http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=FranchiseRankings-Intro

But that only proves that we’re both right that the ball needs to go to Pau, which in turn proves that we’re both smart and knowledgeable, which is the only thing that really matters. (Oh, and winning that Larry-someone trophy matters a bit too, I guess.)

(you’ll see what I mean when my last comment gets out of moderation)

Here’s a good read from KD on Pau:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Defining-Pau-Gasol-s-martyrdom?urn=nba,169544

The one thing I disagree with him on is that saying Kobe and Pau had equivalent 4th quarters. Pau is a much more willing passer than Kobe, and starting the ball in the post creates more movement and flow in our offense. So even if the shot attempts look the same, the offense really does run better through Pau. But KD makes the important distinction that this isn’t about how many shots Pau gets, it’s about his touches. That’s what is important to our offense.

And for tonight… crush them! Stomp them! Win! GO LAKERS!

Thanks for giving Luke his profs, especially in Game 1 he helped to put the dagger in Orlando. I would say he’s a more skilled player than Kurt was on offense. If this were the 80’s Luke would look like a much hotter property being able to bang with the best of them, adding some intelligence facilitating the offense, and having some moves and shots when the b’ball gods allow…

The inconsistent way they call games now–overlooking thuggish play sometimes and calling air fouls on other plays– doesn’t benefit a guy like Luke.

On another note: Phil has to exorcise the ghost of that evil cigar smoking mf’er Red Auerbach for his next ring, Kobe has to exorcise the ghost of the Big Diesel

…And now we have to deal w/ a little star spangled banner singing autistic girl???

Damn it!!!! God love the girl but the Black Mamba, et al. needs to send her crying back home along w/ all those other ghosts…

Go Lakers!!!

However, they also know that no one else believes so, and that world’s doubt in them combined with the enormous pressure that puts them under, is the real mental challenge for both players and coaching staff in Orlando. How do you deal with the terrible pressure and knowledge that if you lose this series, you will have to spend the entire summer and most of next season listening to “we told you so!”s from everyone who knew from the first tip-off against the Cavs, that you might be good, but you’re not good enough?