FB&G Info
Affiliates
Commenting Tips
  • 1. Don’t use profanity. Don't talk politics.
  • 2. Try not to make multiple comments in a row (we want a discussion not a lecture).
  • 3. No personal attacks.
  • 4. We use complete sentences here, this is not an IM conversation.
  • 5. This is not a blog that supports wild trade speculation. Nor will there be discussions of off-the-court issues.
  • 6. Don’t drink and comment.
  • Know that often comments do not appear immediately as they can be held for moderation. Comments will be approved (if they meet with the above criteria) as soon as reasonably possible. Read the full guidelines.
Sponsors
FB&G T-Shirts
Laker Sites
LA Sports Sites
New NBA Stats
Nothing But Net
Other Reads
Categories
Archives
Meta
Lakers/Celtics Game 5 Chat
June 15th, 2008

This Laker team has provided us with an amazing pure run of joy this year. One loss, no matter how painful to watch, does not change that — this squad evolved into a title contender before our eyes, it was the most fun most of us have had as Lakers fans in a long time. And I am not ready for that ride to end.

What I want to see from the Lakers tonight is what got them this far — a counterpunch.

When the Lakers were playing at their best during the season, this is what they did. When the opposing team took away something, the Lakers went to another option and made them pay. Mid-game adjustments were seemingly always key, everyone stepped up and played their roles at key moments.

Not so in the Finals. When the Celtics have made adjustments the Lakers have not ducked and counterpunched, they have taken it on the chin.

In the first half of game four the Lakers came up with a way to make the pick-and-roll very successful against the Celtics, getting the ball to a big at the free throw line on a sort of pick and pop play and having the other big cutting to the basket. The Celtics adjusted to that, changing how they defended the pick-and-roll (plus they were forced to go to a smaller lineup due to injuries, which helped with this). Credit to Boston, they stepped up their defensive intensity in the second half of the third quarter and the fourth. They didn’t give up and played like champions.

And the Lakers countered by….. nothing much. They did not counterpunch through the triangle. They stopped trying to run. They played worse on defense. Maybe they should have abandoned the triangle earlier, but I’m not sold that was the biggest problem.

I think KG summed things up pretty well in his post game press conference.

“If you’ve paid attention to them all year, usually the first half is team ball, second half is usually Kobe takes over the games. Like you said, they weren’t nearly as aggressive as they were the first half. It just looks like they wanted to get the ball to Kobe and him sort of finish it off. That’s what it looked like to me. It didn’t really look cohesive like they did in the first half.

“The second half I thought we took the lay-ups away, made them go to the second and third options. We were giving Kobe every look we’ve got in the book, from different matchups to trapping him, to a guy on the bottom. We were just making other guys make plays. “

Will the Lakers counterpunch tonight? Will the other guys step up? Will we see a team come out and play with real pride and passion. Will Gasol go to the rim and dunk the ball rather than put up a soft layup? Will the Lakers let Kobe go one-on-one at times and spread the floor with shooters (ala game three)? It’s a cliché but it’s one because it is true — they have to take it one game at a time. Win game five, defend your home court. Worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Will the Lakers come out and defend, rebound and finish with authority at the rim?

I hope so, because I am not ready for this season to end.

Posted in Game Preview, NBA Playoffs |
204 Comments »

  1. This is Aaron here speaking for Warren, but we’ve gotta keep on doing what’s been working all year round, so Warren (or his name at least) is getting the first post. I’ll post the same during the Game 6 Chat on Tuesday. GO LAKERS!

    Comment by Warren Wee Lim — June 15, 2008 @ 9:27 am

  2. morning Kurt, (can’t wait for warren), how’s waking up with the new addition these days? sleeping OK?
    And, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY DUDE!
    well, on to today’s game, couldn’t agree more, the thing today is win this game, at home, on father’s day, don’t worry about the mountain ahead of us to climb, like you said, worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. plus we DO NOT want to see any celebration on OUR floor, win it today mainly to keep the season alive, but also prevent the C’s from …well you know.
    I still believe we can pull this out, and I know Kobe and PJ do as well, let’s hope the rest of the team does too.
    it’s simple, win today, for the many reasons we just discussed.
    then prepare for the WAR we know game 6 would be, fight for that one to the bitter end cause we know the C’s DO NOT want to see it go to a game 7 where anything can happen.
    the pressure suddenly switches to them in a big way.
    it all starts with a W today, on the last game of the year on our HOME FLOOR… go LAKERS!!!

    Comment by chris h — June 15, 2008 @ 9:28 am

  3. also, (sorry for the double post), I think the C’s will come out less motivated, they have 3 chances to win 1 game, and they probably also want to win it on their home floor, so we have to come out early, take their heart out of it early, put our foot on their throat and don’t let up.
    win this game today…
    then we can worry about the rest of the series, and how we pull that out starting tomorrow. it’s very possible to turn the tables, and the momentum, but it has to start (obviously) today.

    Comment by chris h — June 15, 2008 @ 9:32 am

  4. 2. Chris, what is this “sleep” you speak of? In case anyone is curious, on FX at 4 am Pacific they show Buffy the Vampire Slayer repeats. That was a fun show.

    Thanks, and happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there who come by here!

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 10:20 am

  5. kurt, but at least you’re not a rookie at this sleep deprivation thing…
    Pee Wee was in those Buffy repeats, right?

    glad you managed to get Warren the first post, I’m also pulling my old C’s voodoo dolls from the closet, what ever works, eh?

    Comment by chris h — June 15, 2008 @ 10:29 am

  6. Kurt, well said! Its easy to forget how great this year has been for Laker fans (and I mean real Laker fans not the people sitting in the lower bowl at Staples during the Finals) so thanks for the reminder.

    Regardless of what happens this has been an amazing year and we will only get stronger next year with more experienced/mature players, Bynum returning and a full off-season to work with all the new additions. But like Kobe said, “this series isn’t over.” If we take it one game at a time we can still win… the Celtics “Big 3″ aren’t necessarily known for closing out games.

    Comment by Pedram — June 15, 2008 @ 10:30 am

  7. Seconded and thirded-ed,
    Chris, Aaron ( Warren ) and Special K.

    Happy Faddas Day to the Faddas out there.

    Go Tiger, drop another coupla eagles on the Pines,

    Go Lakers– take the throat early
    and shake it for 48 minutos.

    Bounce back, Sasha, Pau and Lamar. Protect and Serve.
    Kobe and Fish make ‘em rain for your daughters.
    Trevor-rr and Far-to-the-mar,
    do that disruption and stealth.
    Luke, make your father eat his words
    and be proud at the same time.
    Suit up DJ and give Ronny some help.
    Fans– roar and represent.
    Norm Pattiz, use that rolled-up program
    and bop the iPhones out of the trendoids’ hands.

    Virtual fist pound to the fans I saw
    around the ciudad this weekend
    with their car flags still mounted.
    I too have my car flag flying for the duration–
    long may it wave.

    GO LAKERS!

    - 5 -

    Comment by Red 5 — June 15, 2008 @ 10:38 am

  8. Anybody else notice we play much better when expectations are low? Like this season when people wrote the Lakers off and they finished atop the west. And we can sometimes play kinda poorly when we get too high on ourselves? Like when we inexplicably lose to the grizz/bucks/cats. Or like going into this series thinking like we’re the favorites. I sure hope that trend hold true tonight, cause it’s hard not to hear the whispers in the wind saying that this series is over. I hope Sasha’s out there right now thinking real hard about Ray Allen WALKING past him on that last play. I hope Phil called in an MMA coach for Pau so he gets used to the idea of physical contact. I know, I know, he’s not that kind of player. Well we are. American’s play a more physical ball than maybe Pau is used to but if he can’t adapt his game to that contact (not necessarily power through it) he’s always going to be a liability. We need him to go hard enough to at least get a foul, which should be easy with the longest, most gangely arms on the planet. Right now he avoids getting just enough contact and gets off this weird little flippy shot, that as you’ve all seen, falls ineffectually by the wayside.

    Bottom line - this team has thrived on being the underdogs in the past and that should be a point of pride and hope when looking to tonight’s game.

    Comment by MS — June 15, 2008 @ 12:19 pm

  9. Happy Father’s Day!!!!

    Yes, protect home court! No Celtics celebrating in our house in our era!!

    Play with pride and the heart of a champion (cliche’) but it fits!

    Let the Celtics know that Lakers do not lay down and will not hand them the championship. That they are in a battle!

    The Lakers have NOTHING to lose (so play like that) as they were not supposed to be here anyway, the Celtics are the ones that have something to lose as they have been the projected champions from game 1 to 82.

    We can help the entire organization as fans even if we are not physically in the Staples Center, by sending them positive vibes and energy, mentally. Use our collective wills to have Pau and Lamar dunk everything, have the team make freethrows, play defense as a whole, work the offense, get every loose ball.

    Go Lakers!! FB&G visualize the Lakers winning!

    Comment by chearn — June 15, 2008 @ 12:45 pm

  10. It is difficult to visualize the Lakers winning when I read stuff like this from Adande:

    “As one of the Lakers told me on Saturday, it’s not that their guys aren’t trying hard, it’s just that the Celtics are trying harder and seem to want it more desperately. And that’s been the difference.”

    http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=PhilKobe-080615

    People can talk all the X’s and O’s they want, but if the Lakers are not hungry enough (because of their so-called bright future of many more opportunities to win titles), then it’s not going to happen. Very disconcerting.

    Comment by Scot — June 15, 2008 @ 1:09 pm

  11. It’s Father’s Day, my daughter turned 1 on Friday, the Galaxy pounded San Jose last night…I’m feeling good.

    I expect Staples to be rocking and Phil to get the team in a good mental state, not desperate but proud and in no way considering that the season will be over tonight. I think Rivers will consider this game a no lose situation–if the Celtics win, great, if they don’t oh well. I think he’ll rest the starters more than usual.

    My random prediction: Luke finally breaks out of his slump, comes up big in the 3rd Quarter.

    Comment by Evan — June 15, 2008 @ 1:26 pm

  12. Everyone seems to be quick to blame Lamer, or Pau, or Kobe or Phil for the way things have turned out. However, little has been said about one of the bigger contributors to this mess: THE FANS. As I sat at home yesterday and re-watched game 4, I noticed just how weak our fans are in comparison to everyother arena in the league.

    What makes me mad about this situation is that I think it is due to poor fan marketing by the Laker organization once they buy tickets. It seems that the Buss’ feel everything is fine because of the length of the season ticket holder wait list and all of the stars that decide to come to the Laker games to cheer our opponents. I think they view fan marketing in terms of percent of season tickets sold versus fan suport for the team. Frankly, I think they could care less if all floor tickets were sold to Boston fans. Man, why can’t they get off their high horses to understand the importance of fan support in a series such as this one. For example, how difficult is it to fork out some cash and buy some cheap white shirts that say “I believe in my Lakers” or “Go Lakers!” or “Boston Sucks” or whatever and rop them off at each seat in the lower bowl like they do in EVERY SINGLE ARENA BUT OURS? Surely an organization with the cash-flow that the lakers have can spend $2 on each fan to make that happen.

    True that the fans in the lower bowl are pathetic, but perhaps the Laker organization can look to other sports for guidance on how to get these fans involved.

    For example, ever seen or heard a european soccer match? Have you seen and heard how the crowd at those games sings anthems to encourage their team (or ridicule their opponents)? At the last holland game that I watched on the tube, I heard the dutch fans humming - yes humming - the theme to seven nation army by the white stripes as a way to encourage their team on their last game, which turned into a trouncing of their opponent. Sure, seven nation army has nothing to do with the Dutch soccer team, but man, it was impressive to hear on the tv how that sounded. I also was fortunate enough to watch a Man U match when I was in london a few years ago and the chanting and game atmosphere was something that I will never forget. Every single person in the stadium was singing. For those fans such as myself who did not know the songs, they passed out “hymn lists” so that you could read and chant along. Coordination of the chants was done by fan “captains” who would yell out the next chant to be sung. Man, this was almost a religious experience. I can honestly say that it brought tears to my eyes. Such passion, such love for a team, such love for a sport. Makes the NFL/College football fan seem like a casual fan in comparison.

    Well, that’s exactly what the Lakers need. Let’s take a page out of the soccer-fan book. The Lakers need to organize their fans. They can pick a few key “captains” (think Vick the Brick types) and have them at eery game leading chants and passing out hyms to every single fan that comes to the game. Then, put the jumbotronf good useto cue the fans on which song to chant. Wouldnt that be an effective way to pick up some good vibes when the crowd is dormant??? I know the fans in the upper seats will chant their hearts out and perhaps the fans in the lower seats will too.

    Or how about having the laker gilrs run around the aisles leading some pro-Laker cheers. I mean, are they not “CHEER-LEADERS”???? Damn, put them to work more on getting the fans fired up and less on learning lame dance moves.

    As much as Pau and Lamar seem to be lost in this series, they have been their most agressive when the crowd is behind them. Its time to make them start believing in themselves again.

    People, this is OUR TEAM. Let’s show them some support.

    Comment by MannyP — June 15, 2008 @ 1:40 pm

  13. Adande is a band-wagoner, just like the rest of the mainstream media. Notice there are no quotations around this alleged statement from and unidentified Lakers player. Reporters like him just state the obvious; don’t expect him to make any bold predictions.

    Not to be a downer, but I don’t think we are capable of taking their hearts out of it, as shown from the last game. I also disagree that the Celtics will play with any less fire because of wanting to win it at home. Pierce would love to win it in LA. Not to mention the rest of the team doesn’t want to put off a championship any longer than they have to, with there health not at full strength.

    That being said I believe that we have a great opportunity to win this game and will! It will go down to the wire just like every game has in this series. I expect Kobe to be Kobe, proving again why he is the MVP.

    Sasha and Jordan, please play as you did in Game 3…not Game 4!

    Odom, please show us that brilliance you displayed in the first half of the last game…all game today. We need you!

    Turiaf, please play hard nosed defense when called upon…without fouling! Pau can use a little help inside.

    Phil, please play Fisher for the majority of the 4th quarter. When the defense sags on Kobe in crunch time we need his proven clutch marksmanship.

    Time for the Lakers to play their last HOME game with desire and conviction!

    Happy Father’s Day to all, I think we are in for a nice treat today. GO LAKERS!!!

    Comment by S.Nicholson — June 15, 2008 @ 1:44 pm

  14. The consistent theme that has materialized during these finals is that the Lakers are young and when Bynum returns they will become a dynasty.

    Lakers must become hungry not now but RIGHT NOW! The Lakers may never be healthier than they are right now, the injury bug has been with us for at least 4 years.

    No one is asking them to do anything that they have not done to get to this point. We are down because as Adande stated: Kobe has had no one to help him except two singular halves by Pau and Lamar. I would also throw Fisher in there for one half. Sasha and Farmar in sprinkles!

    Third quarter collapses are not new, they have existed this entire season. Kobe heroics have saved them several times down the stretch to win regular season games after blowing leads in the second half.

    Comment by chearn — June 15, 2008 @ 1:44 pm

  15. I know this is obvious, but since G1’s 10 point loss every game (including our lone victory) have been decided by 6 points. This is a very, very tight series that has been incredibly entertaining. Cheers to both teams, both cities of fans, for a thrilling season so far. All things considered, even being down 3-1, I feel like the Lakers have a little left in the tank. Even after the collapse Thursday they have to feel they can compete with these tough Celtics. As close as these guys have played each other, it certainly doesn’t seem impossible to swing it in the other direction.

    Doc lost his father this year. Any other time (if not playing LA) I would like to see him get a win tonight. I respect the guy, and his team, but we need to step on their throats and send this back to Boston and get to G7. Nothing personal. This is business. This is the NBA Finals. This isn’t a dream anymore. All you have to do to have a dream is go to sleep. The reality is simple: win and stay in, lose and it’s summer vacation. I think it’s the Lakers by 14 tonight, ladies and gentleman. Go Lakers!

    Comment by The Fanalyst — June 15, 2008 @ 2:13 pm

  16. I hope Kobe will make his team play

    Comment by Anonymous — June 15, 2008 @ 2:36 pm

  17. “For example, how difficult is it to fork out some cash and buy some cheap white shirts that say “I believe in my Lakers” or “Go Lakers!” or “Boston Sucks” or whatever and rop them off at each seat in the lower bowl like they do in EVERY SINGLE ARENA BUT OURS? Surely an organization with the cash-flow that the lakers have can spend $2 on each fan to make that happen.”

    You might not remember, but I think the Lakers were the first team to do this–at least I don’t remember it before this–back in 2000, with Game 7 against the Blazers in the Conference Finals (the gold I Love LA shirts). I was expecting something similar in Game 3. Maybe tonight.

    Comment by Evan — June 15, 2008 @ 3:01 pm

  18. Great Warren has the first post, I’m not worried anymore about today’s game outcome. Glad to see you back Kurt and Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there.
    Go Lakers…

    Comment by lakerfan101 — June 15, 2008 @ 3:44 pm

  19. Happy Fathers Day to everyone and all the fathers in the world.

    As for this game…we cant say it enough to take it ONE game at a time. The Lakers cant focus on winning 3 straight games.

    Lastly, we as Laker fans have to believe this team can come back! I just hope the fans in Staples show some support and not be lazy to sit down pretty much the whole game!

    Comment by marrl — June 15, 2008 @ 3:50 pm

  20. I BELIEVE

    Comment by tonystarks — June 15, 2008 @ 4:27 pm

  21. Win this game, then win game 6 in the best playoff game in the season, then bets are off for game 7. Go LAKERS!!!!!

    Comment by Aaron — June 15, 2008 @ 5:05 pm

  22. Indeed.

    GO LAKERS

    Comment by robinred — June 15, 2008 @ 5:32 pm

  23. ‘NOT IN OUR HOUSE’

    I like!

    Comment by lakergirl — June 15, 2008 @ 5:58 pm

  24. Lakers Optimism here…We will rock the party! All is well that ends well… and the end is nowhere near! I am expecting a number of things from this game but these 3 things stand out:

    1. What will be the effect of injuries on the Celts. Perkins does not play. So Odom is more capable of guarding Powe because Leon is much smaller. Gasol has more breathing room and more rebounds are coming our way. If PJ plays it will be even better for us, he is too slow and monotonic on their offense, and can be beat by our bigs

    2. Our second unit has to live up to the billing. I remember times when 7-8 Lakers were scoring in double digits. Those were the perfect days… There is no reason why Farmar, Sasha (especially), Turiaf and Walton should not get 10 pts. If at least two of them has a double digit game, we are cooking

    3. Laker defense and offense (Kobe is the biggest factor, but I think he will show up tonight big). If Lakers play more Offense than defense (which is what happens usually) we do not stand a chance against the Cs (as much as I hate to admit it), We have to absolutely limit transition and second chance points. I hope we get 12-15 steals or more tonight and force Celts inot 22-25 turnovers or more.

    With all that time to enjoy the game

    GOOD LUCK LAKERS!

    Comment by Mamula — June 15, 2008 @ 5:58 pm

  25. I tried to talk myself into not watching Game 5 since the collapse. But as gametime nears, I’m probably going to switch it on.

    I bleed too much purple & gold.

    What I’m really interested in is how the fans at Staples will react. Will they support the young team for the great season they just experienced or will they start leaving with a minute left to play?

    Comment by hertagnism — June 15, 2008 @ 6:02 pm

  26. Powe starting for the Celtics, which I don’t think is good for us.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:07 pm

  27. Good aggressive first two possessions.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:10 pm

  28. Again, how ridiculous can Pierce’s clumsy, flopping game get?

    Comment by now — June 15, 2008 @ 6:12 pm

  29. Spreading the floor, Kobe getting into the lane. That’s good. And making KG a jumpshooter good. But man I can’t wait until next year when Radman comes off the bench.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:16 pm

  30. It’s good to have Kobe on your team.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:23 pm

  31. Great way to start out huh…

    Comment by lakerfan101 — June 15, 2008 @ 6:27 pm

  32. This time, don’t start cutting your attacks short, keep driving to the basket. That Fisher contested layup is the kind of shot they stopped taking in the 2nd half last game.

    Comment by 91601guy — June 15, 2008 @ 6:28 pm

  33. Guys (and gals) this just feels different than last game. Spread the floor and hitting jumpers, opening up things inside. Kobe getting in the lane, as is Odom and Fish. Gasol playing strong.

    I just like this more.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:28 pm

  34. Another nice start..lets just hope they keep it up for the next 3 quarters and ESPECIALLY the 3rd.

    Comment by marrl — June 15, 2008 @ 6:31 pm

  35. Steals - check
    Gasols Chest pound - check
    Kobe’s shots - check

    so far so good…good signs…i believe!!

    Comment by lakergirl — June 15, 2008 @ 6:38 pm

  36. Mihm in, Turiaf sits. Really? Well, lets give the big guy a chance.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:41 pm

  37. wow mihn is in

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 6:41 pm

  38. Where the hell did Mihm come from. Interesting substitution.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 6:42 pm

  39. Ariza in, Walton out. That is a sub I like.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:44 pm

  40. mihm needs to sit

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 6:46 pm

  41. The inexperienced bench hurting them again.

    Comment by 91601guy — June 15, 2008 @ 6:47 pm

  42. Mihm, looking like he hasn’t played in a while with that pass. The first two fouls were just him protecting the rim, I can live with that. Then the bad offensive end foul then the bad inbounds. Still, I agree with Van Gundy — pre-injury Mihm was a solid center and that one bad year he was the second most consistent Laker behind Kobe.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 6:48 pm

  43. Here we go again…..

    19 pt lead down to 4…

    Can we please go back to attacking the basket instead of long jumpers!?!?!

    Comment by marrl — June 15, 2008 @ 6:58 pm

  44. KG 3rd foul. Looks like the NBA wants a 6th game.

    Comment by otbricki — June 15, 2008 @ 6:58 pm

  45. this is like déjà vu…its really hard to watch

    Comment by john j — June 15, 2008 @ 6:59 pm

  46. There has been some bad officiating at both ends, the clear out by PJ Brown underneath, Garnett’s third.

    The Celtics are taking away Kobe again, Gasol and Odom need to take charge and get to the rim.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 7:01 pm

  47. Good ball movement that time. The Celts are a good job of disrupting the lakers offense again. They need better spacing.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:04 pm

  48. We need to get back out in transition, too.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 7:05 pm

  49. Kurt I agree but its hard to get out in transition, if you let Pierce get to the rim and score every time.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

  50. odom waking up?

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:09 pm

  51. man.. 39 in the first quarter no good no good. i feel like whenver lakers start off red hot, they just get too complacent and lazy on finer details in the game.

    i mean 8 points in second quarter? geesh…

    but i do like gasol looking for odom down low after drawing attention to him.

    i don’t like the fact that we didn’t have an answer for pierce while our second unit was in at the beginning of the second quarter.

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 7:09 pm

  52. I BELIEVE! LET’S DO IT!

    Comment by MannyP — June 15, 2008 @ 7:10 pm

  53. What about our perimeter D? Kobe is the only guy who hasn’t been utterly atrocious. Why would you play up on Tony Allen like that??

    Comment by now — June 15, 2008 @ 7:11 pm

  54. At least last time we had an 18 pt lead at halftime…

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:16 pm

  55. We are NOT losing today. Put some effort into it. Stop worrying about the calls guys!

    Comment by Hansoulfood — June 15, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

  56. I’m “watching” on GameCast … what’s the story on the Fisher double-tech?

    Comment by matt. — June 15, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

  57. it just seems like celtics are playing with a lot of confidence while that game 4 loss is still on lakers’ mind.

    i can’t understand the disparity from quarter to quarter… nor will i try to analyze it. it’s just way beyond me about that inconsistency.

    i’m sure boston fans will argue it’s boston’s d stepping up, and la fans will say that it’s our second unit with mihm changing the flow of the game. whatever it is… one this is for certain, the refs are not calling anything seems like. at least it seems to be going both ways. well, maybe except for garnett…

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

  58. Grandpa Brown figured out they’re not calling a damn thing, so why not take advantage? Not sure what sport we’re watching, but it ain’t basketball.

    Comment by now — June 15, 2008 @ 7:20 pm

  59. Well, I think I will bring up Phil Jackson’s name again. It was he who put Walton on Pierce and guess who immediately heated up and stayed hot the rest of the half. If Phil puts Walton on Pierce for ANY time for the remainder of the series he should be shot. That is a stubborn, I will do it my way type of move.

    This series Turiaf and Lamar shouldn’t be playing together. There are several player combinations where Lamar should not be playing and Phil seems to include them all. In this series Lamar is getting moved out of rebounding position because he doesn’t occupy enough space and the Celtics do. Arggggh!

    Comment by Craig W. — June 15, 2008 @ 7:22 pm

  60. Gasol and Odom has to play together. Farmar and Vujacic combo works too. Luke is in a serious funk.

    And also….never post up Odom. He’ll just turn the ball over.

    Comment by Hansoulfood — June 15, 2008 @ 7:25 pm

  61. I’m gonna scream if we put up another lackluster 3rd quarter.

    The fact that i’m in the office watching telecast probably won’t stop me, either.

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:27 pm

  62. Lakers need a 40 point lead to pull this one out

    Comment by paydawg — June 15, 2008 @ 7:27 pm

  63. well wasn’t that sweet.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:30 pm

  64. Seems like Gasol is really getting the snot beaten out of him down low. Not that they’re calling much of anything on the inside this game. One play he got bounced off the court and the rebound didn’t come anywhere near him.

    Comment by alex v. — June 15, 2008 @ 7:32 pm

  65. Lakers bench just doesn’t look like it is structured for a championship. Lots of energy, but the basketball IQ is low. They need some more experience off the bench. It may be the fatal flaw in this Lakers team.

    Comment by otbricki — June 15, 2008 @ 7:35 pm

  66. Kobe needs to outplay Pierce to win this game. As pleasing as the 1st quarter was, I didn’t like Kobe taking all of those three pointers. It will only encourage him to settle for the rest of the game. Hopefully after a scoreless 2nd he will start attacking in the 3rd. God knows we need to win this 3rd quarter…for once! Go Lakers!

    Comment by Anonymous — June 15, 2008 @ 7:35 pm

  67. The modus operandi against the lakers seems to be to play them HARD and PHYSICAL.

    Such games always end up favoring bruising frontlines much more than savvy backcourts, and it is no wonder that we’re getting beat.

    I really think the league should rethink its officiating principles. Why can’t the playoffs be like all-star games, with no real physical contact? I’m not saying there should be no contact, but i’m certainly more in favor of players playing a game that’s more like the ones we play, as opposed to one that will cause bad fistfights 100% of the time on the playground…

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:37 pm

  68. get to the rim = win

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 7:37 pm

  69. Enough with this fatal flaw talk…it’s not over! The Lakers are going to come out swinging!

    BTW the last comment (anonymous) was me.

    Comment by S. Nicholson — June 15, 2008 @ 7:37 pm

  70. Telecast says we need to sit Kobe down and have the team play team ball.

    Or is he taking good shots that just happen to miss?

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:41 pm

  71. Okay, i think i’ll keep bashing Kobe, we’re onto something.

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:42 pm

  72. Celta are getting all the lo0se balls.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:45 pm

  73. second chance oppurtunities for the celtics are killing us

    Comment by john j — June 15, 2008 @ 7:46 pm

  74. They actually called that travel? He does that at least 5 times a game.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:47 pm

  75. Why is Radman on PP?

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 7:49 pm

  76. Officiating is terrible tonight, but it is consistently terrible for both teams.

    Comment by otbricki — June 15, 2008 @ 7:51 pm

  77. Pierce is red-hot. Time for a good defensive line up.

    KOBE
    ARIZA/SASHA
    LAMAR
    FISH
    GASOL

    Comment by MannyP — June 15, 2008 @ 7:51 pm

  78. Kobe is picking a bad game to bring one of his worse games. I’m just agonizing over every darn text cast. This really can’t be good for me.

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:53 pm

  79. perhaps that really is the difference b/w the two team’s defenses.

    boston seems to be able to help out against whoever is driving in by stepping out of guarding their man and taking charge, while lakers go up to block which usually result in either and one or just a layup.

    that’s like kobe’s 3rd charge isn’t it?

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 7:53 pm

  80. I wish Doc would play Rondo more

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 7:54 pm

  81. Lovely lovely lovely sequence. 3 pt play, steal, 3 pt.

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 7:55 pm

  82. 80. Ive been saying the same thing.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:55 pm

  83. Heres the nightly celebrity roundup.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 7:58 pm

  84. Wow. The mustards off the hot dog.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 8:02 pm

  85. man… not every fast break has to end up like showtime lakers. stop and holding the ball is better than turning it over.

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 8:02 pm

  86. good things happen in transition

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 8:06 pm

  87. the celtics just look like they want it more and that kills me to say that

    Comment by john j — June 15, 2008 @ 8:09 pm

  88. Wow…Kobe is Ice cold…

    Comment by lakergirl — June 15, 2008 @ 8:09 pm

  89. still i think that was the best 3rd quarter lakers played in this series.

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 8:12 pm

  90. I agree with SVG why is Walton on Peirce, he practically walked right past him.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 8:12 pm

  91. YAY!!! The lakers actually won the 3rd!!

    24-18

    Now, can they finish the deal…

    Comment by marrl — June 15, 2008 @ 8:13 pm

  92. wow. Odom now don’t ever take that shot again.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 8:18 pm

  93. I echo your joy marrl! Time to close em out.

    It’s great to see Odom and Gasol picking up the slack for Kobe in the 2nd and 3rd.

    Now Kobe needs to return the favor in the 4th.

    Keep it up Gasol and Odom! Go Lakers!

    Comment by S. Nicholson — June 15, 2008 @ 8:18 pm

  94. Why is PJ Brown allowed to use two hands in the post? He does it every time he defends down low.

    Comment by Tony B. — June 15, 2008 @ 8:25 pm

  95. Sash can’t buy a shot. That one was half way down.

    Comment by ryan — June 15, 2008 @ 8:27 pm

  96. Dick Bavetta, please just retire. For the love of God.

    Comment by now — June 15, 2008 @ 8:28 pm

  97. vujacic sure is shooting a lot hehe

    are these good shots though? i’m just basing on boxscore/gamecast from yahoo

    Comment by Mico — June 15, 2008 @ 8:30 pm

  98. Sasha is the Machine. He feels nothing despite shooting 2-10.

    Comment by euph0ria — June 15, 2008 @ 8:31 pm

  99. walton hurt us. kobe is going to kill us by forcing it.

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 8:32 pm

  100. dejavu….turn overs and posey 3’s.

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 8:33 pm

  101. walton just completely killed the rhythm….

    Comment by lakergirl — June 15, 2008 @ 8:33 pm

  102. so many tipped rebound out of bound…

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 8:33 pm

  103. these droughts the lakers get into are unbelievable

    Comment by john j — June 15, 2008 @ 8:34 pm

  104. Drive the ball to the rim and score. No kickouts, Kobe. Shoot the damn ball. Own it.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 8:34 pm

  105. Kobe only kills us when he takes bad shots, right now the Celts are jumping the passing lanes. Get to the rim.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 8:35 pm

  106. no more jump shots. they need to take it to the rim.

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 8:35 pm

  107. Everyone is thinking jumpshots..

    While the Celtics are getting high percentage shots.

    This is a recipe for another lost if this keeps up…

    Comment by marrl — June 15, 2008 @ 8:39 pm

  108. Get the inside out game going now with KG in foul trouble…drive it at him!

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 8:41 pm

  109. i think at this point id rather gamble with being blocked, hammered, or throwing up a bad shot due to a collapsing defense rather than trust the jumpshots

    Comment by Mico — June 15, 2008 @ 8:42 pm

  110. Kobe is not even looking for his shots

    Now that PP and KG have 5 fouls i hope we take adv of it

    Comment by lakergirl — June 15, 2008 @ 8:42 pm

  111. 5 on both KG and PP. If that doesn’t get the boys to start driving, nothing will.

    Comment by dafish — June 15, 2008 @ 8:42 pm

  112. Why is Kobe playing so passively out there? I don’t get it, I know he has 4 fouls, but he’s not looking for his shot, nor is he moving without the ball. I have a bad feeling about our abiity to get more stops than the Celtics down the stretch. We needed about a 10 point cushion at this point.

    Comment by Muffin-Man — June 15, 2008 @ 8:44 pm

  113. attack pp and kg and get inside and take out their offense

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 8:44 pm

  114. Odom needs to make those ‘and ones’

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 8:46 pm

  115. good thing pierce didn’t finish that ‘and ones’

    but i agree with you 114. lamar does need to finish those shots.

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 8:48 pm

  116. I hate Poser — now HE is a dirty player…not a competitor, a dirty player.

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 8:52 pm

  117. Hear that crowd, great to hear.

    Comment by lakerfan101 — June 15, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

  118. Kobe waited way too long on those possessions…big mistake!

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 8:54 pm

  119. weird couple of possessions, just iso kobe and get out of the way…

    i just realized we had a three guard line up on.

    Comment by Mico — June 15, 2008 @ 8:55 pm

  120. little bit of breathing room!

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 8:55 pm

  121. reminds me of mike brown actually, which is not really a good comparison when we do it on offense…

    Comment by Mico — June 15, 2008 @ 8:56 pm

  122. Did you see J. Poser with the touch foul on Kobe’s legs at the end of that dunk…that crap is dirty! Bowen style

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 8:57 pm

  123. the altercation he had with lamar makes me think posey is one of those that try to intimidate you through physical style of playing to get in your head.

    i think he rightfully succeeds bowen’s dirty player crown.

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 9:01 pm

  124. Man…. let a 19 point lead go, then let a 14 point lead go… They better play better in Boston.

    Comment by Laker Pauer — June 15, 2008 @ 9:01 pm

  125. free throws are killing us

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 9:04 pm

  126. Uncharacteristically - they are killng us all series

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 9:05 pm

  127. Can someone please tell me, why the best offense in the League decides to go Miami/D-Wade or Cleveland/LeBron style stand around and watch the Star try to take on all 5 offense at the end. I’m upst with Phil tonight. I’m upset with Kobe.

    Comment by wondahbap — June 15, 2008 @ 9:07 pm

  128. man, should’ve been 3-2 lakers. oh wells, win’s a win still.

    Comment by kc — June 15, 2008 @ 9:07 pm

  129. I believed!

    Comment by lakergirl — June 15, 2008 @ 9:08 pm

  130. Why does Phil CONSTANTLY kill the momentum with staying with the 2nd unit too long? This is the time of year you go WITH your MAIN guys. There’s no need to gain confidence. It’s there. I know early leads mean nothing, but this is too crucial to let the tide turn, and Phil is letting that happen.

    Comment by wondahbap — June 15, 2008 @ 9:09 pm

  131. Yea Kobe made a good point, can they play any worse than they have in Boston already. I’m looking forward to the next game.
    Go Lakers…

    Comment by lakerfan101 — June 15, 2008 @ 9:10 pm

  132. it should easily have been 3-2 LA, but I really think we can take Game 6. The flight back to the East coast is going to be much more tougher on the aging bodies of the Celts…PJ Brown and Sam C won’t be able to sustain their energy one 1 days rest…at least 1 or 2 of the Big 3 will struggle.

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 9:11 pm

  133. Like KG said, it’s all Kobe at the end. Sort of a compromise between the star player and the star coach.

    Anyway, glad we won. Tacos?

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 9:12 pm

  134. If ever there was a frustrating win, that was it.

    Comment by matt. — June 15, 2008 @ 9:12 pm

  135. JVG was killing the Lakers w/ his comments…and I think he was right. His main point was that the Lakers defense is just awful, guys just making the same mistakes over and over again, and not learning from them. Thoughts?

    I’m sorry to say I think game 6 will be the end of the road. I’m really looking forward to getting Bynum back to anchor the defense next year, but as a team the Lakers need to become better defensively.

    Comment by Muffin-Man — June 15, 2008 @ 9:14 pm

  136. lakerfan101,

    That is correct. But the LAkers need to play differently if they are going to win this. They haven;t been outplayed this series, but tey have been outworked, and that is what they are going to have to do to win this. What bothers me is the shots at point blank the Celtics are intent on getting (thanks PAu) and the ones the Lakers are settling for. They can;t win in Boston playing this type of game.

    Comment by wondahbap — June 15, 2008 @ 9:15 pm

  137. Muffin-man,

    Looking forward to next year? Next year? I can’t believe I read that. What are we here for. We root all year for this! We know we can win this. The Lakers have not been outplayed. Quitters do not belong on this site. Please, shut your computer off.

    Comment by wondahbap — June 15, 2008 @ 9:17 pm

  138. I STILL BELIEVE! A gut-wrenching win (for the fans). But this should inject something into their heads and I wish I were Phil Jackson telling them this…”they can win.” Oh am I getting “300″ imagery here. But they need that fire. They need that fire for so long in Game 6. My proposal is the same: run the gas out of these Celtics. Put their backs on the wall to test their pressure mettle. Better yet, just blast them out. They have see they can do this. They just have to take that crowd and that D out of their heads. Motion. Attack. Pressure D. Uncertainty is all around. And I still believe Kobe has that monumental performance saved for the best. I just have this unproven funny feeling. Go LAKERS!

    Comment by passerby — June 15, 2008 @ 9:18 pm

  139. There was nothing in this game that made me feel confident about game 6 in Boston. The commentators talked about pick-and-roll defense — the Lakers had very little of this the entire season so I have to put this one on the coaching staff. Can’t they figure out a scheme and implement it? The free throws — what has happened here; I am used to 1-for-2 Lamar, but Fish and Kobe?? The Lakers are slow and predictable, making the Celtic’s defensive job easier.

    Lamar and Gasol don’t take up any space and the Celtics do. This means we are the ones fouling over the back or reaching. My opinion is that Lamar and Gasol cannot play together next year against physical teams or we will really pay for it. Thank god Bynum occupies lots of space around the basket.

    Ok, we got it done, but my biggest disappointment tonight is reserved for our rather pedestrian coaching staff. This is not what Jerry Buss paid the big bucks for.

    The only positive thing I can say (other than that we won) is that this team was not supposed to be here and these young players are getting a heck of a lesson in how to play basketball.

    Comment by Craig W. — June 15, 2008 @ 9:18 pm

  140. Sorry to jump on ya. I’m just a little frustrated. I’ll be back tomorrow. Glad we won, but I’m baffled. Goodnight all. These games can be too much.

    Comment by wondahbap — June 15, 2008 @ 9:19 pm

  141. Funny how we don’t have a single Celtics fan around this game. Anyway, considering that the C’s were without Perkins, I don’t see us playing much better in Boston. At least we stretched it to game 6, which to me is the least number of games to make it a real series.

    If we DO somehow win game 6 (maybe by doing what we do in the 1st quarter throughout the whole game?) i think it will be one of the most watched game 7s ever ;)

    PP played all 48 minutes, Ray played 40. Kobe, Lamar, Pau all notched 41, 42, 44, so we’re going to have a lot of tired legs Tuesday. Sasha is due another hot streak about now, and Kobe should have an efficient performance in his bag. PP had one if his better games against us, thankfully for naught.

    Comment by harold — June 15, 2008 @ 9:23 pm

  142. Craig,

    Right on. You know, I don;t think Doc is any good, but the things that he does wrong in the regular season, are things that are working in these Finals, like sticking with your guys who are getting it done, keeping your STAR on the floor (even if Kobe played like crap, he should be on the floor all 48), and having better execution on inbounds.

    Comment by wondahbap — June 15, 2008 @ 9:23 pm

  143. I seriously feel that the Celts expended a lot more energy and that could be to our advantage come G6…Kobe must assert himself throughout the entire first half in G6 if anything, it could intimidate the opposing defenders if the game gets tight in the second half.
    He needs to score in the 30’s with better FG%

    Comment by Armogeddon — June 15, 2008 @ 9:28 pm

  144. I agree with you harold and right on wondahbap. Coaching has been quite frustrating. All this exposure has to pay-off soon. Hopefully in Game 6 they all click—Kobe, the stars, the bench and the coaching experiments paying-off against a consistent Celtics effort. Game 7 will be shrouded in mystery but should be fun. For this, they have to win the 6th!

    Comment by passerby — June 15, 2008 @ 9:30 pm

  145. I believe….

    …that if the Lakers play like that on Tuesday that there will be a parade in Boston on Thursday.

    Comment by paydawg — June 15, 2008 @ 9:36 pm

  146. Well that was fun and exhausting. I love this game! I don’t think I exhaled for 15 straight minutes. Only regret is that friends in Boston, once again, were alseep, or their kids were asleep, and so I couldn’t call em. Again - why are weekend games starting at 9pm EST? Just dumb.

    Most fun: a friend was driving back from his dad’s house with other family members and couldnt hear the game. So he called me up and had me do play by play. I even got to throw in a “Fish put him in the popcorn machine!” If you haven’t done it before, record yourself doing play by play. It’s a whole heck of a lot of fun. Especially when you realize how many Chick-isms you use.

    Pierce has really taken his game up a notch, I admire his game more than ever (I just wish I wasnt on the receiving end of it).

    Comment by Bryan — June 15, 2008 @ 9:40 pm

  147. ya obviously we need to play better to win in boston….i want to know when we are going to stop the damn pick and roll with pierce….jeez adjust already…anyway the hope stays alive…

    Comment by lakeshow — June 15, 2008 @ 9:42 pm

  148. true or false? true. very true

    Comment by magic days — June 15, 2008 @ 9:42 pm

  149. Why is everyone saying the Lakers survived game 5. Wether anyone wants to believe it or not the Lakers ARE the better team and WILL win in 7. If you look at this series, if it was not for the 28 free throw advantage the Celtics had in game 2 LA would have won easily, also if it wasn’t for the game 4 giveaway game, they should have closed this series out in 5 after winning 4 straight. What I’m trying to say is, they can win twice in Boston. Boston has not shown they are the better team. They’ve shown that they can come back against the Lakers just like every other team in the league. The Lakers have lost huge leads all year long. Laker fans don’t panic…..WE WILL BE THE CHAMPS IN 7!!!!!!!!

    Comment by BBAwoody — June 15, 2008 @ 9:47 pm

  150. Ugh. I hope we can take it to another level on both ends next game.

    I CAN’T STAND

    Comment by A-Hole Carolla — June 15, 2008 @ 9:56 pm

  151. I’d like to drink whatever BBAwoody is having.

    Seriously though, we survived. That was the main goal. Don’t let them win on our home court. Boston has been the better team thus far. Kobe’s attitude has been questionable. I’m sorry but even as a die hard Laker fan, it seems Kobe’s closing attitude disappears when he’s in the finals and confronted with a well oiled defensive machine. I’d like to take the Spurs out of this because they just spent all their energy chasing down Chris Paul so we caught a break.

    One thing I noticed is that the trapping defense that the squad pulls out to throw things off haven’t been used aggressively when Eddie House/Sam Cassell is in the game. Something the coaching staff should look at. Also, somebody needs to knock Vlade in the head. Too many times did he make a bone headed play.

    Comment by hertagnism — June 15, 2008 @ 9:56 pm

  152. I think it’s Doc’s players who are making him look like a genius. He puts in Powe, the guy controls the boards and gets shots and fouls in the paint. He puts in House, the guy hits deadly jumpers late in games. He puts in Brown and Cassell, the guys use their “veteran savvy” to outwork the Lakers’ youngins. Heck, he puts in Tony Allen, the guy takes it to the rim for points (against Vlad, but still). Posey is Posey.

    For Phil, outside of some good work by Machine and Farmar, has been getting mostly duds from the bench. Ronny’s putting in the effort, but is simply overmatched. Luke is a walking negative +/- this series. Ariza and Mihm are too rusty to really contribute. I’m not blaming the players — they’re the ones who got us here — but for whatever reason (Boston’s D, Finals pressure, youth, something intangible) they are in a collective slump.

    I don’t think Phil is all of a sudden a bad coach. When things work you’re a genius, when things don’t, you’re a goat. That’s unfortunately the way it is.

    P.S. Sad news about Ray Allen’s daughter, especially on Father’s Day. I hope everything will turn out OK for her.

    Comment by AM — June 15, 2008 @ 10:00 pm

  153. What the heck happened? Hit a key and it posted.

    I can’t stand the whole having the effing team standing around for Kobe to iso at the end of the game. Phil used to do it with MJ too. Disgustingly predictable.

    The Celtics have that thoroughly figured out, and Kobe ain’t going to be able to do anything by himself.

    Which makes me wonder… how was MJ able to be so successful in the same easy-to-read situation? Are these Celtics so much better defensively than any of the other teams the Bulls ever faced?

    Comment by A-Hole Carolla — June 15, 2008 @ 10:00 pm

  154. 135) I too am discouraged by the defense. The repeated mistakes on the out of bounds are errors that occur over and over. The 3 point shooters getting open consistently on a double stack screen and yet we still have no answer. Come on man, can the Lakers fix one of these things? Can the Lakers take a charge just once?

    I am happy that the Lakers did not get a chance to win on our floor. Now keep climbing the hill and win game 6!

    Lakers thank you for the incredible playoff record at home, now go and win one on the road for us!!!

    Comment by chearn — June 15, 2008 @ 10:09 pm

  155. The Lakers won–and they deserved to win. You may have been noticing points for KG going down down down and points for Pau Gasol going up up up as the playoffs have progressed. Tonite, Pau clearly outplayed Garnett. The only stat where KG clearly dominated Pau was in personal fouls.

    Paul Pierce did a pretty good ball hog imitation of the old Kobe; and our Kobe won the game with a defensive steal.

    Lamar was the X factor instead of the x factor tonight. You had to know that he was going to come through when he shot and MADE one of his patented “OH NO,” “Dumb” 3 pointers. Everyone where I was watching said, “Great Lamar–now don’t push your luck!” Lamar played an emotional inspired game.

    Everything that Doc pulls from his magic hat works somewhat, but not quite as well as before. Powe only played 5 minutes, but Sam Gassell and PJ Brown made major contributions. Still, it was Paul Pierce–all night long.

    Although the Lakers gave back most of the huge first quarter lead in the 2nd quarter, they WON the third quarter, and were much more rested for the 4th.

    They didn’t have any “home cooking” at the foul line–or they would have won easily. Fouls were almost exactly the same. The Lakers led by as much as 17, and trailed by no more than 2. They outrebounded the Celtics, hit a higher percentage of shots, and had more steals.

    Pierce was magnificent and Kobe was ordinary–which ironically is probably why the Lakers won the game!

    Basketball remains a team sport.

    Comment by drrayeye — June 15, 2008 @ 10:18 pm

  156. Random Observations from Game 5:

    -Kendrick Perkins needs a new tailor. His suit looks about two sizes two big. All he’s missing is the black hat, and he’d look like Notorious B.I.G.

    -Gasol got some very timely rebounds. He’s still getting pushed around by P.J. Brown, but I think he’s getting the hang of this physical play.

    - Lamar Odom sighting! Lamar Odom sighting!

    - Again Fisher with a signature HUUUGE play, drawing the foul on House and still banking in the 17 footer. Veterans are nice to have on your team.

    - Sam Casell is CRAZY. He’s Radmanovic’s counterpart. Like Mark Jackson said, some players can keep both your team in the game, and the other team at the same time.

    - Sometimes, Sasha makes me embarrassed to be a Laker fan. Like when Sam Cassell tied him up, and Sasha fell to the ground like he was shot by a bullet in the shoulder.

    - Kobe got all ball before hitting Pierce’s side on that game-breaking steal. Is that still a foul? I don’t think so, of course.

    Comment by Amazing_Happens — June 15, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

  157. 149) I completely agree, but for one thing: Kobe. Something is wrong with him. He’s NEVER been this passive before over two straight games. Just a bunch of jumpers? I’m not sure whether it’s an injury or (I can’t believe I’m writing this) that he’s rattled by the boston D. Despite the crappy defense we’ve played, I would feel very confident going into Boston IF Kobe we’re looking like himself. But in his current state, I just don’t know…

    Comment by specialM — June 15, 2008 @ 10:33 pm

  158. And so the basketball gods grant us redemption from the clutches of humiliation. Tonight was only the beginning of a journey that must last 96 more minutes. The gameplan is set:

    Game 5 – win at home as a team, gain confidence
    Game 6 – Kobe puts the team on his back, scores 35+
    Game 7 – anything can happen in game 7

    We must continue along this path towards the championship. These Lakers are capable of winning this year. I love LA…

    Comment by KurkPeterman — June 15, 2008 @ 10:35 pm

  159. 149:

    no way are the lakers, as presently consisted, the better team. thibodeau has schemed kobe entirely out of the series. they can’t guard a the pick and roll, or the baseline fade, and nobody can guard pierce to save their lives. pierce is getting anything he wants whenever he wants.

    jvg is right, the best laker defensive possession was on a lucky reach by kobe. if kg weren’t such a choker, this series would be over right now.

    and i have to say, gasol may have had decent numbers in this game, but dude is so soft. i am beginning to really hate him as a person.

    gotta give props to lamar for coming to play in his once a fortnight game (although, that three was still lucky, and still ill advised).

    Comment by gotimelakers — June 15, 2008 @ 10:39 pm

  160. I want to see how many of you wishy-washy fans will be saying the Lakers will win the championship after they win game 6.

    Comment by BBAwoody — June 15, 2008 @ 11:04 pm

  161. with all due respect to doc and his defensive assistant coach, i think celtics have thrown all of their secret weapons, like play small down the stretch…this is as good as celtics can be, period..

    i think what cause the game 4 and 1 losses were the sudden line-up changes on celtics…remember that “fake” injury by pierce and perkins’ injury?….those make Lakers’ PJ confused a little…we all knew that PJ is not the smartest coach around with brilliant X’s and O’s game plans…

    so this is it…i think if lakers can deal one game at a time..and be patient but not laid-back when they lead big in a ball game like game 4…i think if lakers can steal game 6 at boston, anything is possible one the last game..so looking forward to seeing how kobe leading his team in game 6 and possibly game 7…

    Comment by ari — June 15, 2008 @ 11:21 pm

  162. Finally what i wanted to see; Great game by Gasol and Odom, both in double digits for points and rebounds and a bunch of blocks! i love’ em

    Go Lakers!!!

    Comment by Anonymous — June 15, 2008 @ 11:28 pm

  163. Phils substitutions are just killing me. What was Mimh doing in this game? i could probably understand if we had seen him at least a few times during these playoffs. Whats his thinking? I just dont understand. Did he feel bad for Mimh? Not having played at all during this playoff run? Why now especially when this was a do or die game? Im glad we won, but Mimh appearance just baffles me.

    Comment by MacBSlick — June 15, 2008 @ 11:28 pm

  164. 159) You hate Gasol as a person because he’s soft? You need to grow up dude hahaha

    So would you prefer a less-soft player with less talent and less versatility? I DON’T. And i think that any smart Lakers fan wouldn’t too.

    He’s not Shaq FFS (and thanks God he’s not)

    Comment by Anonymous — June 15, 2008 @ 11:33 pm

  165. it’s so funny how many Laker fans seem to really hate the Lakers. I mean you’d have thought they lost by the comments here. I usually enjoy the regular well-thought out discussion of the game, the team dynamic, the what’s-in store…but so many of you talk about them like they’re supposed to be immortal and if they don’t win by 35 points its blasphemy.

    I think I now know what is meant when fans of other teams joke about Lakers fans feeling privileged, it’s here!

    Throughout the series with the celtics its been “Trade LO, Pau is soft, Kobe is a ballhog”…are you really fans of this team? In the context of a well thought out and informed observation, criticism can be insightful and provoking. Here sounds like a mess of words from the mouths beer swilling couch potatoes.

    This is YOUR team. They may be down 2-3, but give them a break they just put their bodies through 48 minutes of physical torture to entertain you and they WON!!

    Leave the speculation about future championships for the off-season.

    And for now, as hard has it’s been for the last week and a half, enjoy the rest of this season, one none of us expected to last this long.

    Comment by Bingo T. Klown — June 15, 2008 @ 11:40 pm

  166. I have no idea why so many of my fellow celtics fans are so optimistic. Rondo is injured. Perkins is injured. Paul Pierce is injured and Kevin Garnett doesn’t want to go in the paint. We have no one to play center other than a 6′6” guy and a 38-year-old guy. The lakers have yet to play their best game while the Celtics basically played theirs in game 4. 2 chances to put the Lakers away just doesn’t seem like enough!

    Comment by Turd_boy — June 15, 2008 @ 11:51 pm

  167. BBAwoody, we are having a rational conversation here. Flaming in the name of homerism simply gets posts deleted. We are all Lakers fans here who would love to see the comeback and will be rooting hard for it. But that win would not give any rational fan irrational hope.

    Comment by Kurt — June 15, 2008 @ 11:52 pm

  168. 163, I agree in spirit, but I think that we are so used to seeing the Lakers perform at a higher level, that it is disappointing to see them struggle. I don’t think it is anything they should be ashamed of considering what a great team Boston is. I do think that we are missing some toughness. Ariza and Bynum will help us next season. I also think that LO will probably be traded simply because he has a huge expiring contract and the Lakers could probably get a good piece or two for him.

    I don’t think there is any reason that LA can’t win the next two games if they can sustain how they played the 1st quarters of the last couple of games for longer stretches. I think they let up and collapse mentally. It’s partly a good Boston team that never gives up as well.

    Make no mistake, Boston has been the best team we’ve faced and I will be elated if we win, but I don’t think I’ll be too grief stricken over losing to a defensive juggernaut like them. It just sucks that they happen to be wearing green.

    Comment by Laker Pauer — June 15, 2008 @ 11:54 pm

  169. @156 First of all, I enjoyed your comments. But…

    - Kobe got all ball before hitting Pierce’s side on that game-breaking steal. Is that still a foul? I don’t think so, of course.

    Are you seriously questioning a non-call on a Laker, after the kind of play the Celtics are getting away with, and after game 4 was sealed by a Pierce flop off about 1/10th of the contact that the Celtics routinely (not to mention ever more brazenly) get away with? Come on… the only reason the Lakers won this game is they finally realized they need to join the scrum.

    It’s going to take a miracle for the Lakers to win game 6. I’m counting on 1) refs realize this is basketball not rugby and 2) Pierce is hospitalized for a hangnail.

    Comment by now — June 15, 2008 @ 11:56 pm

  170. its not hate, its high expectations. and we know not to trust the lakers with big leads and such. i for one, who lives and dies with every possession, had to quell my emotions with that 19 point lead and it was justified; we gave it up! so dont chalk it up to hating, its just that we are true emotional fans and the only thing we HATE is not being the best team around.

    to be so calculated and evaluate things so even keeled is not what a lot of us are interested in. yet this is still the best forum on which to post our true laker feelings. i know there are a lot of well spoken and respected people on here wit