picture in the Eastern Conference playoffs as the Bulls are close to zero percent to win the NBA championship this year.
The clear favorite to come out of the East is now the Miami Heat as it has been tearing up the New York Knicks with a 33-point win in Game 1.
The Knicks have felt the frustration with their 12 game losing streak in the playoffs as Amar'e Stoudemire punched the glass window of a fire extinguisher after the Game 2 loss.
The Boston Celtics are still hanging around as they were able to split the first two games against the Atlanta Hawks as the series heads back to Boston.
The Celtics are still showing they are capable of competing as Paul Pierce led the team to the victory as the team was without its starting guards, Rajon Rondo (who is serving a suspension) and Ray Allen (who has been out with an ankle injury).
In the last series in the East, the Orlando Magic are playing without its superstar center, Dwight Howard, as it has split the first two games with the Indiana Pacers as the series heads back to Orlando.
The Pacers are a young team as they were able to surprise the league this season with an impressive start but the team is inexperience in the postseason and winning the series against the Magic will be an accomplishment for Indiana.
Now the excitement swifts West as the playoff series in the Western Conference has been amazing as always.
The San Antonio Spurs came out swinging and dominating throughout the season as they were able to lock up the top spot in the West and draw a first round match against the Utah Jazz.
The Spurs are gliding through the Jazz and the series is looking to be one-sided and the Spurs will eventually end it in four.
The up and coming Los Angeles Clippers made a big impression in Game 1 versus the Memphis Grizzles as the Clippers were able to come back from 21 points and beat the Grizzles on the road.
The Grizzles have the edge in the series as they made noise last postseason with their first round upset against the Spurs, but with the task of beating the Clippers and Zack Randolph trying to come back from an early season injury, the Grizzles will have a tough time getting passed the Clippers.
The other Los Angeles team, the Lakers, have had their doubts from critics throughout the season but the Lakers are looking great as the postseason moves along.
The Lakers are being pulled by Andrew Bynum, who had a triple double in Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, and Kobe Bryant, who had 38 points in Game 2 against the Nuggets, and at the same time the Lakers offense is looking solid as the defense is impressive.
The Lakers aren't the clear favorites in the West but they are making it known that they are out to kill and win another NBA championship.
The Lakers are deadly with a healthy Bryant, a dominating Bynum, a skilled Pau Gasol and a supporting cast of talented players such as Ramon Sessions, Matt Barnes, Steve Blake, Metta World-Peace, Devin Ebanks and Jordan Hill.
The last series in the West is between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the defending champion, Dallas Mavericks, the series looks like last year's second playoff series against the Mavericks and Lakers as the first two games could have went either way.
The Thunder lead the series 2-0 at the moment but the first two games have been so close that the Mavericks could have been leading 2-0 right now or at least the series could have been heading back to Dallas tied at one.
The Mavericks are not done yet in the series but they have to find a way to hold late leads because this series can easily go seven games and it would not be a surprised if Dallas wins the series.
The first games of round one have been finalized and it is only the beginning so as the first rounds play out and the postseason continues, the intense and excitement will rise to new stressful levels for the NBA fans.
And on a side note, the Lakers and Heat will be the teams to meet in this year's NBA finals as the Lakers edge the Heat for the championship in seven games.
The first round Game 1s brought surprises across the board as the Chicago Bulls witness their Most Valuable Player, Derrick Rose, go down in the late minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers with a torn ACL.
The costly injury to Rose has changed the picture in the Eastern Conference playoffs as the Bulls are close to zero percent to win the NBA championship this year.
The clear favorite to come out of the East is now the Miami Heat as it has been tearing up the New York Knicks with a 33-point win in Game 1.
The Knicks have felt the frustration with their 12 game losing streak in the playoffs as Amar'e Stoudemire punched the glass window of a fire extinguisher after the Game 2 loss.
The Boston Celtics are still hanging around as they were able to split the first two games against the Atlanta Hawks as the series heads back to Boston.
The Celtics are still showing they are capable of competing as Paul Pierce led the team to the victory as the team was without its starting guards, Rajon Rondo (who is serving a suspension) and Ray Allen (who has been out with an ankle injury).
In the last series in the East, the Orlando Magic are playing without its superstar center, Dwight Howard, as it has split the first two games with the Indiana Pacers as the series heads back to Orlando.
The Pacers are a young team as they were able to surprise the league this season with an impressive start but the team is inexperience in the postseason and winning the series against the Magic will be an accomplishment for Indiana.
Now the excitement swifts West as the playoff series in the Western Conference has been amazing as always.
The San Antonio Spurs came out swinging and dominating throughout the season as they were able to lock up the top spot in the West and draw a first round match against the Utah Jazz.
The Spurs are gliding through the Jazz and the series is looking to be one-sided and the Spurs will eventually end it in four.
The up and coming Los Angeles Clippers made a big impression in Game 1 versus the Memphis Grizzles as the Clippers were able to come back from 21 points and beat the Grizzles on the road.
The Grizzles have the edge in the series as they made noise last postseason with their first round upset against the Spurs, but with the task of beating the Clippers and Zack Randolph trying to come back from an early season injury, the Grizzles will have a tough time getting passed the Clippers.
The other Los Angeles team, the Lakers, have had their doubts from critics throughout the season but the Lakers are looking great as the postseason moves along.
The Lakers are being pulled by Andrew Bynum, who had a triple double in Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets, and Kobe Bryant, who had 38 points in Game 2 against the Nuggets, and at the same time the Lakers offense is looking solid as the defense is impressive.
The Lakers aren't the clear favorites in the West but they are making it known that they are out to kill and win another NBA championship.
The Lakers are deadly with a healthy Bryant, a dominating Bynum, a skilled Pau Gasol and a supporting cast of talented players such as Ramon Sessions, Matt Barnes, Steve Blake, Metta World-Peace, Devin Ebanks and Jordan Hill.
The last series in the West is between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the defending champion, Dallas Mavericks, the series looks like last year's second playoff series against the Mavericks and Lakers as the first two games could have went either way.
The Thunder lead the series 2-0 at the moment but the first two games have been so close that the Mavericks could have been leading 2-0 right now or at least the series could have been heading back to Dallas tied at one.
The Mavericks are not done yet in the series but they have to find a way to hold late leads because this series can easily go seven games and it would not be a surprised if Dallas wins the series.
The first games of round one have been finalized and it is only the beginning so as the first rounds play out and the postseason continues, the intense and excitement will rise to new stressful levels for the NBA fans.
And on a side note, the Lakers and Heat will be the teams to meet in this year's NBA finals as the Lakers edge the Heat for the championship in seven games.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
2010 NBA postseason predictions
The 2009-10 NBA regular season has came to screeching end, and it came down to the 82nd game to determine the seedings for the playoffs.
In the western conference, No. 2 through No. 7 were up for grabs, and all eight western conference teams winning 50 or more games.
In the east, the eighth and final playoff spot was a snail race between the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors.
The games came and gone and here are the official playoff matches:
Western Conferences playoff bracket.
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder.
No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz
No. 3 Phoenix Suns vs. No 6. Portland Blazers
No. 2 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs
In the Lakers/ Thunder series, I am going with the Lakers in four games. I don't think the Thunder will be able to steal one game against the defending champs because I am confident the Lakers will finally flip the switch and be the team they were last postseason.
In the Nuggets/ Jazz series, I am leaning towards the Jazz in seven. I think this series will be fun and full of emotion from both teams. The two teams are evenly balance and this series can go all seven games and can go to either team. I will mark this series as a toss up but for now I will go with the Jazz because they have made a late run in their season.
In the Suns/ Blazers series, I am going with the Suns in five games. I don't think the Blazers can recover and win this series without Brandon Roy. They had a great season, but the Suns have been on fire for all of the second season, and if the Suns can continue that, they have a easy chance of making it to the western conference finals.
In the Mavericks/ Spurs series, I am going with the Mavericks in six games. I think this series can be like the Nuggets/ Jazz series because the Spurs are old but not out. The Spurs can definitely challenge the Mavericks and take them to seven games, but I am not sold if they can go the extra mile to win the series. I would not be surprise if the Spurs can do it.
The Eastern Conference bracket.
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Chicago Bulls
No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Miami Heat
No. 3 Atlanta Hawks vs. No 6 Milwaukee Bucks
No. 2 Orlando Magic vs. No. 7 Charlotte Bobcats
In the Cavaliers/ Bulls series, I am going with the Cavaliers in five. I think the Bulls can sneak a win but I am sure they will not push the Cavaliers to seven games like they did last year against the Celtics. (I would love to see them go seven, but that is just impossible.)
In the Celtics/ Heat series, I am going with the Celtics in six. I think this can be a fun match up, and if the Heat can make it close, than I am sure it will be a home run for the NBA.
In the Hawks/ Bucks series, I am going with the Hawks in five. The Bucks were the team to look out for this postseason, but with the loss of their big man Andrew Bogut, they are a dead fish in the pond. They will be luck to get one win, but they have the rookie of the year, Brandon Jennings to give them something!
In the Magic/ Bobcats series, I am going with the Magic in five. It can be another interesting series because the Bobcats are no kittens to be missed with. They are on fire after getting Stephon Jackson and they can push the Magic to the limits. Dwight Howard will be too much for the cats to handle and that is why I am giving them one game in this series.
Stay tune and check out my second round NBA playoff picks after the excitement of the first round is over.
In the western conference, No. 2 through No. 7 were up for grabs, and all eight western conference teams winning 50 or more games.
In the east, the eighth and final playoff spot was a snail race between the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors.
The games came and gone and here are the official playoff matches:
Western Conferences playoff bracket.
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder.
No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Utah Jazz
No. 3 Phoenix Suns vs. No 6. Portland Blazers
No. 2 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 7 San Antonio Spurs
In the Lakers/ Thunder series, I am going with the Lakers in four games. I don't think the Thunder will be able to steal one game against the defending champs because I am confident the Lakers will finally flip the switch and be the team they were last postseason.
In the Nuggets/ Jazz series, I am leaning towards the Jazz in seven. I think this series will be fun and full of emotion from both teams. The two teams are evenly balance and this series can go all seven games and can go to either team. I will mark this series as a toss up but for now I will go with the Jazz because they have made a late run in their season.
In the Suns/ Blazers series, I am going with the Suns in five games. I don't think the Blazers can recover and win this series without Brandon Roy. They had a great season, but the Suns have been on fire for all of the second season, and if the Suns can continue that, they have a easy chance of making it to the western conference finals.
In the Mavericks/ Spurs series, I am going with the Mavericks in six games. I think this series can be like the Nuggets/ Jazz series because the Spurs are old but not out. The Spurs can definitely challenge the Mavericks and take them to seven games, but I am not sold if they can go the extra mile to win the series. I would not be surprise if the Spurs can do it.
The Eastern Conference bracket.
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Chicago Bulls
No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Miami Heat
No. 3 Atlanta Hawks vs. No 6 Milwaukee Bucks
No. 2 Orlando Magic vs. No. 7 Charlotte Bobcats
In the Cavaliers/ Bulls series, I am going with the Cavaliers in five. I think the Bulls can sneak a win but I am sure they will not push the Cavaliers to seven games like they did last year against the Celtics. (I would love to see them go seven, but that is just impossible.)
In the Celtics/ Heat series, I am going with the Celtics in six. I think this can be a fun match up, and if the Heat can make it close, than I am sure it will be a home run for the NBA.
In the Hawks/ Bucks series, I am going with the Hawks in five. The Bucks were the team to look out for this postseason, but with the loss of their big man Andrew Bogut, they are a dead fish in the pond. They will be luck to get one win, but they have the rookie of the year, Brandon Jennings to give them something!
In the Magic/ Bobcats series, I am going with the Magic in five. It can be another interesting series because the Bobcats are no kittens to be missed with. They are on fire after getting Stephon Jackson and they can push the Magic to the limits. Dwight Howard will be too much for the cats to handle and that is why I am giving them one game in this series.
Stay tune and check out my second round NBA playoff picks after the excitement of the first round is over.
Monday, March 1, 2010
L.A. is big enough for two super stars
LeBron James should be a Los Angeles Laker next year.
Mostly because the Lakers are the only team that he can win multiple rings with.
Yes, Kobe Bryant is the leader and captain of the Lakers, but bryant is not reliable to be here for long term, in reality, Kobe Bryant has three-five years left in which he could be as effective as he is now.
Having James means the Lakers would remain as championship contenders, once Bryant moves into the part of his career where he is the secondary option or role player.
Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers, has been known as a owner who grabs the best players to ever play this game, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he is thinking about acquiring James right now, even though his team is set to repeat as champs.
Plus the Lakers are always known for getting better, because the are driven on winning champions all the time.
Another reason why James should be a Laker, is because he would be a worldwide professional athlete and would have a lot more endorsements.
The New York Knicks can offer him the chance of being a worldwide professional athlete but they do not offer the rings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers can offer him a chance to win a title, but that chance is slim, because the Cavaliers are great right now but they are not as good as the Lakers in the long run.
The Lakers will offer James both the fame and fortunes, plus James would be coached by the greatest coach to ever coach in the NBA, Phil Jackson.
There is not wrong if the Lakers can have James and Bryant on the same team, it just means no other team will be able to win a title till 2025.
Mostly because the Lakers are the only team that he can win multiple rings with.
Yes, Kobe Bryant is the leader and captain of the Lakers, but bryant is not reliable to be here for long term, in reality, Kobe Bryant has three-five years left in which he could be as effective as he is now.
Having James means the Lakers would remain as championship contenders, once Bryant moves into the part of his career where he is the secondary option or role player.
Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers, has been known as a owner who grabs the best players to ever play this game, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he is thinking about acquiring James right now, even though his team is set to repeat as champs.
Plus the Lakers are always known for getting better, because the are driven on winning champions all the time.
Another reason why James should be a Laker, is because he would be a worldwide professional athlete and would have a lot more endorsements.
The New York Knicks can offer him the chance of being a worldwide professional athlete but they do not offer the rings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers can offer him a chance to win a title, but that chance is slim, because the Cavaliers are great right now but they are not as good as the Lakers in the long run.
The Lakers will offer James both the fame and fortunes, plus James would be coached by the greatest coach to ever coach in the NBA, Phil Jackson.
There is not wrong if the Lakers can have James and Bryant on the same team, it just means no other team will be able to win a title till 2025.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Kobe will never fail
Kobe Bryant saves the day once again.
In his return after missing five games due to a ankle injury, Bryant won the game for the Los Angeles Lakers in Memphis tonight.
In the first quarter, Bryant and the Lakers looked so great, holding the Memphis Grizzles to 16 points and scoring 27, Bryant had 11 points that included two dunks and a four point play.
As in every basketball game, no lead is safe, after the Lakers had had a lead as high as 14 points, the Grizzles cut it by five heading in at halftime.
The second half was not the best time for the Lakers, because the Grizzles caught the Lakers and took the lead for the majority of the second half.
With the lack of effort and their big men, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum struggling with foul trouble, Los Angeles looked like they were going to drop another loss in Memphis.
Deja vu struck again, it felt like the last game the Lakers played in Memphis just three weeks ago, down by one point and less than 24 seconds left for the Lakers to win the game.
Last time, the Lakers were unsuccessful with a Ron Artest missed three from the corner after Memphis was the first successful team to force Bryant to pass up the winning shot.
This time history did not repeat itself, because Bryant was not going to let the Grizzles get in his way in his welcome back game.
With less than eight seconds left in the game, Bryant came off a Gasol screen and took a jumper beyond the three point line and swished in the winning bucket with less than two seconds.
The Grizzles had a chance to spoil the celebration for Bryant, but O.J Mayo missed a 15 footer as time expired.
Bryant now has six games where he has won the game for the Lakers, the others came against the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavricks, Boston Celtics, and Bryant came close to winning a seventh game against the Toranto Raptors.
Los Angeles has to feel great to have their assassin back.
In his return after missing five games due to a ankle injury, Bryant won the game for the Los Angeles Lakers in Memphis tonight.
In the first quarter, Bryant and the Lakers looked so great, holding the Memphis Grizzles to 16 points and scoring 27, Bryant had 11 points that included two dunks and a four point play.
As in every basketball game, no lead is safe, after the Lakers had had a lead as high as 14 points, the Grizzles cut it by five heading in at halftime.
The second half was not the best time for the Lakers, because the Grizzles caught the Lakers and took the lead for the majority of the second half.
With the lack of effort and their big men, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum struggling with foul trouble, Los Angeles looked like they were going to drop another loss in Memphis.
Deja vu struck again, it felt like the last game the Lakers played in Memphis just three weeks ago, down by one point and less than 24 seconds left for the Lakers to win the game.
Last time, the Lakers were unsuccessful with a Ron Artest missed three from the corner after Memphis was the first successful team to force Bryant to pass up the winning shot.
This time history did not repeat itself, because Bryant was not going to let the Grizzles get in his way in his welcome back game.
With less than eight seconds left in the game, Bryant came off a Gasol screen and took a jumper beyond the three point line and swished in the winning bucket with less than two seconds.
The Grizzles had a chance to spoil the celebration for Bryant, but O.J Mayo missed a 15 footer as time expired.
Bryant now has six games where he has won the game for the Lakers, the others came against the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavricks, Boston Celtics, and Bryant came close to winning a seventh game against the Toranto Raptors.
Los Angeles has to feel great to have their assassin back.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Kevin Durant's MVP Thunder Season
The 2009-2010 NBA MVP should be Kevin Durant, because the man is pulling his Oklahoma City Thunder's team to possibly their first playoff appearance since moving from Seattle as the Supersonics.
Thus far Durant is averaging 29.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.9 apg, as the Thunder currently sit in the fifth seed of the Western conference with a record of 32-21.
Durant is averaging the same amount of points as LeBron James, who is leading all scorers with 29.9 ppg.
Many had expected the Thunder to make the playoffs this year, but not as good as possibly being the fifth seed or better.
Every year the Western conference is tight heading to the final weeks of the season, and this year is no surprise as it's the same.
From seeds 2-11, the teams are bunched up within 9.5 games apart, making it difficulty for any team to secure a playoff spot anytime soon.
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the No. 1 spot since they acquired Pau Gasol two seasons ago, so no one is even trying to challenge the Los Angeles, but the Thunder can achieve any seed the wish.
Durant is valuable to be mentioned with James and Kobe Bryant for MVP and he should win since he is on the verge of putting his Thunders into the playoffs since the team moved to Oklahoma City three years ago.
Thus far Durant is averaging 29.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 2.9 apg, as the Thunder currently sit in the fifth seed of the Western conference with a record of 32-21.
Durant is averaging the same amount of points as LeBron James, who is leading all scorers with 29.9 ppg.
Many had expected the Thunder to make the playoffs this year, but not as good as possibly being the fifth seed or better.
Every year the Western conference is tight heading to the final weeks of the season, and this year is no surprise as it's the same.
From seeds 2-11, the teams are bunched up within 9.5 games apart, making it difficulty for any team to secure a playoff spot anytime soon.
The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the No. 1 spot since they acquired Pau Gasol two seasons ago, so no one is even trying to challenge the Los Angeles, but the Thunder can achieve any seed the wish.
Durant is valuable to be mentioned with James and Kobe Bryant for MVP and he should win since he is on the verge of putting his Thunders into the playoffs since the team moved to Oklahoma City three years ago.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Champions claim history
The Los Angeles Lakers have completed their goal and made history doing it.
They have won their 15th NBA championship and 10th since moving to Los Angeles.
Coach Phil Jackson has won 10 NBA championships as a head coach and has arguably become the greatest coach ever.
Kobe Bryant has FINALLY won without Shaq! YAY! I am so proud of Kobe doing it. Last night when the game hit triple zeros and watching Kobe jumping up and down in joy, it all was a great moment and feeling that all his hard work had paid off.
Kobe had finally shut his haters up, no one can ever use their pathetic excuse of "Kobe can't win without Shaq," "Kobe is not a leader and is a ballhog," "Kobe will never win another title."
It feels good that all the haters can't talk anymore and hate anymore just because we have rubbed it in their faces, it feels good that we completed our mission after coming so close last year.
They have won their 15th NBA championship and 10th since moving to Los Angeles.
Coach Phil Jackson has won 10 NBA championships as a head coach and has arguably become the greatest coach ever.
Kobe Bryant has FINALLY won without Shaq! YAY! I am so proud of Kobe doing it. Last night when the game hit triple zeros and watching Kobe jumping up and down in joy, it all was a great moment and feeling that all his hard work had paid off.
Kobe had finally shut his haters up, no one can ever use their pathetic excuse of "Kobe can't win without Shaq," "Kobe is not a leader and is a ballhog," "Kobe will never win another title."
It feels good that all the haters can't talk anymore and hate anymore just because we have rubbed it in their faces, it feels good that we completed our mission after coming so close last year.
The future is bright for the Lakers as they had 10 men who got their first rings as Kobe and Derek Fisher got their fourth.
So key issues the team will have this off-season is that they will need to find ways to re-sign both Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, who are both critical pieces to the Lakers repeating next year!
Friday, June 12, 2009
LA shows heart of a champion
In game four, the Lakers looked horrible in the first quarter with their big men in foul trouble, trailing by 12 points.
Starting the third quarter on a mission to get back into the game with shots being knocked down by Trevor Ariza (personal favorite player), Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom.
The Lakers steamed back to take the lead late in the third and make it a game again.
Early in the game, friends and family were blowing up my phone telling me they have given up on the game and thinking the Lakers will lose the game.
I consistently tell them, "Chill out! They are coming back, don't trip!"
Finally, the Lakers not letting me down come back and be themselves again.
The game was going back and forth in the fourth quarter as it came down to the close minute, Orlando is holding on to a five point lead, leading LA 87-82.
It looked like they had the Lakers frustrated with what looked like a broken play, Kobe took it in and found Pau Gasol running in and made a sweet pass and gives Pau a easy dunk to bring LA within three.
Lakers looking for anything for a stop, comes up with two missed free throws from Dwight Howard.
LA set up their last shot to force overtime, as they took the ball out from the back court.
Ariza passed into Bryant, who drew two defenders then passed it back to Ariza, who then passed it out to a open Fisher, who then had a hustling Jameer Nelson on his heels, then when Fisher had the right amount of space between him and Nelson, Fisher pulled up and splashed a three!
Tying up the game at 87, Orlando couldn't win it and the game goes into overtime.
LA, who was criticized for being inconsistent in the Houston and Denver series' told reporters that those situations will come back and help them when they we're in the finals.
Those words came true as they handled the pressure and played smart, as the Magic struggled and couldn't fix their mistakes.
Lakers take care of their business in overtime, proving that their experience was a benefit and made Orlando pay for their silly defensive mistakes and missed free throws.
Up 3-1, Lakers are not celebrating but some fans who are convinced it's over already, look to end it as early as Sunday night, saying that they know Orlando will be doing everything to not lose on their home floor.
I really think it can go either way, game five is 50/50. Anyone can win that game.
All I have to say is that I enjoyed the wonderful season that I have rode with the Laker team. Watching every single game since the first preseason game, all the way up to this point. The ups and downs, the team that broke the Celtics' 18-game winning streak and 12-game winning streak and handing Cleveland their first home loss.
Kobe dropping 62 points in New York, Gasol and Bryant representing the Lakers in the All-star game, watching Bynum go down with another injury and making his way back to the team healthy.
With Ariza becoming a legitimate three point shooter, so many things that happen this season and for it all to end with a champion is just the icing on the cake.
God, I love these Lakers! Go Lakers!
Starting the third quarter on a mission to get back into the game with shots being knocked down by Trevor Ariza (personal favorite player), Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom.
The Lakers steamed back to take the lead late in the third and make it a game again.
Early in the game, friends and family were blowing up my phone telling me they have given up on the game and thinking the Lakers will lose the game.
I consistently tell them, "Chill out! They are coming back, don't trip!"
Finally, the Lakers not letting me down come back and be themselves again.
The game was going back and forth in the fourth quarter as it came down to the close minute, Orlando is holding on to a five point lead, leading LA 87-82.
It looked like they had the Lakers frustrated with what looked like a broken play, Kobe took it in and found Pau Gasol running in and made a sweet pass and gives Pau a easy dunk to bring LA within three.
Lakers looking for anything for a stop, comes up with two missed free throws from Dwight Howard.
LA set up their last shot to force overtime, as they took the ball out from the back court.
Ariza passed into Bryant, who drew two defenders then passed it back to Ariza, who then passed it out to a open Fisher, who then had a hustling Jameer Nelson on his heels, then when Fisher had the right amount of space between him and Nelson, Fisher pulled up and splashed a three!
Tying up the game at 87, Orlando couldn't win it and the game goes into overtime.
LA, who was criticized for being inconsistent in the Houston and Denver series' told reporters that those situations will come back and help them when they we're in the finals.
Those words came true as they handled the pressure and played smart, as the Magic struggled and couldn't fix their mistakes.
Lakers take care of their business in overtime, proving that their experience was a benefit and made Orlando pay for their silly defensive mistakes and missed free throws.
Up 3-1, Lakers are not celebrating but some fans who are convinced it's over already, look to end it as early as Sunday night, saying that they know Orlando will be doing everything to not lose on their home floor.
I really think it can go either way, game five is 50/50. Anyone can win that game.
All I have to say is that I enjoyed the wonderful season that I have rode with the Laker team. Watching every single game since the first preseason game, all the way up to this point. The ups and downs, the team that broke the Celtics' 18-game winning streak and 12-game winning streak and handing Cleveland their first home loss.
Kobe dropping 62 points in New York, Gasol and Bryant representing the Lakers in the All-star game, watching Bynum go down with another injury and making his way back to the team healthy.
With Ariza becoming a legitimate three point shooter, so many things that happen this season and for it all to end with a champion is just the icing on the cake.
God, I love these Lakers! Go Lakers!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Favored for magical shooting?
Just because the Magic did what they had to do and win game three as everyone predicted.
Everyone is now panicing and saying they can beat the Lakers now.
Now, now, I believed going into last night that it was going to be a hell of a game.
In the morning, reporters on the radio where saying Kobe had told them he was in a zone so expect something magical to happen later.
Kobe came out on fire shooting every shot he was taking including a four point play.
I was very confrontable with the whole game as we kept seeing the Magic shooting lights out at 75 percent, which will not happen again.
Down by eight in the fourTh and the Lakers made their way back into the game and tied it up at 99 with Pau Gasol's clutch free throws.
After that I knew the Lakers where giving themselves a chance to take the game but after that critical play where Kobe tried to split the double team but turned it over giving the win to Orlando.
So many missed shots and free throws could of made the difference in the Lakers winning but things happen for a reason.
This is the only victory Orlando will get in the finals, as they will go 1-8 in finals history including the 95' sweep they were handed by the Rockets.
Lakers will be holding up their 15th Larry O'Brien trophy on Sunday.
Laker fans will be celebrating years of patients of getting back to the glory.
Next week a parade down Figueroa Street will take place.
Los Angeles is a special place to be right now.
Everyone is now panicing and saying they can beat the Lakers now.
Now, now, I believed going into last night that it was going to be a hell of a game.
In the morning, reporters on the radio where saying Kobe had told them he was in a zone so expect something magical to happen later.
Kobe came out on fire shooting every shot he was taking including a four point play.
I was very confrontable with the whole game as we kept seeing the Magic shooting lights out at 75 percent, which will not happen again.
Down by eight in the fourTh and the Lakers made their way back into the game and tied it up at 99 with Pau Gasol's clutch free throws.
After that I knew the Lakers where giving themselves a chance to take the game but after that critical play where Kobe tried to split the double team but turned it over giving the win to Orlando.
So many missed shots and free throws could of made the difference in the Lakers winning but things happen for a reason.
This is the only victory Orlando will get in the finals, as they will go 1-8 in finals history including the 95' sweep they were handed by the Rockets.
Lakers will be holding up their 15th Larry O'Brien trophy on Sunday.
Laker fans will be celebrating years of patients of getting back to the glory.
Next week a parade down Figueroa Street will take place.
Los Angeles is a special place to be right now.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Magic certainly need magic to win
Watching game 3 of the NBA finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic made me wonder, just what are they putting in the water down in Orlando.
The Magic shot an NBA finals record 75 percent in the first half and ended with another NBA record 62 percent shooting for the game. The question is... how long can this continue. I figure not for long.
Even with their great shooting, the Magic only won by four. The score could have been reversed if Kobe would have kept control of the ball in the final seconds.
Orlando's offense was magical leading to five of their players scoring 18 points or more. The Lakers, looking mediocre tonight, still had this game within their reach.
I can assure you that Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom won't combine for five rebounds on Thursday and that Mickael Pirtrus wont score 18 off the bench.
Rafer Alston looked less like Rafer Alston and more like Skip-to-my-Lou. Shannon Brown, who didn't play tonight, will surely being seeing Alston on Thursday.
Kobe looked spectacular in the first quarter scoring 17 in first quarter. This is no surprise, he scored 18 in the third quarter of game one. What is surprising is the fact that he went four of 15 after that. Whats really surprising is that he missed five free throws, especially in a game the Lakers lost by four. This from the same guy who scored 61 and went 20 for 20 at the line in New York back in February.
Orlando had a lucky night thats all. They had the momentum of almost stealing a win in Los Angeles. They had the home crowd. They had everything to play for. The Lakers who had a commanding 2-0 lead in the series got a bit comfortable. That though wont happen again.
On the other hand the Lakers could have the same kind of game on thursday and still win. LA wont have much adjusting to do, Orlando has all the pressure of keeping the high percentage shooting.
Lakers should be able to take it in five because I don't see the Magic playing any better than they did tonight, but like the past three series, the Lakers are due for a bad game. So i'm predicting a Laker championship in six.
Enough said.
The Magic shot an NBA finals record 75 percent in the first half and ended with another NBA record 62 percent shooting for the game. The question is... how long can this continue. I figure not for long.
Even with their great shooting, the Magic only won by four. The score could have been reversed if Kobe would have kept control of the ball in the final seconds.
Orlando's offense was magical leading to five of their players scoring 18 points or more. The Lakers, looking mediocre tonight, still had this game within their reach.
I can assure you that Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom won't combine for five rebounds on Thursday and that Mickael Pirtrus wont score 18 off the bench.
Rafer Alston looked less like Rafer Alston and more like Skip-to-my-Lou. Shannon Brown, who didn't play tonight, will surely being seeing Alston on Thursday.
Kobe looked spectacular in the first quarter scoring 17 in first quarter. This is no surprise, he scored 18 in the third quarter of game one. What is surprising is the fact that he went four of 15 after that. Whats really surprising is that he missed five free throws, especially in a game the Lakers lost by four. This from the same guy who scored 61 and went 20 for 20 at the line in New York back in February.
Orlando had a lucky night thats all. They had the momentum of almost stealing a win in Los Angeles. They had the home crowd. They had everything to play for. The Lakers who had a commanding 2-0 lead in the series got a bit comfortable. That though wont happen again.
On the other hand the Lakers could have the same kind of game on thursday and still win. LA wont have much adjusting to do, Orlando has all the pressure of keeping the high percentage shooting.
Lakers should be able to take it in five because I don't see the Magic playing any better than they did tonight, but like the past three series, the Lakers are due for a bad game. So i'm predicting a Laker championship in six.
Enough said.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals
WOW!
That's all I can say, I was so upset with the way the Lakers were playing all game.
The game was so intense, the Lakers looked like they were continuing the inconsistent play they had in the Houston series. They never really had a grip or control of the game.
LA went down as much as 13 in the first half and Carmelo Anthony had 16 points at the end of the first quarter. It looked like no Laker was going to attempt to stop him but Kobe Bryant took him on in the second quarter and held him to 20 at the half.
Los Angeles finally had a somewhat good effort in the third but then they began relaxing and Denver took the lead going into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, I began getting fed up with the Lakers to the point I even said to myself, "I am done with this team, they are not going to win this way."
But Kobe Bryant did not fold on us and did what he had to do to save the team from losing home court again. He made clutch free throws in the closing minutes of the game to seal the deal for the Lakers.
Once again Andrew Bynum gets lost in la la land, the dude is so big and taller then the Denver big men and still they push him and bully him around like he is nothing but a useless body in the way.
He was so ineffective for us, all he does is pick up silly fouls and just wastes Phil Jackson's time.
I really told myself that we should trade him.
We did not deserve this win but thanks to Kobe who was the only Laker other then Trevor Ariza, who made that steal late to give us the win, they really did the job to give the Lakers the suck out win.
Pau Gasol had a decent game but he is such a great free throw shooter, he almost lost the game when he missed two straight free throws that let the Nuggets take the lead 99-97.
But another thing, the referees did a bad job, they consistently called one bad call after another.
They called so many bad calls that put both teams into the line and it really didn't give either team a chance to get into a grove but it favored us tonight that we win the game.
The Lakers lead the series 1-0, don't expect to Kobe to repeat that performance again to carry us, Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Ariza need to make plays and complete them on their own.
Gasol needs to front his man on the block and use his quickness to move to the rim and make something of it.
Lakers wake up please! This is a totally different road to the finals from last year, the team lacks the effort and heart, they show the heart and effort in pregame but during the game they lose it.
They cannot think they can turn it on whenever they want to because it is going to come back and bite us in the butt.
Lets go Lakers!
That's all I can say, I was so upset with the way the Lakers were playing all game.
The game was so intense, the Lakers looked like they were continuing the inconsistent play they had in the Houston series. They never really had a grip or control of the game.
LA went down as much as 13 in the first half and Carmelo Anthony had 16 points at the end of the first quarter. It looked like no Laker was going to attempt to stop him but Kobe Bryant took him on in the second quarter and held him to 20 at the half.
Los Angeles finally had a somewhat good effort in the third but then they began relaxing and Denver took the lead going into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, I began getting fed up with the Lakers to the point I even said to myself, "I am done with this team, they are not going to win this way."
But Kobe Bryant did not fold on us and did what he had to do to save the team from losing home court again. He made clutch free throws in the closing minutes of the game to seal the deal for the Lakers.
Once again Andrew Bynum gets lost in la la land, the dude is so big and taller then the Denver big men and still they push him and bully him around like he is nothing but a useless body in the way.
He was so ineffective for us, all he does is pick up silly fouls and just wastes Phil Jackson's time.
I really told myself that we should trade him.
We did not deserve this win but thanks to Kobe who was the only Laker other then Trevor Ariza, who made that steal late to give us the win, they really did the job to give the Lakers the suck out win.
Pau Gasol had a decent game but he is such a great free throw shooter, he almost lost the game when he missed two straight free throws that let the Nuggets take the lead 99-97.
But another thing, the referees did a bad job, they consistently called one bad call after another.
They called so many bad calls that put both teams into the line and it really didn't give either team a chance to get into a grove but it favored us tonight that we win the game.
The Lakers lead the series 1-0, don't expect to Kobe to repeat that performance again to carry us, Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Ariza need to make plays and complete them on their own.
Gasol needs to front his man on the block and use his quickness to move to the rim and make something of it.
Lakers wake up please! This is a totally different road to the finals from last year, the team lacks the effort and heart, they show the heart and effort in pregame but during the game they lose it.
They cannot think they can turn it on whenever they want to because it is going to come back and bite us in the butt.
Lets go Lakers!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Lakers vs Nuggets: Western Conference Finals
This is a series where people really don't know what will happen, as the Lakers have been playing inconsistent and the Nuggets have been taking care of business to make people second guess them.
But, yesterday in Game 7 against Houston, I finally saw Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum play the way everyone has been waiting for them to play and that made me think, if they would put up this performance for the remainder of the playoffs then why bother picking against the Lakers.
I really believe that LA will take that Game 7 and improve on it in the Denver series which will lead them into the finals where they will take care of business and capture their 15th championship.
The Houston series I have several explanations for, first I think Houston really used the fact that they are useless without Yao Ming so why bother trying to win, "just go out and play and see what happens." And what happened was that the Lakers took them too soft and let them gain momentum to win games on their home floor.
Also I believe the tag team duel of Artest and Battier guarding Kobe had a huge effect on the series. Because when you limit Kobe's touches with the ball, he is taken out of his game and everytime he gets the ball he tries "saving the team on his own," which would lead to the rest of the team looking on and forgetting that they are playing too which results in the whole team struggling.
I have been a Lakers fan for over 10 years and I have never seen a Laker team consistent under coach Phil Jackson, so seeing how they've been performing in these playoffs doesn't surprise me because I know even though they are playing like that, they find ways to win at the end.
It doesn't matter how long it takes to get to the finals, this whole thing that they went seven games with the Rockets is just a bunch of bull, and Cleveland sweeping their two series doesn't mean that they are winning a title.
LA has the complete team and they will be holding that NBA trophy at the end of this NBA season.
But, yesterday in Game 7 against Houston, I finally saw Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum play the way everyone has been waiting for them to play and that made me think, if they would put up this performance for the remainder of the playoffs then why bother picking against the Lakers.
I really believe that LA will take that Game 7 and improve on it in the Denver series which will lead them into the finals where they will take care of business and capture their 15th championship.
The Houston series I have several explanations for, first I think Houston really used the fact that they are useless without Yao Ming so why bother trying to win, "just go out and play and see what happens." And what happened was that the Lakers took them too soft and let them gain momentum to win games on their home floor.
Also I believe the tag team duel of Artest and Battier guarding Kobe had a huge effect on the series. Because when you limit Kobe's touches with the ball, he is taken out of his game and everytime he gets the ball he tries "saving the team on his own," which would lead to the rest of the team looking on and forgetting that they are playing too which results in the whole team struggling.
I have been a Lakers fan for over 10 years and I have never seen a Laker team consistent under coach Phil Jackson, so seeing how they've been performing in these playoffs doesn't surprise me because I know even though they are playing like that, they find ways to win at the end.
It doesn't matter how long it takes to get to the finals, this whole thing that they went seven games with the Rockets is just a bunch of bull, and Cleveland sweeping their two series doesn't mean that they are winning a title.
LA has the complete team and they will be holding that NBA trophy at the end of this NBA season.
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