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There is no bigger game than tonight. A game 7 to decide the league champion? Hated rivals slugging it out for the trophy? I can’t think of a better way for this years Finals to be decided. As a fan, I’m thrilled. I’m also anxious as all get out with jitters being a too frequent companion to my day. My 20oz Peet’s coffee isn’t helping any, but that’s beside the point. Because the crux of the matter is that toninght we’ll find out if the Lakers can successfully defend their championship. We’ve waited over a 100 games for this moment and it’s finally upon us. Tonight is the night.
And as it’s been for the length of this hard fought series, the same keys to win remain. Both teams are looking to control the glass. Both teams want to execute their sets at a high level while minimizing turnovers. Both teams will look to get into the open court in order to not be bogged down by the oppositions excellent half court defense. Whoever does these things better for longer will win the game. It will take effort, energy, discipline, and poise. It will take each team’s best performance. Ahh, a game 7.
However, there are now some tweaks to it all. Tweaks necessitated by injury. As it was reported yesterday, the C’s will be without the services of their starting Center, Kendrick Perkins. This means that either Rasheed or Big Baby will get the starting nod from coach Doc Rivers. ‘Sheed has already said to reporters that it will be him that starts, while Rivers remains non-commital. Either way, the plan changes some. If ‘Sheed gets the start, the Lakers must be aware that some aspects of the Celtic’s offense changes. The baseline screen actions for Ray Allen will still play a prominent role in their sets, but we’ll also see a heavier does of high P&R’s. I’ll let Zephid explain:
The Sheed-Pierce or Sheed-Allen PNR are the plays to watch for. We can live with the KG-Pierce or KG-Allen PNR’s, because we generally force those shots to go to KG for open twos. But with Sheed, those open twos become open threes. Like I’ve said continuously, we can live with the open twos. It’s the open threes that we can’t give up, because our team just can’t make up the deficit. It’ll be on Gasol and Odom to hedge and recover quickly onto Sheed to cut off the three. How well the Lakers cover that play could be the deciding factor of this game.
Zephid is correct in that giving up open three balls to Wallace is a potentially dangerous thing this evening. He went oh-fer in game 6, but he’s hit some big shots in his career and in this series. In order to effectively cover this play, the Lakers need to rotate well and make Wallace make the extra pass or put the ball on the floor. This can be done in two ways. First is for the other big man that’s defending the paint to leave his man to rotate to Wallace. This option is the one most teams use because he’s the man that is in the best position to slide up the lane to the top of the key to contest the shot. This also keeps match ups in tact as it’s essentially a big man switch with the hedge man in our P&R defense recovering back to the paint to cover the vacated offensive player. Option two is to have Kobe roam off of Rondo and pick up Rasheed until the hedge man can recover. This is the option that the Lakers deployed in game 6 on every high P&R between Pierce and KG. Kobe’s ability to both cover the popping big man and then recover to Rondo is what made the Lakers P&R defense hum. I’m not sure which option will be employed, but both need to be executed cleanly and without hesitation in order to not give up open jumpers.
Perkins being out also affects the the Celtics defense against the Lakers offense. Perk is Boston’s best low post defender (though ‘Sheed is close – although foul prone) and missing him means the Lakers have more of an advantage inside. However, I actually don’t see this affecting the Lakers sets that much. In game 6, what worked the best was Kobe and Pau working from the elbows and mid/low post to get good shots for themselves while also picking out cutters from the weak side Triangle actions. I expect to see this same plan tonight until the C’s prove that they can limit the effectiveness of this set. I also expect to see a bit more P&R (another set the Lakers ran well in game 6) – especially when Wallace is in the game. ‘Sheed is still a very good post defender, but he’s lost some of his foot speed and may have trouble containing Kobe as he turns the corner. If Kobe can make Wallace defend him for just that extra second, it will open up the roll man on his dive while also compromising the C’s help schemes on the weak side.
Another tweak we may see is the Celtics going small. In his press conference yesterday, Doc Rivers mentioned that it’s a strong possibility the C’s will be forced to use line ups in this series that we’ve yet to see. And considering we’ve already seen Shelden Williams (who, if I were Doc we wouldn’t see again) I think this statement points us in the direction of the C’s using a line up with KG (or ‘Sheed) at Center with either Tony Allen or Paul Pierce at PF. This line up gives Boston a speed and quickness component while also keeping good defensive players on the floor. This line up also gives Doc a chance to use Tony Allen more – the player that just so happens to be their best option for defending Kobe. And while I see this as a unit that can potentially give the Lakers issues, I think this is also a line up that can be exploited on the back boards while also allowing the Lakers to further shrink the floor as Tony is a perimeter player that has struggled with his jumper. I think the counter to any such unit is to continue to pound the ball into the post to Pau while having the rest of the Lakers players (including Kobe and LO) work off the ball by flashing into to space as Pau surveys the floor.
All that said, this game is about more than just the X’s and O’s, energy, and determination needed to get the win. Sure, these thing matter in how the win is earned, but the game itself is transcends just a single contest. This game is symbolic. This game is about history. It’s about legacies. It’s about a rivalry renewed and the highest stakes possible. The fans know this. The players and coaches understand this too. There is just so much on the line for all the parties involved. Legacy is big word and involves careers and not just single contests. But it’s in games like that help define players legacies. And on that note, I give a word to one of my favorite FB&G’ers – Dex:
A Game Seven at home against the Celtics seems as good a way as any for Kobe Bean Bryant to seal the deal he made with Hermes some twenty-nine years ago, and finally take his place among the immortals. The fact that he already is immortal doesn’t change anything; he needs this win: the setting is too perfect, as if conceived of a divine dramatist just for him. But it isn’t only that he’ll avenge a bitter loss, and lead the fight against a hated foe, and claim his fifth ring (one shy of the master)–these things loom large, but it’s a story’s subtleties that round it out and deepen it and humanize it–that make or break the play. Kobe is Dostoevsky to Jordan’s Tolstoy, his fanaticism and genius are so personal that an observer is often as embarrassed as he is moved. His devotion to his art borders on the incredible, but his epics aren’t effortless. Of course no great epic is, but some poets hide it better than others. Kobe isn’t one of these. Poets of redemption wear their hearts on their sleeves, and the heart is a bloody organ. This year especially shines with the light of the redeemed. Ron Artest, for example–the madman; the f***-up; the bad joke of the league–redeemed. Gasol the soft; Fisher the fossil; the Odom who’s still on probation–redeemed. Look toward Kobe Bryant for their new illumination. And look toward him tonight, as he plays the game he was born to play, in the game he was born to win–Acta est fabula; plaudite!
And on that note, let’s get this win. And remember too, there is no better time to be a fan than tonight. Enjoy this moment. Savor it. We’ve talked about the journey to this point the entire season and we’re finally here as fans, rooting for the Lakers to claim the title. I know it’s tense and that the stakes are so high it’s almost unbearable. But, take that deep breath and then soak it all in. These opportunities are rare. We need to cherish them. Win #16 of this post season and title #16 for the Lakers are 48 minutes of basketball away. Let’s get it done.
John Matrix says
Oh wow.. Mexico just beat France in the World Cup.. If the Lakers win tonight…… LAPD needs to be out in force
JeremyLA24 says
This One’s For Warren!
John Matrix, Edit your post quick!
John Matrix says
Dang it! I tried =( feel free to delete my posts
Jaz says
Being the pessimist, I am fearful that Perkins’ absence will result in one of those legendary inspired Celtic efforts. Can you imagine Rasheed Wallace going down in Celtic lore as a hero? And against the Lakers??? These are the crazy thoughts I have as the clock slowly crawls….
Anonymous says
John Matrix just doesn’t know what he’s talking about JeremyLA24.
lil' pau says
What the F matrix?
Richard says
The only Laker blog with Latin. I love it.
In that spirit, later this night, may the Celtics and their fans hear the cry, “Vae victis!”
John Matrix says
I’m sorry, please don’t ban me
Anonymous says
I estimate that there will be around 600 messages on this board tonight.
SB says
If the Celtics use the small line-up mentioned above with PP or Tony Allen at PF, LO will need to have a huge impact on the offensive boards. His post-up game is not a strength so he can be defended initially by smaller guys (Posey was very effective at this in the 08 Finals) but LO can kill smaller guy on the boards.
Mimsy says
For Warren! For Charlie!
For the win.
Taylor says
We need the win to get us through the summer. How can we live knowing it slipped away? We can’t. We won’t.
This is it. I’m ready. Expect a performance of greatness from both teams, but we all know, if both play at their absolute best, as we would hope for the situation at hand, the Lakers will be triumphant.
Note: Remember Celtics Nation had the first spot on the post for Game 6. Apparently Warren’s luck likes the #2 spot as well.
rawrrrrrr says
I feel bad for the LAPD tonight
Riots will be worse if the Celtics win.
But they’re not, so we’re good=]
Mark says
So I’ve followed FB&G for a few years now, but this is my first post. Here’s my predicament:
I watched all 82 games this season and rooted my way through the playoffs minute by minute. My sister has her high school graduation tonight and I will be missing game seven. There’s no way around it. I’m pretty down, but hopefully not out…
Is there a way I can stream a radio feed (710 ESPN) through my blackberry curve to my bluetooth headset? I’m kind of clueless with these things, but whatever it takes to get the game somehow :/
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Louis says
OMG! No Warren on first post! I’m freaking out!
Skyhook33 says
“Both teams will look to get into the open court in order to not be bogged down by the oppositions excellent half court defense.” I actually think (and hope) that the Lakers have more than this narrow goal in mind. At the start, and well into game 6, the Lakers were pushing the ball back at the Celtics after every C’s possession, make or miss, and I think it was this strategy (rather than the more general ‘More Aggressive’ label that most commentators have applied to it) that resulted in a flowing offense and defense, and a struggling and discombobulated C’s offense.
The Lakers DO get to attack a scrambling defense at times when they push the ball, as well as having mismatches on the C’s defenders (such as Rondo on Kobe). But by running the ball at the Celtics, they can wear down long defenders such as Garnett, ‘Sheed, and Davis, who either have lots of milage, are not particularly well conditioned, or both.
The ‘fatigue factor’ can also work to lessen the efficiency of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, and reduce their effective minutes. Our backup guards, as well as Lamar Odom can continue to push the ball at the C’s the entire game, and I don’t think they can keep up with us.
Another advantage that is likely to accrue if we force the pace, is that the Celtics, who have had trouble with turnovers all season, are more likely to make some bad passes or mishandle the ball if the pace is quickened.
jcibal says
Probably more!!!
Let’s enjoy it!
Have fun people. It has been a wonderful season reading you all!
Go Lakers!
tsuwm says
re-posted from previous:
well, here we are; there is just no way to foresee what will happen tonight. this will probly come down to all of the good and bad karma that’s been piling up over the year – for both teams! and, just maybe, some of that old, unavenged karma that’s just been awaiting its moment will come to the fore!!
Don says
@Richard from previous thread
“With all the Laker courtesy I can muster, will people please stop propagating that nonsensical meme about Kobe’s “legacy” hanging in the balance? That’s utter tripe. He’s already got a Hall of Fame multi-championship legacy. It already is what it is. To get another ring would add to that legacy. Not to get another ring would not add to the legacy, but it would not detract from it either. What’s already been achieved can’t be unachieved.”
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Sadly, that’s not how everyone thinks. The perception of Kobe changed dramatically when he won a championship last year (“maybe Shaq needed him just as much as Kobe needed Shaq”). And the potential “last year was a fluke” vs. “w/ Bynum would’ve been a threepeat” perceptions are what hang in the balance. Sure, history cannot be unwritten, but unfortunately its the perception of history that shapes Kobe’s legacy. But while the majority of fans will use what happens tonight to cement their preconceptions, I’m not going to care either way because Kobe will always be the ultimate champion in my book. And you can for sure bet Kobe doesn’t give a damn about it either.
Darius, delete John Matrix comment for good Karma? (nothing personal John, this is too important!)
coolrunnings says
The list of refs for tonights game.
http://www.nba.com/news/referee.html
Joey Crawford, Danny Crawford, Scott Foster
Louis says
I wanted Bill Kennedy for a ref since we’re undefeated last 2 postseasons when officiating us. But hope they do a good job
Matt says
What a fantastic article. It truly captures the moment. I’m glad I saved this one to read last. I love it.
Kobe plays the game he was born to play in the game he was born to win.
Let’s get it done! Nothing left to say.
sfjayp says
Beautiful writeup.
I think i’ve consumed every single byte of nba chatter on the interwebs today. This is getting ridiculous. Cannot wait.
And yes, over-under on posts on FB&G tonight….:550. The only one here who won’t enjoy it is whoever is footing the bandwidth bill.
sillybitch says
oh.my.word. the win tonight will give bragging rights and “remember when” stories for the next 20 years…let’s go lakers!
PJ says
Soccer news on a Laker blog game 7 preview….WTF!!!!!!!
Feel says
Hey John Matrix! Luck is just an excuse. The “lucky” Lakers will will luck (like me now;)
flip says
fantastic snippet from dex. that one is for the ages! wallace plays decent defense on pau. the “pull the chair out” defense always gets pau upset. wallace also is pretty good posting up. if we can take away the 3, i think that will hurt sheed’s confidence and get him pissed and off his game. let’s do this!
sparky says
No worries Matrix, recall that CelticsNation screwed up the “for Warren” first post before Game 6–remember how that turned out?!
While this game is FOR WARREN, Matrix’s post was a good omen…thank you JohnMatrix.
GO LAKERS!!! SIXTEEN! SIXTEEN! SIXTEEN!!
Doug from Edmonton Canada says
GO LAKERS GO! Revenge will never be sweeter than it will be tonight! Great post by Dex, that got me so fired up I think PJ should use it to motivate the team!
Andreas G. says
Someone (preferably someone with a lot of time on their hands) should check the win percentage when we have the Warren-thing going compared to the times when somebody ruins it. (Yes, I’m looking at you Mr Matrix!;))
Zephid says
721 was the mark set by Game 4 of last year’s Finals. If this game is as epic as billed, we break that easily.
lil' pau says
2 hours, 41 minutes….I hope they’ve got 2008 game 6 on in the locker room for extra motivation…
I can’t sit still, so let me yell it from the rooftop:
LET’S GO LAKERS!!!!!
Reed says
I hate to be dramatic, but this really is a significant moment in the life of a Lakers fan. We may never again face such a perfect storm of Laker basketball intrigue.
The stage is set: the two most relevant and interesting teams in the league; hated, historic rivals; one trying to avenge a recent finals loss; the greatest Laker of all time — and the most interesting player of the post-Jordan era — in his prime, trying to check off one of the few remaining items on his legacy to-do list; the greatest coach of all time vs. a potential successor; Staples Center, stuffed with the most interesting crowd in sports; etc., etc.
We are blessed to witness this moment of preeminent relevance — and nothing ultimately matters more for a fan than to cheer for a relevant team. One that matters, that people talk about and remember, that people love and hate. With players that define and shape rather than participate in the sport.
Putting all false modesty aside, treasure our place in this great moment. We love the most relevant team in the league. The clear standard bearer. The unequivocal dominant franchise of the modern (i.e. relevant) era. We are led by the owner who matters most, by the coach who matters most, and by the player who matters most. In a very real sense, the league is the Lakers and everybody else, and things are only interesting to the degree there is proper matchup between us and a worthy opponent — so that fans can line up on polarized ends, loving and hating the great empire.
And, there is no more worthy opponent than Boston. Even more so than the 2008 version, which always felt a bit counterfeit as the roster was constructed through a combination of anti-sportsmanship (tanking), failure (missing on Durant), and undeserved assistance (McHale-Garnett). The 2008 Celtics always felt too mercenary-ish. Garnett, Allen, Posey, House, Brown — these were hired guns unworthy of Boston’s vaunted tradition. Boston vs. LA was cast as a clash of rivals, but it rang hollow as we really weren’t playing “Boston” so much as “Garnett’s gang.” Things are different now. Garnett and Allen are now Boston in a very real sense. We’ll remember them as Celtics in 30 years. They, with Pierce and Rondo, have nobly taken Bird’s torch and embody the grit and grime and guts of Boston sports. In this repeat showdown, we witness Boston vs. LA, in its pure form, for the first time. The teams hate eachother. The fans hate eachother. The cities hate eachother. All is as it should be.
But, beyond that glorious team matchup, this is really about Kobe. NBA teams only matter and succeed to the degree they are driven by timeless superstars — those rare gods that come along, collect rings in bunches, and leave us arguing their place in the historic hierarchy. We’ve been blessed as Laker fans with a steady stream of such lights. Some franchises are still searching for their first taste. When all is said and done, Kobe will go down as the greatest of all the Lakers. He’ll have the most rings and have been the most fascinating. We get to see him tonight, perhaps for the first time with everything on the line, against the greatest of foes, at the full height of his powers. Those powers will soon fade. LA will pass into another Ceballos/Threat era, and we’ll listfully pine away for 2010. It may never come again.
So, enjoy this ride tonight. You may never care more about who wins a basketball game.
Matt R. says
What a great write-up. What a great piece by Dex. It makes me yearn to see a montage of Lakers games leading up to this moment with some voice-over…
If it be a sin to covet honor, we are the most offending souls alive.
Proclaim it that he which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart; we would not die in that man’s company that fears his fellowship to die with us.
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, but we’ll remember, with advantages what feats we did this day. Then shall our names be remembered.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…[fade to slow-motion Lakers taking the court together]
bypasser says
i don’t want to think of anything worth posting but this:
LET’s GO LAKERS! clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!
God speed.
needle says
Win! Humiliate them! Destroy them! When they look destroyed enough, do not stop! Show no mercy! Go Lakers!
Glove says
Go Lakers,
Thanks to all at FB&G for making this an enjoyable season with excellent posts after excellent posts
bry4n7 says
After the two slowest days in the office of my life, I have made peace with either result of tonight’s game. The anticipation has gone away, the hype has left my mind, and I am in the mind state of “gametime”. Probably going to hit the local park after work/before tipoff to shoot around and reflect on the great season our Lakers have given us thus far.
From the pre-season game I saw @the Forum vs. the Warriors to tonight’s epic Game 7, this season has been nothing short of great.
Beat the GREEN for sweet SIXTEEN!
LET’S GO LAKERS!
Matt R. says
Zack over at the Lost Angeles blog has a funny look at why and how a Laker fan hates the Celtics.
http://lostangelesblog.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/its-hard-not-to-hate-boston/
Also felt like sharing my comment that I made over there because, frankly, I’m already too amped to work.
Lakers vs. Celtics is what sports is about. It’s visceral. It’s tactile. It’s tangible and real.
If you like basketball, there isn’t another rivalry you’ll ever find that creates such bad blood between the fans. When these two teams play, the fans of the losing team can’t sleep (I know, I’m one of them). They feel conquered and violated in a fashion that goes as far beyond spectating as you can get.
The fans live and die with their side of the rivalry.
I’m a fan of many sports teams, and passionate about all of them…but nothing excites the blood and ignites the senses; fills every ounce of being with worry, doubt, bravado, and anticipation like Lakers vs. Celtics.
For 50 weeks this year I had friends in Boston. I had friends that loved the Celtics. For the past two weeks I’ve had no such friends. Neither of us dare grant the other any quarter. Too much is at stake.
Go Lakers! Beat the Green! Our home, our town, our floor, our trophy!
Lauren says
I’m not sure what seems more excruciating to go through: labor or anticipating what may or may not happen in this Game 7. What Laker fans want delivered is a championship. Let’s see if this mother of a game can give it to us.
For those going to the game in person (can’t do so myself; I live in Nor-Cal), show your purple-and-gold pride and make. Some. NOISE. Smuggle in those vuvuzuelas or even a kazoo to the game to raise some decibels. (Bonus points if you manage to bring one in and you’re sitting right behind the Celtics bench and you blow one of those things loudly in their ears.) If you lose your voice and hear ringing in your ears after leaving the game, then you’ve done your job. Just don’t riot after the game.
I want to sleep well without worry and crushed dreams tonight. Pretty please.
Do it for the ultimate revenge and redemption.
Do It.
Defend the title.
Go Lakers.
joel r says
2 hours left…
im dying in anticipation
DY says
Looking forward to the Sweet Sixteenth title tonight. Beautifully put (@ 34). This is the proverbial alignment of the stars moment for the Lakers. I truly believe the brand of basketball that the Lakers play is one that the league should aspire to play. Another win by a team that is just downright brutish and profane is not what basketball is meant to be (except Ray Allen’s stroke, which will be rendered null tonight).
I am as nervous as anyone, but am hopeful because Kobe and Phil will have this team ready. Let’s go!
Ray Sharpe says
I cannot wait for this game! I’ve been waiting two years for this rematch. I’m seriously getting goosebumps thinking about it! I guess I really just remember from 1984, when I was 10, and beyond, but I’ve done my homework over the years. I told my dad before the series that this is the matchup I wanted. He said, well, you got it. He still isn’t comfortable because he lived through all those series in the ’50’s and 60’s, but we are going to win tonight. I’ve gone through all the matchups and key points, but I think I am beyond that now. I knew from go that this series was going to go to Game 7. I can’t wait!
Anonymous says
Sorry but who is Warren and Charlie?
Let’s go Lakers!
Snoopy2006 says
Reed, that was beautiful. And now every comment that follows will seem inadequate by comparison.
I would like to win tonight.
TB-8788 says
Memorable moment from the 1985 title won in Boston: Kevin McHale on his hands and knees after fouling out in game 6 clincher, while an incredulous Dick Stockton (broke into business as Boston sports anchor) and Tommy Heinsohn (old Celtics never die; they become bitter broadcasters) lamented, “You can’t foul Kevin McHale out of a game 6 in Boston Garden!”.
Memorable moment from the 1987 title won at the Forum in game 6: Celtics led by 1 in the 3rd quarter, with Kareem on the bench with his 4th foul. James Worthy deflected a post entry pass, chased it to the sideline, and laid out full extension thrust to tap it sideways to a streaking Magic. The ensuing dunk put the Lakers up 1 and they never looked back.
There will be a memorable moment in tonight’s game. I want it to be like Worthy’s above- defense igniting offense; a stick of dynamite in a logjam. That’s when the Lakers are at their best, and that’s why we will bring #16 home tonight.
lesha says
i´d like to thank everyone here for another amazing year on FB&G. this is the moment we have been waiting for. some of us thought it would never happen, some of us never doubted that our journey will lead us back to championship game.
we are truly lucky to be rooting for the best basketball team there is. i can live with any result because this team gave everything to get back here and repeat. our leader played through multiple injuries to give us this homecourt advantage and there is no way we will go down without causing a LOT of damage tonight.
our team knows that this win is ours, we as fans know deep inside that there is no way around another title, and the rest of the world will know after tonights game.
BRING IT ON!!!!!!
Andreas G. says
Snoopy: +1
Reed’s post really didn’t left much to be said – except that I’m, as usual, not looking forward to the game. I simply don’t get how you guys are able to enjoy these moments; I just feel sick about them=)
Daven says
FOCUS, DETERMINATION, WILL, HEART, DESIRE, LAKER PRIDE=
SWEET SIXTEEN
Taylor says
THIS IS A TRUE STORY (that happened about 10min ago):
I was driving home from work (which as you all know, I spent all day on FB&G). I was nervous, yet in a great mood; quite excited. I pulled off the freeway onto my exit, and there was a transient man with a “Homeless, God Bless” sign. Moved by the moment, I looked in my wallet. A few bills, the smallest of which was a $5. I decided to go for it. I honked, rolled down the window and held it out. He came frolicking over. He came close, I said, “Are you a Lakers fan?” He grumbled and said “uhhhhh,” and reached for the money. I pulled it back. I told him, “You are tonight!” and gave him the money. As I pulled away, he stared at me, pointed, and smiled.
We have one extra fan with us.
Feel says
Haha, if someone not familiar to NBA read this thread , that person would certainly think that this is Humanity’s last day.
Mimsy says
We are officially beyond the jinxing, the motivational speeches, and all talk about luck. Nothing we do can affect the outcome of the game. If the team isn’t motivated by sheer fact they’re playing Game 7 on their home court, they don’t deserve to win. Luck is nothing but a combination of hard work, preparation, and skill.
Kobe doesn’t make contested jumper after contested jumper because he’s lucky. He makes the shots because he works harder than anyone else in the league at improving his game, and towards perfecting it. He’s led his team to this moment and earned the right to be here, and so have everyone else on the roster who followed his example and came through when he needed to team to make a stand with him.
This is it. All bets are off, everything is laid bare. This is the kind of big stage where champions become legends, and we as fans are very lucky to have a team like this to support.
Gr8 Scott says
I can’t believe the last game of the season, for the title, is here. I am so worried, excited, anxious and nervous. Having watched games since ’87, this is huge. Ushering in my 4 month old son along with the 8 year old. We’ve got 48 minutes to outplay, outhustle and outwork our biggest rivals for title #16.
Go Lakers!!
Feel says
It is nice
to realize
history in your eyes
Palani says
gogogogogo lakers!!!!!
Taylor says
Xtina Aguilera is doing the National Anthem again.
Apparently we roll w/ the superstitious? Who would have thought?! ; )
magic days says
Only a little more than a half hour to go. I can’t wait. Lakers vs Celtics game 7. Enough said.
Play hard, leave everything out there. Win or go home!
We are going to take this!
GO LAKERS!!!
3ThreeIII says
Go Lakers!
I feel terrible about Perkins. No one should miss out on the once in a lifetime stuff because of a fluke injury.
That said, if the Lakers do not take advantage of this I may literally tear my beard out.
We MUST go inside against Wallace and Davis and create not only opportunities to score and rebound, but also generate fouls.
Use Bynum early, BEFORE his knee swells beyond his bearing it, and punish the Celtics inside. Force Doc Rivers to play Williams for 22+ minutes and we are well on our way to winning this game.
And, if we get in Boston’s head (Rasheed and Big Baby especially) good things might occur in terms of technical fouls and their losing focus and confidence.
On top of all that, the Crawfords (Joey and Danny) reward aggressors with they way the call games. Give the referees a reason to favor us!
Be aggressive. Be focused. Give our big men a lot of touches.
Go Lakers!
T. Rogers says
MImsy said it all. I was nervous before game six. I woke up very relaxed this morning. Today, last season’s champs will become this season’s legends. I am not nervous AT ALL for this one. Phil, Kobe, and Pau will lead our guys back to the summit!
LONG LIVE THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS!!!
joe wright says
Well, only 30 minutes to 3 AM here in Europe.
My last sleep NBA based deprivation till October.
Ready to go.
Go Lakers¡
Taylor says
The nervousness seems to fade, but trust me, as the ball gets tossed for the tip, it will rush back to us, the fans. We can only up the players use it as positive energy, not fear or anxiety.
It ends tonight. Pre-game time!
Mimsy says
And lil’pau is actually there. I am so jealous.
Buttas says
Loved being on this site and with this team.
Our time is now. Win tonight and send those C’s packing!
Let’s Go Lakers! (Clap-Clap-clapclapclap)
kehn says
Today is June 17th
17 is the number of championships the Celtics WON’T have after tonight
17 is the number of Finals home games that Kobe/Fish and Phil have played together, with tonight’s contest.
17 is May 17th of last year, when the Lakers won a game 7 vs. Houston and the Celtics lost a game 7 vs. Orlando.
17 was Rick Fox who exemplified the Kobe-era role players’ willingness to do all the dirty work and the little things, and who our current role players would do well to emulate.
17 is Andrew Bynum, our young lion who’s left it all out on the floor and played with the heart of a champion.
17 is the number of titles we’ll be chasing after tonight.
Let’s do this! Eyes on the prize, guys.
joel r says
oh god…im already tensing up like crazy….i’ve changed my shirt twice now!
i know we all want a competitive game, but i would really enjoy lakers blowing out the celtics…..so you know, i can ease up and not pass out
adam says
Come on Lakers!
1. Win it for Chick Hearn, who loved this team more than anything.
2. Win it for Magic Johnson, who 26 years ago, kicked a Game 7 away.
3. Win it for Pau Gasol, who despite being called a Llama and viewed as overrated by Celts fans, remains a class act all the way.
4. Win it for the fans of Los Angeles, who would love nothing more than to beat Boston.
5. Win it for Kobe Bryant, who one day will retire and look back at this game as a seminole game for his legacy.
6. Win it for me, who started following the Lakers in 1985, partly because I was falling in love with the game of basketball, and partly because it took my mind of a serial killer ravaging SoCal in ’85 (the Night Stalker).
Anyone…?
Jaybird says
There’s really nothing more than needs to be said, but I’m going to comment anyway to let you all know I’m right here with you all, legs shaking, heart pounding, fists clenching.
HERE. WE. GO.
History in the making baby. GO LAKERS.
Mimsy says
Okay. I’ve been calm all day, but now I’m scared. Nervous. Anxious. Frightened.
And so excited I can’t sit still or think straight.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Taylor says
Ok boys and girls. This is to crossing off the last little line on the mirror. I won’t be joining you for the blog-ride, too much company, too much stress.
I will rejoin you later. Enjoy the ride. Thanks for everything thus far.
Lake Show.
sparky says
Zero hour. I’m incapable of typing during games (or much else, other than jumping, dancing, cheering, or flinging things in frustration).
The next time I visit FB&G, I expect the Lakers to be 16-time WORLD CHAMPS!
ENJOY THE GAME. GO LAKERS!
coolrunnings says
If we win tonight we should hire Christina Aguilera as our full time national anthem singer.
Steve W says
Go lakers!
And win or lose thank you darius and FB&G for running a great site. I watch most games alone (young kids, non-sports-wife, brothers out of state) and it helps to have a place to gather and share the good and bad. I read more than comment as I am sure many do, but it always helps.
kehn says
Taylor and Sparky – see you guys on the flip side. Go Lakers!
And @ 73: *yes* Thank you times a thousand to Darius.
JeremyLA24 says
71 Sparky- dido
God speed Laker Nation!
If you want to play for all the marbles you gotta use your own marbles.
Lakers8884 says
Put it all on the line and leave nothing on the court
Mohan says
Oh man, my pulse is racing already. This is emotional overdrive.
Let’s go Lakers. This is your championship to win.
Darius says
Game time! My excitement level is unparalleled. Let’s go Lakers.
Steve W says
I am glad the players handle stress better than me. I couldn’t dribble down a highway right now.
Palani says
and Let’s beat the hell out of the most hated celtics in this universe!
Anonymous says
I am nervous. Scared. Thrilled. Emotional. Tense. Giddy . . . I’m going to explode.
Don says
Let’s do this.
Mimsy says
Seconding everyone else in thanking Darius very much for running a great blog. Thanks for putting up with our whining, trolling, flaming and constant negativity as well 😉
Now. Now we get to watch history be made. See you on the other side, everyone!
Glove says
Fisher yes with a 3
coolrunnings says
Pau Gasol has 5 offensive rebounds in 3 minutes.
edit: scratch that. he just grabbed his 6th.
J-M says
WOW! WHAT THE F***!
I understand that we should let the players play, but that’s ridiculous.
magic days says
What?!!! NO foul on that kobe play?
Zephid says
These refs are fucking bullshit. 4 obvious fouls completely not called against the Celtics, 1 touch foul against Pau Gasol. Fucking bullshit, and I never get pissed about refs.
james says
no love from refs so far
Lakers8884 says
Pau has got to go up stronger and look to dunk instead of laying it in
Steve W says
Refs left whistles in locker room, I guess. Should be a violent evening.
Josh says
The refs are swallowing their whistles big-time so far.
Buttas says
so no fouls are going to be called at all? That def. helps the C’s. Hopefully we can just play through that.
Let’s go guys!
emh101 says
Even with the early deficit, the Lakers are following the recipe for success.
Matt R. says
Referees are going to apparently let a lot of contact and grabbing go on. Lakers need to adjust.
Mohan says
Pau needs to do more work before the pass to keep Rasheed off the block. Every Boston score has come within 15 feet.
lesha says
our guys energylevel off the charts… love it!
Tyler says
I see the refs are going to allow vintage ‘foul every play and let the refs sort it out’ Celtic defense to go uninterrupted tonight.
3ThreeIII says
Cannot complain about the Lakers offense so far. They are going inside, being active.
That said, I can complain about the referees. Wallace flat out tackled Kobe. Garnett pushed Pau to the ground on Rondo’s drive. Tons of Celtic hacking, and no whistles yet.
Someone on the Lakers needs to throw an elbow. Loosen up those whistles. Hack Rondo would be a good plan.
Go Lakers.
sfjayp says
The thing that sucks about a start like this, is that if the lakers “hit 2nd” than they’ll be screwed with the foul calls.
Best we can hope for is that they give us a couple makeup calls to reign it in. If not… Jesus… this is going to be a rugby match.
lesha says
refs will start to do their job soon. our guys have to stay with it
joel r says
yeah, the refs are really letting them go at it
i hope kobe finds his shooting touch quick
Lakers8884 says
God Kobe is getting murdered.
Buttas says
they are playing a perfect game and we are still mauling them. it will swing back our way just have to keep up the intensity.
oh and make some shots.
Mohan says
Gotta smarten up on D and make some shots in the paint. You could see that 3 by Ray Allen from a mile away.
lesha says
beating them to the loose balls, boards, anything. just not hitting shots YET. it will change, trust me
3ThreeIII says
Tough to make shots when you are getting hammered on the forearms…
Jaybird says
Ray is playing good D on Kobe but he’s also getting away with a lot of shoving and reaching.
Andreas G. says
If this is the way game 7’s are being reffed, the Lakers need to employ Brock Lesnar next time. He would do well in the middle.
Matt R. says
1-4 from the stripe.
Matt R. says
2 fouls on Pau.
Andreas G. says
Jeez that second foul is a disaster..
emh101 says
Ugh. Bad shots by Kobe so far.
busboys4me says
The Celts are getting away with holding, grabbing, and everything else they can get away with. Pau gets his second when Sheed should have two because he pulled Kobe down. We are in trouble.
Matt R. says
2 fouls on Garnet.
busboys4me says
Garnett should have three. He held Gasol on Ray Allen’s three.
Dick Barnett says
Lakers are letting these guys set the tempo. They cannot allow the Celtics to have the lead at the half.
Lakers have to get that lead, it is absolutely crucial in these types of games.
Celtics know they have to get the lead, extend it, then hang on and the crown is theirs.
Matt R. says
That was no foul on Bynum.
emh101 says
The Lakers need to settle down and go back to the post.
Lakers8884 says
We are forcing too many things on offense, we need a ton of ball movement, not a ton of 1 on 1
BH says
THIS is how you start a game 7?! These guys don’t deserve to wear those uniforms.
joel r says
ughhhh….almost all our baskets have been tough
dhilos says
lakers are tight. they need to relax just a bit. And kobe is trying too hard
3ThreeIII says
Celtics 10-17 FGA.
Lakers 6-27 FGA.
This game will be excruciating if the Lakers out rebound the Celtics, and lose anyway…
This is what people that hate the Lakers mean when they say “soft”. The Lakers simply do not hit back well, and they do rattle when roughed up.
Need to dig down here fellas, and have a solid 2nd quarter.
Go Lakers!
emh101 says
Ugly first quarter.
cy says
holy crap, this game is going the way of Game 5…where’s the D? Celtics shooting over 60%
Josh says
Terrible first quarter offensively.
Buttas says
Umm Kobe, pass the ball? That’s a few forced shots.
We need to regroup…
Mohan says
That was an awful quarter by Kobe. Horrible decision making from beginning to end.
Matt R. says
OK, that was the ugliest shooting display I’ve ever seen from the Lakers.
And I didn’t think our defense was too bad, but they’re hot as hell. 59% from the floor for the Celtics.
Lakers shooting 33%.
lesha says
jesus, shots just not falling
inwit says
14 points in the quarter, ugh.
Zephid says
There were about 3-5 Celtic fouls that went uncalled that quarter. It’s tough to make shots when your arms are getting hacked repeatedly. I can’t believe this is happening.
Pimosa says
Like others have said, our guys are trying to win it by themselves with individual play. Need much better ball movement and execution if we even want to have a chance. Boston is fully engaged tonight.
noles says
I wish the Lakers were shooting 33%! Try 22%. Make a damn shot!
Matt R. says
I agree with Zephid. We’re getting to the loose balls, we’re going inside, we’re rebounding…but when you can’t get your arms up, it’s hard to get a clean shot off.
Dick Barnett says
Just as I feared. After a big blowout, the team that won comes out flat, and the team that got embarrassed comes out with fire.
Lakers down 9 after one.
They better start realizing that this (letting them have the lead, and extending it) cannot go on, or they are going to be losers tonight.
Andreas G. says
Let’s hope the Lakers just want to make this interesting..
Buttas says
Well I guess we need to start fouling ourselves since there will be no fouls called tonight.
At least we cant cut down on the FG%…
Alex says
It’s nice how the NBA changes the rules in game 7.
chearn says
The Lakers are holding on to the ball too long, not moving it to the open man. Playing very tentatively!
Don says
Boston clearly overloading on Kobe let’s make some cuts & passes.
Mimsy says
The refs are so determined not to become the story after the game, that they’re not doing their job. Disgusting.
(By the way, this is my first comment since the game started and I’m posting comments too quickly?)
joel r says
kobe, please stop taking terrible shots
lakers, run the offense!
Matt R. says
Ron Artest is not doing well on offense. He’s tentative and confused again.
Matt R. says
Jesus. Can someone make a freethrow?
joel r says
i forgot to add, hit your free throws!
Josh says
Foul calls won’t matter if the Lakers can’t hit their damn FT’s.
J-M says
The Lakers are definitely not out of the game, but the referees sure have dug a huge hole for the Lakers.
I think we reserve the right to bitch about the officiating so far tonight.
With that said, hit all our free throws and we are not that far behind.
magic days says
Lakers need to be decisive. they need to get the ball moving and get an open shot. celtics are going to swarm anyone who has the ball too long.
Matt R. says
What exactly did Sasha do while fronting for that foul there?
Josh says
Nice move Artest!
Joel says
I think we’ve created about 5 good shots so far.
Alex says
Lamar getting outshined by Big Baby AGAIN
Lakers8884 says
Love to see Lamar on the attack tonight, he has come out looking to drive and not shoot jump shots
Drew says
So what does phil do with Pau…he needs to play big mins for the lakers to win tonight
Buttas says
better start in the 2nd. Phil has settled them down a bit it seems.
But please please please secure those rebounds.
Matt R. says
The 2 fouls on Gasol have forced Phil to break his 10 minutes per half plan for Bynum. Andrew’s looking OK though.
joe wright says
I wouldn t see Pau anxious about foul trouble.
I think I prefer to bench him till halftime and then 24 straight minutes.
Just an opinion
Josh says
I wouldn’t go so far as to say Lamar is getting outshined by Big Baby. Davis has scored a few points, but Bynum was primarily guarding him, not Odom. Odom missed a free-throw, but if he stays aggressive and keeps driving, good things will come of it.
Buttas says
Crash the boards and keep grinding LA.
Come on!
Don says
Let’s settle down and convert
Pimosa says
Don’t know what’s so wrong with the officiating so far. Our guys are going up soft (Pau) and KG is playing great help D. I agree that Sheed foul on Kobe was pretty ridiculous, but it’s been pretty even so far.
Andreas G. says
Joe: I don’t agree. I say let him play with those fouls and tell him to play like he normally does. He very rarely fouls out.
chearn says
Look to DUNK everything, Lakers! That’s the only way we can win this game!
The threes are fool’s gold to the Lakers!
Move the ball and CUT!
Please Kobe get double digit assists
Andreas G. says
And I don’t agree that Pau has been going up soft. He isn’t Dwight Howard though, and he never will be.
Joel says
Real shooting clinic going on here…
Lakers8884 says
Yuck two wide open 3s missed
Matt R. says
Ron’s defense is ON tonight.
cy says
Yes, that’s the D!
Lakers8884 says
THIS is Laker Defense
J-M says
THIS IS WHAT WE WANT TO SEE.
LOL, JACK NICHOLSON !
magic days says
Queensbridge!
Matt R. says
RON!
Lakers8884 says
Can someone please knock down an open jumper?
Matt R. says
Wow. Ugly offense right now.
Mohan says
I love the hustle on the offensive boards, but they’re playing two speeds too fast on their shots.
Buttas says
wow we can not shoot. Pau has missed so many open shots it seems. I mean if you could his free throws he is def, tight.
Josh says
Seriously…the inside game looks pretty good, but the shooting is just awful right now. And Farmar made the wrong decision with that transition layup. Should have held onto the ball and ran the offense.
kehn says
We missed some chances to go up 4-6, but if we keep up the D and the boards, we’ll be fine
Andreas G. says
This game might be ugly, but amazingly intense.
joel r says
lakers are really missing everything. i really expected one of those 3s to go in.
and pau doesnt have his shooting stroke either
emh101 says
Yes, Mohan, the Lakers need to take a deep breath and settle down. This second period, though, makes me feel better. If we rebound like this all game, things will continue to swing in our favor.
Josh says
On the plus side, if the Lakers loosen up a little, they just took the Celtics’ 1st quarter shot in the mouth and answered back- if they start knocking down those jumpers, they’ll kill the Celtics with the amount of energy they’re bringing on D right now.
Matt R. says
Agree that Farmar made a horrible decision going for that layup in transition with Celtics everywhere instead of setting up the offense.
Drew says
Ron HAS to hit an open 3 to keep this defense honest…they are just leaving him completely wide open
Don says
So intense nobody has legs for shots. Ron to all the loose balls first
chearn says
The Lakers don’t look as committed as a whole to playing tenacious defense. Too many baskets in the paint!
Both teams are playing tight right now, the first team to calm down and just play basketball will win this game!
The Lakers were down early but its knotted up right now! We need more movement! The problem with Ron spotting up in the corner for the three is that he’s not making them and that takes him away from the rebound. Its harder to find Pierce in transition from the corner!
sfjayp says
we see the refs don’t want to have to foul anyone out tonight… and the Cs are taking advantage. A few of the “bad” shots by kobe bring back bad memories of ’08 where the Cs would foul him 3 times in small ways right before he went up.
That fade that hit the backboard? Nice grab forearm grab by PP as kobe spun to go up.
Matt R. says
Their shooting is down to sub-50%
Matt R. says
That was a holding foul on KG! Dammit.
Lakers8884 says
Jesus we cannot hit a damn shot
Matt R. says
3 on KG
Lakers8884 says
There we go Kobe force the referees to make the call
Buttas says
you know they didn’t want to call that foul on KG.
Glove says
That’s it Kobe drive to the basket and get the FTs
Jane says
To shoot this poorly and only be down by 2 is a miracle of hustle effort. Good Laker omen. Shots will eventually fall.
Matt R. says
Holy handgrenade. Kobe misses ANOTHER freethrow.
Josh says
omg it is KILLING me to see these free-throw misses…
J-M says
C’mon. FREE throws. FREE. Take advantage of it.
Buttas says
I really hope we find our shooting touch at some point…
magic days says
Thank god jesus is missing.
Lakers8884 says
Good Lord finally a damn shot falls
Matt R. says
Dear Ron Artest,
I love you.
Matt R. says
Kobe is trying WAY too hard.
He and Gasol look tight and everyone else is playing within the flow of the game.
Buttas says
kobe will have a half to rewrite his worst performance that I can remember.
Horrible.
Matt R. says
WHAT?
Josh says
Fisher…jeez
Lakers8884 says
PAU go stronger to the whole and dunk the damn ball.
Two bogus calls on Fisher.
joe wright says
That call on Fisher and previous no call on Sheed is outrageous.Period
kehn says
Bad bad call
Zephid says
The refs have gotten better since that absolutely bullshit first quarter, but that 2nd foul on Fisher was horrible.
busboys4me says
Why are the refs only letting Boston play. Sheed just fouled Pau, no call. Allen trips over himself on a mis-dribble foul. Paul P. holds Fish off on a steal and a foul is called on Fish. Play this shit fair. Damn.
lesha says
HOW WAS THAT A FOUL ON FISH?!?!?!?!?
Don says
Put Wallace in the pick and roll stop posting him up!
inwit says
need to keep it close at the half.
Buttas says
No foul on Pau’s drive? I mean call the foul already…
magic days says
Wow, this is all d. at this rate the both teams will be lucky to get 70 points.
Andreas G. says
Kobe and Pau are 5 for 23, yet the Lakers are only down by two. I choose to take this as a good sign as their bad shooting can’t possibly continue.
I have to give credit to the Celtics though. All of Kobe’s shots are tough, and Pau is actually being really aggressive but defended to perfection.
joel r says
kobe and pau are a combined 5 for 23
oh my god
this will come down to lakers hitting their shots or boston securing rebounds
BH says
Never expected Kobe to be a goat in the biggest game of his life, but wow he sure is. My respect for him is going down the drain in a hurry.
chearn says
Kobe is playing for the record books right now! He needs to play to win this game! He’s picturing himself in interviews in the post game describing how it feels to win 16.
Well, that won’t happen unless someone (D. Fish) goes to him and tells him to settle down and play THIS GAME possession by possession!
Celtics are hitting their freethrows and the Lakers are not!
Where’s the leadership!
Alex says
Kobe playing like ass
Matt R. says
Free throws. Make free throws and we’re up. Free throws.
Matt R. says
Kobe has 12 shots already. That’s TOO MANY.
Matt R. says
13 shots, but that was about as open as you get.
Lakers8884 says
Jesus we have now had to post up Artest for offense, come on guys pick it up
Buttas says
Wow. I was really hoping that Kobe could hit that open 3 to get his rythm back.
Nope and then Pierce hits a 3 on the other end.
Don says
Now refs will adjust to control the game. ThAt’s to our advantage
lesha says
artest mvp of this game so far
Matt R. says
Artest playing for MVP honors tonight?
Josh says
I can’t believe how badly Kobe and Gasol are playing right now…Artest is keeping us in this game.
Joel says
Artest is keeping us in this game. I guess the good news is, Pau and Kobe can’t possibly play any worse in the second half.
Matt R. says
Bullshit foul called against Bynum. He wasn’t moving. WTF?
Zephid says
Another bullshit call by Joey Crawford. I can’t believe this is happening in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Mohan says
Boston gets a bump on the perimeter = foul. Kobe gets hugged from end-to-end = nothing.
emh101 says
This has been a fairly horrendous half and this game is still very much in reach.
Buttas says
We just need Pau or Kobe to win this. To have neither? We are done.
chearn says
I’m giving Ron Artest his props right now! He’s given the Lakers everything that they’ve required from him this season.
3ThreeIII says
THAT was a foul on Bynum, but the Celtics hacking in the pain gets no whistles?
I will NEVER understand NBA referees.
Lakers8884 says
I dont think this half offensively could have gone any worse for us
Matt R. says
What the hell are the Lakers doing? Odom didn’t look for anyone but Kobe, Kobe didn’t move and took another horrid shot.
emh101 says
Kobe is getting mugged. I wonder how much money the Celtics have stolen from his wallet.
Don says
Pierces go to move flop that defies basic rules of physics on the perimeter. In other news lo needs a gut check
Anonymous says
Wake up Kobe! Wake up Pau!
Matt R. says
That’s about the ugliest half I’ve ever seen from the Lakers.
Matt R. says
26% from the field for us.
inwit says
Well if Bryant and Gasol choke we don’t deserve it.
kehn says
The flip side of the bad no-calls is that I’m not sure I want us shooting FT’s right now 🙁
emh101 says
The Lakers are just not hitting their shots. Hopefully, they’ll loosen up in the second half.
noles says
That’s the most pathetic display of offense I’ve ever seen. High school teams shoot better and score more than that! Geez…
J-M says
I believe the 26% stat has something to do with the Lakers players being smacked, hacked, clawed, and shoved, on shot attempts.
The referees supposedly review their work during the halftime. Maybe they will realize how blatant they have been and actually fuckin’ do something about it.
Alex says
Officiating is benefiting the Celtics completely. They can be as physical as they want and nothing will be called.
Glove says
First half……… sigh
Mimsy says
I am not optimistic right now. I want to be, but I’m not. 🙁
Don says
Intensity of this game taking Lakers out of rhythm. Just got to work harder to move the ball instead of forcing it. Give up a good shot for a great shot. Rebound and push.
DRIVE to the basket. Fouls are easier to call when people are moving and getting hacked instead of just getting hacked.
If you have to post go QUICK
busboys4me says
If people want to the tell the true difference between Kobe and MJ this is it. Kobe has never received the full superstar call status. If MJ ever went to the hole and was bumped off like Allen is bumping Kobe, he would live on the line. Kobe does not get those type call. If he did, the game would be even.
Matt R. says
Kobe Bryant: 3-14
Pau Gasol: 3-12
Rest of team: 7-23
No one is hitting shots. No one. Our rebounding is the only thing keeping us in the game.
Jooel says
Oddly officated game so far to say the least. BUT the lakers are shootig themselves in te foot with the missed free throws. Hopefully pau and Kobe picks it up in the second. This is.a ridiculously nervy game right now….
joel r says
we can’t possibly play worst, right?
right?
Mimsy says
Well, the good news is that if we had been hitting our shots we’d be up at the half?
Note the sarcasm. Damn, this is UGLY.
sT says
I am not as comfortable in this game as last.
GO LAKERS!
Andreas G. says
I don’t know if I’m blinded by my Spanish heritage, but I didn’t think that Pau played all that bad in that half. He got 10 boards, including 6 offensive, and was really aggressive. He did miss many shots, but they were mostly going to the rim while being beaten down by 2-3 Celtics.
That being said: I expect both Pau and Kobe to shoot better in the second half.
Matt R. says
Bynum is 1-5 in 14 minutes.
Mohan says
As bad as the officiating has been, the fact that we could not hit open shots to save a life (even free throws) killed us in the first half.
Mimsy says
I keep expecting Fisher to throw the Scola treatment on someone yet it never happens.
T. Rogers says
No way Kobe and Pau look THAT bad in the second half. What is Kobe, 3-14? I have a hard time believing both will play this horrid in the second half.
Steve W says
Strangest half of basketball I have ever seen.
Refs almost polar opposite from 1st to 2nd quarter. Lakers cannot shoot. Celtics relying on rasheed. ……
Don says
We took some bad shots, but our good shots didn’t fall either, including FT’s. We play the same way and those shots will fall.
magic days says
If Ron Ron can keep it going and keep us in the game and the lakers can pull out a win then he will fulfill his goal of that infamous day in 08. I will definitely become a Queensbridge fan.
now if only the rest of the team can make some shots. odom needs to wake up and get into this. he’s so frustrating.
Alex says
I hate when you can tell that the refs obviously got together before the game and decided they weren’t going to call anything. To change the game this much in a game 7 is sickening.
Dick Barnett says
The Lakers had better have the lead going into the fourth quarter, or they will get beat.
otbricki says
If the Lakers don’t win this it will be an EPIC FAIL. How can you lose with Perkins out on your home court?
Sophomore says
Well, Ron Artest picked a good game to come up big. He carried the Lakers in the first half. Did you ever, ever imagine that would happen?
inwit says
Who would have thought Artest’s offense is keeping the Lakers in the game?
T. Rogers says
I’m trying hard not to complain about the refs, but come on? Kobe has gotten mugged a few times out there. How is Fisher called for tripping, but Rasheed wasn’t called for tripping Kobe? if they want to call it tight, than do it on both sides. If you want to “let them play” then let the ALL play. Both sides!
Naveen says
I don’t think it’s a lack of effort from the Lakers. What’s different from Game 6 is that Boston has brought the intensity and tenacity to match that of the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Lakers are just too excited and reckless and playing without any sense of control right now.
Kobe’s shot selection was abysmal in the first half. Pau needs to shoot that 10-15 footer with confidence and go strong to the hoop, perhaps use a pump fake. I can feel they want it more than anyone, but they need to settle down and play with controlled aggression.
3ThreeIII says
Bynum and Gasol are a combined 4-17 FGs (23.5%).
For the season Bynum and Gasol are 844-1532 FGs (55%).
Being fouled makes a big difference.
arushofwings says
I’m feeling confident. Stay strong on D and on the boards, shoot a normal %, we’ll take this one. If we can’t pick our shooting %… well, we didn’t earn it.
Burgundy says
Lakers weren’t prepared for the referreeing.
It’s one thing to “let em play,” it’s another to let one team attack the other team with a chainsaw without calling it.
TB-8788 says
Pau set the tone with the early missed bunnies, and his back to back missed FTs. I see many imploring him to finish with dunks, but his legs look weak and he has zero lift. Kobe’s legs look dead as well. He struggled to turn the corner on KG when he switched out on him on a pick n roll.
Can someone explain to me why we have let Rondo saunter to the rim for uncontested layups???!!!! KNOCK HIM TO THE FLOOR AND MAKE HIM BRICK HIS FREE THROWS.
WAY too much dribbling on offense. Need hard cutters and crisp ball movement.
Buttas says
I am happy for Ron Ron, but we need more than him if this is going to end well for the home team.
Don says
Yea reffing is about being empirical, reactionary. Not plan & execute
chearn says
The moment is swallowing up Kobe and Pau! They are not even in the game! And if these TWO superstars are lost, who will the other players follow?
We need to play Sasha at least he’ll scrap! I just don’t know what’s wrong with Kobe, why won’t he play the exact same way that he did in game 6? Kobe is looking all too human, right now!
I DO NOT want to see the Celtics celebrating in the Staples Center. I can’t even eat, right now! This game as all of the other UGLY games are here for the Lakers to take.
Ron Artest needs to be hollering in the locker room, “I just need one person to play with me!” and then look directly at the Kobster!
Joel b says
Not watching the game because I’m at work. But I just can’t believe Kobe and pau picked the biggest game of their career to not show up. Obviously pau I’d active on the boards but this is not the way to go out. The lakers Make the celtics beat them. Kobe and pau have to pick it up. They can’t go out saying I couldve had a much much much better game.
Mimsy says
If we want to complain about the refs, anyone who has a DVR or Tivo, rewind to the Pierce-Artest double technical and look closely and then tell us what exactly Ron did to earn a T there. Surrounded by at least three Celtics, with Pierce clinging to his arm and nearly swinging a hand in between his legs, Ron didn’t even open his mouth, he simply stood there, raised his arms and backed away as soon as he could.
How is his behavior deserving of a T? Anyone?
And the next time I hear Pierce described as a “home town person” I might have to pay someone to head over to Staples Center and kill the announcers…
kehn says
we were down at the half against Boston in 1987 in our close-out game 6. Keep the faith. We’re getting all the boards; this will pay dividends in the 2nd half.
T. Rogers says
I think Kobe and Pau are OVER excited. It’s not that their heads are not in the game. They are just too amped up. I think they will calm down more in the third a starting looking more like the number 24 and number 16 we are used to.
sfjayp says
I’ve been trying to explain the first half officiating to my non-watching girlfriend. It’s been tough.
I feel guardedly OK about this. I have faith the officiating will clean up. I have faith that Kobe and Pau will clean up their games as well. If those things happen, we’re in beyond-good-shape. If not… it’s going to go down to the last few minutes.
joel r says
celtics defense has been suffocating. theyre forcing everyone besides kobe and pau to beat them
if lakers are still down entering the 4th….i just dont know how i’ll make it through…
J-M says
#286, actually, they BOTH locked each other’s arm. That’s why it was a double technical. Also, the double T ensures that neither of them will act up for the rest of the game.
I really wish I could listen to Stu and Joel right now. The novelty of the three horsemen wore out about two years ago.
I don’t like the tone of the game so far. The officiating is horrible. Not that I need to convince anyone here, but just watch as Kobe drive on Ray. Ray is bumping Kobe off his balance every step of the way and those would typically be called fouls in 100% of the time.
And, sorry, I don’t buy that “Kobe and Pau are too excited” reasoning. Out of the entire team, those would be the two guys, along with Fish, that would be the most calm. Artest would be the only person I’d believe is falling under the condition of being too excited, yet he isn’t.
penston says
Pea. Ocean. Not. Jeez.
T. Rogers says
Come on guys! It’s not over. The Lakers are handling the boards very well. All they need are a few more shots to fall. There is no way this game ends without Kobe and Pau punching back.
Matt R. says
Lakers 10-26 in the paint.
Lakers8884 says
Lakers already shooting too many 3 pointers, at this rate they will shoot 22 for the game. Pound the ball inside and take it to the basketball strongly and good things will happen.
albacoreclub says
Why would the league want to have its big-moment game called like this? They must believe this style of ball will bring in more fans, It drives me away from the sport, personally.
chearn says
No excuses, just produce! If the Lakers lose this game with HCA, they will have only themselves to look at in the mirror for the entire summer!
arushofwings says
Need to take the ball to the hoop and get fouls on KG and Sheed immediately! Goes without saying, but I’m saying it anyways!
Anonymous says
BH you said trade Kobe and Pau for Lebron?? Lebron couldn’t even get his team out of the R
East!
Kobe will finish with 30 still! He’s just trying too hard. Pau needs more aggressiveness.
Matt R. says
What was up with that long three by Kobe?
We aren’t playing any better.
Jane says
We may be down, but we’re certainly not out. Shooting will improve. Guys need to hang tough.
Matt R. says
Another bad shot by Kobe.
I think I may be done with this game.
joel r says
lakers need to get inside
sT says
We keep missing them, and they keep making them…
Josh says
Guys…if this keeps up, the Lakers are toast. I can’t believe I’m seeing Kobe jack up bad 3’s right now.
Buttas says
Well it’s going to need to be someone other than Kobe tonight. I hope that someone steps up.
Lakers8884 says
Why the hell does anyone ever front the post? This isn’t college basketball.
Why are we pressuring Rondo? Remember last game we made him a jumpshooter and now we pressure him?
If something doesnt turn around quickly this will be over Boston is playing too good of defense to come back from a big lead.
emh101 says
Lakers doing no better to start this half. And they are shooting too many threes.
Tyler says
Kobe’s doing his best to end the who’s better, Jordan or Kobe debate tonight.
lesha says
penetrate OR pound it inside. there is no way around that now. GO INSIDE OR DUMP IT TO THE BIG GUYS!!!!!!!
and also… post ron up
Matt R. says
I’m about ready for Phil to sit Kobe…maybe slap him a bit. Hit him with a clipboard, something.
He and Pau are not here. I don’t know what game they think they’re in, but it’s not this one.
Steve W says
Choke city.
Alex says
It’s over.
3ThreeIII says
I am now clean shaven. Well, shaven is not technically true… I just yanked out my beard in frustration.
The officiating is NO EXCUSE for taking “please stop hurting me” shots. Three pointer after three pointer…
Drive to the hoop. Finish with strength.
The Lakers are earning this loss.
EARNING IT.
Play hard. You have 21 minutes left in the SEASON. Worry about the pain tomorrow.
Inflict the pain right now!
Lakers8884 says
All of Boston’s shots are so much easier, everything the Lakers are getting they have to expend more energy to get and they arent even getting many shots to fall. Crucial to close this quarter out even or a few points down.
Jooel says
This is frustrating. Too many bad shots by kobe and not enough movement. Let’s hope they can tighten things up… There’s still time
Buttas says
Have to go inside, forget the 3’s. We have to use our advantage and get to the line to get back into this game.
It has to be now.
Drew says
this is dissapointing
Q says
is this the horror movie version of “kobe doing work?”
coolrunnings says
Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?
Matt R. says
That was a good look by Kobe. He just can’t buy a bucket right now.
Lakers8884 says
If Kobe isn’t hitting his shots there is no way this team wins
Matt R. says
Fisher got mugged on that rebound.
chearn says
Kobe picked the wrong game to have a horrible game! The better team will win this series!
Come on Lakers we must foul Rondo and put him on the line, don’t let him score he can’t make free throws!
cy says
Wow… that better be a wake up call for the Lakers! Getting pummeled…
Matt R. says
And we miss ANOTHER free throw.
Utter meltdown by the Lakers.
Alex says
Celtics can foul Kobe at will lmao.
arushofwings says
Kobe needs to take the ball to the hoop. The most productive things he’s done on offense tonight is draw fouls on big men.
lesha says
lakers need to CHILL. still so much time left… just execute
sT says
This really sucks… and Boston sucks also.
chearn says
The Lakers are totally out of snyc!
Could somebody, ANYBODY, put a body on Rondo!
emh101 says
Didn’t Kobe get tripped and didn’t Fisher get a foul for going after a loose ball just like that from Pierce?
Jane says
12 pts down halfway through the 3rd is NOT over. Not good, but not over.
THE LAKERS CAN STILL DO THIS. HUSTLE AND FLOW!
Lakers8884 says
STOP pressuring Rondo make him shoot jumpers he is too quick to guard up close
J-M says
Stop forcing KG to go baseline if there’s no help behind you, Pau!
Joel b says
This looks like an A+ choke job. If the lakers are just going to hope and pray artest turns into Kobe they might as well hang it up now.
Buttas says
chip away. chip away.
Josh says
THATS MORE LIKE IT
emh101 says
PLEASE win this!
Buttas says
It starts with stops and then work for a good shot.
let’s go guys….
noles says
It’s amazing what happens when you put the little round orange ball in the BIGGER round orange hoop.
Let’s get in a rhythm on offense and step up the intensity on D! It’s now or never!
Josh says
Joel— from down 13 to down 6? I wouldn’t call that an A-Plus choke job just yet. The Lakers are still in this. They’re giving the right effort- shots just haven’t been falling, but they’re beasting on the boards and if they can keep it up, while continue to get Celtic players in foul trouble, things will turn around.
sfjayp says
There you go, lamar!!
Believe, guys.
The Cs and the refs uglied this game up in the first half, and we didn’t do much to fix it.
Now we’re gonna bring the effort and work it inside out. I know this 10-12 points feels like 30, but if we play the right way and play some defense we’ll find ourselves up 10 in no time.
blackmamba99 says
NOT IN OUR HOUSE
Matt R. says
Keep playing solid defense, keep moving the ball on offense.
Get this down to even by the 4th quarter and decide it in 12 minutes.
Lakers8884 says
We need defensive stops, that is all that matters
james says
this may define kobe’s career if we lose
awang says
Rally Time, Kobe needs to score
joel r says
cmon, we can do this!
dont let up! run the offense and play some damn defense!
chearn says
Hack a Rondo, starting now! Win this thing by ANY MEANS NECESSARY!
Andreas G. says
I want Darius to stop by and drop a calming comment!
awang says
Wallace can score, Perkins cannot.
Lakers8884 says
5 point swing Jesus
Matt R. says
How do you not mark Paul Pierce??? LO?????
Matt R. says
Kobe with no rhythm.
emh101 says
Wow. Kobe is killing us.
J-M says
WTF is Kobe doing?
Wallace has used the SAME move to score three of his four baskets. Stop being a goddamn idiot, Odom.
Good thing Gasol got that block. I’m not sure why he keeps forcing KG baseline with no help from behind. KG has scored, what, four times doing the same thing?
gxs says
This game is over. I guarantee they lose. this one is on kobe. he’s shooting like shit and his d is bunk as well.
he deserves the legacy hit after this.
what a sad day.
emh101 says
And this is the lowest scoring game in the history of the world.
Lakers8884 says
This is getting ugly as shit on offense
Matt R. says
Hit some freebies!
Buttas says
that turnover was all on Kobe. He needs to keep going to the basket and finish.
Come on Pau! Great block and hustle afterwards.
Lakers8884 says
This looks like a game where the team is going to have to win it for Kobe
Buttas says
Fish tweaked his knee bigtime.
Matt R. says
Fisher to the locker room. I’d like to see Farmar out there. I think he plays better against the Celtics than Shannon.
Matt R. says
Bullshit foul on Brown. What a crock.
Lakers8884 says
Another turnover killer
Matt R. says
Ron Artest is trying to save us…and we need him to.
coolrunnings says
Ron Artest is playing like he really really wants this ring.
J-M says
Go into the fourth with less than five point deficit, PLEASE.
emh101 says
What is Artest doing?!
Lakers8884 says
GET STOPS DEFENSE
arushofwings says
DFish is pulling a Pierce 08
Matt R. says
Get even and finish in 12.
chearn says
Come on now Pau will get the call on the offensive end if he goes from weak to strong!
emh101 says
This game is KILLING me!
Buttas says
I can’t believe that one good qrt and we can win this thing.
Come on guys!
Matt R. says
Ugh.
Matt R. says
4 points. 4 points we can do.
Josh says
4 pt game. It’s now or never.
Jane says
Only 4 pts down; entering the 4th.
THE WIN IS WITHIN REACH – GRAB IT!!!
emh101 says
We can do this! It’s not like the Celtics are playing championship ball either. We need to step it up!
Andreas G. says
Yes, we can!
Mohan says
Championship time. Play with composure and make the smart play guys.
Lakers8884 says
Every possession is crucial now . . . Take care of the ball NO TURNOVERS
Matt R. says
Someone pass out the defibrillators.
Josh says
I was really hoping this wasn’t going to be one of those “down to the wire” type games…between this and the caffeine I’ve had today I’m a wreck…
Buttas says
Kobe just needs to eliminate his turnovers and keep driving to the hole.
Everything else will take care of itself. The jumper is not there tonight.
Matt R. says
God, our shooting is UP to 31%.
Theirs is down to 41%.
joe wright says
I have not been so nervous about a game in years.
DrivenByTheHate says
We played about as poorly as we can…
And its a 4 point game. I doubt Kobe can play any worse. He needs to be put in better situations. Pick and rolls with Gasols or off staggered screens or clearouts. Right now, he’s doing the LeBron top of circle or elbow extended iso thing that doesnt work against the Celtics.
chearn says
The Lakers can STEAL this game! As horrible as they have been playing offensively they are still in this game because of rebounds and so-so defense!
TB-8788 says
Pound it inside. KG and Sheed are running out of gas. If we can get one nice run to take the lead, the roof will come off and the C’s will tighten up.
3ThreeIII says
It is entirely possible that I cannot watch this game.
It is like a horror show, but without the fun parts. I am just screaming and screaming.
Defense. Movement on Offense.
Play hard.
Matt R. says
9/17 at the line.
J-M says
HIT YOUR FREE THROWS! We’ve missed eight free throws. C’mon!
Buttas says
who would have though Ron would be our best player tonight?
emh101 says
This is so intense!
Buttas says
*thought
Lakers8884 says
Hats off to Ron Artest tonight
Matt R. says
Gah
Andreas G. says
Pau putting them in foul trouble early.
emh101 says
Some ref love would be welcomed.
emh101 says
SO close!
Matt R. says
Out of bounds? OUT OF BOUNDS?
Alex says
how is that not a god damn foul
Matt R. says
That was a foul on Garnett.
emh101 says
Kobe . . . please . . .
Matt R. says
And that is a charge.
Buttas says
Kobe can’t help but turnover the ball.
Lakers8884 says
I’ve never seen Kobe play so bad in all my life
BH says
Sit Kobe his head is completely out of it.
J-M says
NO FOUL? NO FOUL? ARM ACROSS BOTH WRISTS!
* WOW. What’s wrong with Kobe? Farmar has to tell him “C’mon let’s go, we’re down two points” ??????????
* WHY are we fronting KG? Why?
Matt R. says
Why the fronting?
Tyler says
Farmar has to talk to Kobe to get him going? Farmar just said “Come on man lets go 2 points”.
Blizzard says
Is it possible they could just say, sorry, you all suck, no championship will be awarded this year.
joel r says
how many times will gasol front kg or let him go baseline
ughhhhhhhhh
noles says
How many f*cking chances to we want?!!!
Lakers8884 says
Turnovers are killing this comeback
emh101 says
I am dying! This is too much.
Tremble says
***REASON WE WILL LOSE: KOBE BRYANT****
Ban me from the site now.
james says
i am shocked. kobe has by far been the worst player in the game
Buttas says
we can’t get over the hump tonight. Just have to buckle down.
Crash the boards becuase the first shots are not falling for either team.
Alex says
I’m sick of this officiating bs, and of course everyone is expected to hold their tongue.
That’s two back to back calls that were HUGE and easy to make.
TRad says
It seems that nobody wants to win this game. 3 minutes, 2 made FG, 6 missed, 4 TO.
chearn says
How many times will Rondo have a free look at a pass in the post? Why can’t ShannonBrown play Rondo he’s much more athletic and taller. Rondo is too tall for Farmar!
Lakers8884 says
Phil needs to set up a nice offensive play out of this timeout
Matt R. says
This is reminding me of Game 3, but roles reversed. Hanging around, hanging around…just not getting over the hump.
joe wright says
OK.So stop Kobe s bashing.
Time to be positive men¡
3ThreeIII says
Again and again the referees are the story.
When will the NBA frame its fantastically athletic product with actual, professional referees?
3 middle-aged (old-aged) men cannot properly call a game with this much speed.
Fans need to demand 5 referees, with better training, and more athletic ability to match the pace of the NBA.
Andreas G. says
Lakers have 8 total ast…this is not a beautiful game.
Don says
Come on guys play together stop trying to do it on your own.
Buttas says
I hope that Kobe can just stay in the game and take care of the ball. Just take care of the ball.
Josh says
We can do this.
Josh says
3 free throws for Kobe!
Don says
Calm kobe is good kobe
Ronald says
Just make the FT lakers
emh101 says
PLEASE make them all!
J-M says
Forget how much we dislike the officiating so far. This game has been on the Lakers’ horrendous FT%.
Andreas G. says
I’m worries bout Fisher’s injury – we need him down the stretch.
emh101 says
Bad shot, Artest!
Lakers8884 says
I am going to have a heart attack
Lakers8884 says
Ron Artest = Best Laker Player Tonight
Buttas says
Make the FT!!!!
Anonymous says
Let’s see Sasha to spread the floor?
Josh says
ARTEST!!!!!!!
noles says
Why is kobe guarding ray? Bad bad matchup!
Buttas says
Sasha will hit a big shot for us.
emh101 says
Everyone seems so nervous.
3ThreeIII says
The Artest vs Ariza debate is officially over, win or lose.
Free Throws are KILLING us.
emh101 says
Pau got hammered!
Matt R. says
Um, Gasol just got KILLED under the basket.
Blizzard says
At this point would anyone object if we just said screw the finals, let’s just put the refs at center court and throw 10 million fucking pies at them?
Matt R. says
We are down 1 and have missed NINE free throws. NINE
emh101 says
Wow. The Lakers free throw shooting is leaving something to be desired.
joe wright says
Next guy to say Pau is soft is a moron
J-M says
Hit a fuckin’ free throw!
Matt R. says
Pau is 2-7 at the line…we’re down by 1
Lakers8884 says
Jesus Christ Pau Gasol
Buttas says
I can’t believe that we have missed so many fts…..
Ronald says
Damn if we have made onky half of those missed FT we will be leading
BH says
More examples why I get so furious at the accolades people give Gasol. When it matters he can’t hit free throws or finish at the rim.
Josh says
Pau is not soft…but he’s CHOKING on the line.
joel r says
we’re so close to taking the lead
thank you fisher!!!1
chearn says
Where’s Kobe?
emh101 says
I LOVE Fisher!
Matt R. says
Big shot by Fish.
Josh says
FIIIIIIIIIISH
Don says
Why fish
Lakers8884 says
Derek Fisher baby what a clutch player
Matt R. says
Kobe going to the line with the game tied.
coolrunnings says
Man, Fisher.
And he didnt even need a wheelchair.
Glove says
FISHER with another huge 3
emh101 says
If we get the lead, I would be SO confident!
J-M says
D-Fish! D-Fish! D-Fish! D-Fish! D-Fish! D-Fish! D-Fish!
Two free throws to possibly put us on top for once!
Buttas says
If Kobe does nothing else tonight, he has to continue to rebound and hit his fts.
Do that and we win.
magic days says
Fish clutch!
Mohan says
Kobe, show us how to make FTs.
Matt R. says
Kobe is sucking from the field, but he is doing everything else he needs to do to win this game.
Ronald says
Damn game gonna give me a heart attack. Pls make those FT kobe
3ThreeIII says
Fisher for three! (Aaron, at this point perhaps if you named a son “Derek”…)
FISHER FOR THREE!
That was a great great great shot.
Bryant on the rebound, and going to the line.
PLAY HARD. (Believe in it! You are SOOOOOO due for a hot streak!)
GO LAKERS!
Don says
Wow terrible shot by fish but he hits it! Let’s go!
kehn says
giving us a coronary is classic lakers. Hopefully hitting some FTs will give Kobe his shot back.
Lakers8884 says
Just like every close game it is going to come down to the last 5 minutes, play smart basketball and this banner is ours
Andreas G. says
Whoever complains about Fish in the future should be banned from this site.
Matt R. says
Rondo looks rattled in that huddle.
Jane says
@479, Amen. His rebounding was very important…
Buttas says
Just keep it up. Come on guys…
Josh says
sweaty palms, pounding heart, dry mouth…
am I asking Penelope Cruz for a date?
No…I’m watching a LAKER game
joel r says
agreed with 484, fish blaming needs to be banned
emh101 says
Huge, Kobe!
Matt R. says
DEEEEFENSE!
Matt R. says
Kobe from the elbow! BANG!
emh101 says
PLEASE!
Buttas says
He couldn’t miss them all, right?
jcibal says
KOBE!!!!!!!
Josh says
KOBE!!!!!!
J-M says
Clutch time. Black Mamba time. What’s funny is that in my video game (NBA2K10), Kobe can miss every single shot in the first three quarters, and still drop 20 in the fourth.
Glove says
Yes Kobe, what a huge make
Lakers8884 says
Defensive stops, keep it up defensive stops
joel r says
thats the Black Mamba we all know and love
chearn says
Kobe we still don’t need heroics! Look for your open team mates! Come on Lakers they are more out of gas than we are!
You GOTTA BELIEVE!
Mohan says
Lots of time left.
Matt R. says
DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE
kehn says
Wallace has 5 fouls, Davis 4 – gotta keep attacking them and force em out.
Andreas G. says
That last jumper by Kobe has to have the Celtics shaking. If the black mamba wakes up this game is over.
Don says
Ray Allen misses a wide open jumper on one end and reaches on the other to leave kobe open for his jumper that might as well be a layup.
Ronald says
Defense Lakers!!! Take the opportunity to pull away last 5 mins!!!
kehn says
only. as. far. as. their. defense. will. carry. them.
Truer words have never been spoken. Time to bear down and up the D.
Buttas says
just keep up the D. Great time out by Doc. Had to stem the momentum.
3ThreeIII says
We go as far as our defense takes us here. It was true in the first 5 minutes of the season, and it is true in the last 5 minutes now.
GO LAKERS!
Matt R. says
If the Lakers win this, they will have overcome a lot of their own mistakes to do so.
Play solid for 6 more minutes. I don’t even know if there are 6 minutes left, but play for 6 minutes anyway.
Matt R. says
DEFENSE
magic days says
Lakers bringing the D.
Lakers8884 says
Pau please hit some free throws
Matt R. says
Hit these Pau. HIT THEM
J-M says
Give me two free throws, Gasol. Please!
No reason to be going iso, Kobe!!!
emh101 says
Please, Pau, Please! I’ll have your baby if you make these two!
Ronald says
Defense baby
chearn says
Smart defense and make our free throws!
Matt R. says
Kobe to the line again.
Anonymous says
Kobe getting in done!! On the boards
Lakers8884 says
Most agressive move by Kobe the entire playoffs
Ronald says
Kobe is a monster on the boards
Matt R. says
Kobe is gassed.
Matt R. says
More stops
adam says
I can taste it
Come on NO MERCY
Matt R. says
Gasol to the line, 5 on garnett
Buttas says
Make the FTs!!!!!!!!!!!
magic days says
please make the freethrows!
Ronald says
Make the FT take a deep breath
Matt R. says
Gasol hits both!
Matt R. says
Wow. Bailout.
emh101 says
Pau coming up huge!
Glove says
Lakers defese is stepping up
Matt R. says
GAH! Hit the freethrows PAU
magic days says
Freethrows! make them!
Matt R. says
Stupid play by Artest.
emh101 says
Was that some sort of make up call?
J-M says
Why is Artest guarding Pierce at the halfcourt line????
Guys, this game isn’t over until it says 0 on the game clock!
Don says
Not a foul
Matt R. says
Great help defense by PAU!
colt Danado says
lakers ball!! good defense!
emh101 says
Intense!
emh101 says
I love Pau, too!
joel r says
We’re almost THERE!!!!
Buttas says
Pau is earning it tonight.
Lakers8884 says
What a big time shot by Pau
coolrunnings says
Oh hey Laker offense! Nice of you to join us so late in the game.
Don says
Floppity flop pierce blocked
Matt R. says
Jesus Pau was hit 7 times on the shot and put it in anyway.
Do we have an MVP? Can we just give it to everyone? Cause the team is winning this game.
magic days says
Pow pow PAU!!! Who’s soft now?!
sT says
I am going to have a heart attack!
Andreas G. says
Pau is killing them, and I’m loving it!
Josh says
Love the wild look in Gasol’s face running back up the court. That shot was huge and he EARNED it.
Buttas says
just make our ft.
Glove says
Huge basket by Gasol
Mohan says
No 3s, no fouls.
Matt R. says
And shame on the referees btw for changing how they were calling this game.
But, both teams in the penalty at the 7 or 8 minute mark and we kept going to the basket, they burned down the shotclock and played outside.
Don says
Wow pau! double clutch And one!
chearn says
We have to play defense, secure rebounds and make free throws and the Lakers will be the 2010 Champions!
jcibal says
PAU!!!!!!!!!!!
Ronald says
90 seconds to go. No let down on Defense dont give them FT’s. Finish them baby!!!
emh101 says
They’re going to start fouling soon. Please make them, Lakers!
Lakers8884 says
Milk the clock on offense and get stops on defense lets go
Matt R. says
Our stars struggled all night…but Kobe, Fish, and Pau have each hit a massive massive shot.
Matt R. says
What the hell is going on?
Buttas says
Go to the RIM!!!
Matt R. says
Kobe finally stops the shooting fest…by missing…but Pau gets the board and Kobe goes to the line.
Sheed fouled out.
Lakers8884 says
Extend on 3 pointers, we will give them 2 pointers
Don says
Ron ron ron ron ron ron Ron ron ron ron
Pau pau pau pau pau pau pau pau
joel r says
ONE MORE STOP!!!
Matt R. says
5 point game, 25.7 seconds left.
Guard the 3 point line.
J-M says
That was a huge missed call on Gasol. If that travel was called, it would have been a 1-point game.
Goddamn NBA referees.
emh101 says
The most nerve-wracking game I have EVER watched!
Buttas says
Just play D and no fouls. Please make the FTs….
Mohan says
One stop and defensive rebound and the game is over.
magic days says
OMFG this is crazy!
We can win this!
busterjonez says
Hack a Rondo!
emh101 says
It was a travel but he was also fouled twice before he did. So I call it a wash.
adam says
nO 3S
Josh says
#574—yeah, but Gasol was also hacked about 3 times on that shot before his feet hit the floor so…
coolrunnings says
Hack-a-rondo?
joe wright says
J-M shut up and go to a Celtics site to troll.
Gasol was 3pled fouled in that shot
sT says
Isn’t this just an exciting game.
Matt R. says
Gave up the offensive board and Rondo hits a 3.
Josh says
Crummy time to bobble the ball there…
Buttas says
the one rebound that Kobe doesn’t get…
Don says
Wow what a game. Artest 3. Then celtics hit 3 threes in the last minute. Every desperation shots going in
J-M says
#584 you’re an idiot.
I’m a Lakers fan. This is why people hate Lakers fans, because of people like you. It was an obvious missed call in a critical time, I was pointing it out.
Matt R. says
2 point game…16 seconds left.
emh101 says
This will be the longest thirteen seconds of my life.
Lakers8884 says
Sash HAS to hit these
joel r says
THE MACHIIIINNNEEEE!!!!
Matt R. says
Sasha to the line. TWO FOR TWO
coolrunnings says
Like usual, the machine wins the game.
I cant wait for the next machine video now.
Buttas says
I did say that Sasha would hit a huge shot for us. I didn’t know it would come at the line though…
Josh says
So fitting for Vujacic to be the guy to nail those 2 FT’s.
emh101 says
Sasha, stop pimping your shirt . . . okay, you deserve it!
sT says
YES!!!
magic days says
MACHINE!!!
Matt R. says
DEFENSE GET SOME
Andreas G. says
Sasha with ice in his veins – I love him!
joel r says
YESSSS!!!
I LOVE YOU FORUM BLUE AND GOLD!!!
emh101 says
WE WIN!
Josh says
YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J-M says
FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW! FTW!
Glove says
YES LAKERS ARE THE CHAMPIONS
emh101 says
The Most incredible game ever! I LOVE it!
Buttas says
worse game of your life Kobe and you stuck with it. Rebounding and making some clutch fts…
Hats off!!!
sT says
YES YES YES back-to-back Championships!
3ThreeIII says
OH MY GOD!
The Lakers won!
SOFT IS A THING OF THE PAST!
coolrunnings says
On to the next one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1RChZk1EU
Why stop at two?
Queensbridge baby!
Ron you deserve this one.
Zephid says
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
kehn says
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Andreas G. says
This is a great day=) I won’t even go back and point out all the comments that said that the Lakers had no chance and that Pau sucked;)
cy says
Queensbridge! And to the great MDs out there!
ray says
RON ARTEST!!!??? Trevor whoooo??
LAKERS
BACK TO BACK!!!!!!!
RON!!! QUEENSBRIDGE!!!
16!!!!
f5alcon says
congrats from thunderland
TRad says
The Lakers have managed to redefine meaning of the phrase “winning ugly”. FG% below 35% is below ugly.
emh101 says
Incredible. It hasn’t sunk in.
Steve W says
Wooooooooooooooooooo hooooooooooo!!!!! Ronronronronron!!!!
lesha says
SAY QUEEEEEEEEEEEEENSBRIDGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE U ALL
Glove says
Ron Artest fulfill his promise to Kobe by helping the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics
Don says
Chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamps!
Last play perfectly defended ! So reflective of whqt won the game
Haha somebody give that psychiatrist a medal
blackmamba99 says
YES YES YES
Mimsy says
Ron played HUGE tonight. Fisher really came through when we needed him and Kobe’s fourth quarter was outstanding.
Ron’s post-game interview just made it all the more sweet. He was so high on pure happiness he wasn’t thinking straight, and that kind of genuine emotion only makes all the better.
I’m now going to open the 15-year old Glenlivet that I bought specifically for tonight, and drink to a group of true warriors. To fight back from that kind of deficit, when your two biggest stars are shrinking from the moment, that’s what champions do.
And we are the champions, my friends. We are the champions.
sT says
This just made my year, all of my problems are magically gone.
busboys4me says
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don says
I love you pau!
Paul says
Paul wrote prior:
Where’s the write up on the Artest angle? Remember why Artest is here (Phil speaking):
Last year after the devastating loss in game 6 to the Boston Celtics, Ron Artest came in our locker and walked in the shower with Kobe Bryant. Kobe’s there taking a shower — and this is a locker room the coaches have, it’s off limits — so, Ron said, ‘Coach, I can help your team, I can get that championship for the Lakers.’ I said, ‘Well, thanks Ron, that’s very nice, I appreciate your sympathies. We’ll see what happens as you go through this year.’ Then, he walked out of that coaches’ area, and in to the shower and told Kobe the same thing. Kobe’s been knowing Ron’s intentions for the last two years.”
The fact that it is the same two teams and Ron is here to help…not even Hollywood could write a better story. And the story has but the one ending. So you all can worry about X’s and O’s and matchups. I’m sticking with the, this was meant to be, angle. So you truly get what I mean, following Lakers victory, the scene in the Lakers’ locker following that horrific game 6 loss will be the intro to series recapitulation. Ron Ron telling Phil and Kobe that he can get them that championship and now come the championship highlights, to include Ron Ron in the shower celebrating victory with Phil and Kobe, saying, did I tell ya, did I tell ya…
So I’m going to be enjoying this immensely.
Almost forgot, but the recapitulation will end with Ron Ron mocking Craig Sager, and so the last scene in the recap will have a victorious Ron Ron, champagne in hand, proudly declaring, Queensbridge, where we don’t play with no damn shot clock. And did I tell ya…
J-M says
Who’s Finals MVP?
Darius says
What a game! Back to back champions! Congrats to every player and all the coaches! They did it! Simply amazing!!! Whooooooooooooooooo!
Mohan says
What did the FIVE rings say to the face?
magic days says
LAKERS 16TH CHAMPIONSHIP!!! HELL YEAH!
KOBE AND FISH with 5 each.
Phil with 11.
Artest with his first!
AWESOME!!!
Jooel says
Awesome game. Huge smile on ny face when Ron artest got interviewed
Rudy says
I Love it Laker fans. We didn’t play a minute of basketball but somehow it feels like everyone on this site had a hand in winning this championship. Congrats to us! We did it!
specialM says
QUEENSBRIDGE!!
Tyler says
Just seeing the looks on the guys faces, I’m so happy for them.
I’d like to thank everyone here at FB&G for a great season. The complaining got to be a bit much at times, myself included, but its been great.
I’d like to thank my psychiatrist for helping me get through watching this up and down season.
Glove says
Bill Simmons will have nightmares after Sasha Vujacic hit 2 clutch Fts
sT says
Welcome to your 2010 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers.
J-M says
LOL! Phil is just hiding in the back!
bypasser says
LET’s GO LAKERS! CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP!
Mohan says
Thanks Lakers, thanks FB&G. It’s been a phenomenal ride.
Tyler says
Also, does Ron Ron’s shrink get a ring?
Lakers8884 says
I love every Lakers fan on this website, thank you to everyone on here for making it a special championship and incredible year.
And thank you Darius for keeping the faith alive all season long, you did a hell of a job running this site.
Congrats to everyone, be safe celebrating.
Buttas says
Just love this. In Game 5 nobody came to help Kobe, and in Game 7 Kobe got more help than ever before.
Mimsy says
I am so happy for Ron-Ron! He’s really earned this! (And yes, his shrink should get something for this!)
Does anyone know where the post-game press conferences are? What channel/network?
coolrunnings says
Adam Morrison now has two more rings than Lebron.
Andreas G. says
Aww Kobe giving Pau some love in his speech…warms a Spanish heart;)
Don says
Congratulations to the lakers and the organization! Congrats to queensbridge el toro and el mamba. This was a crazy good game
A toast to the celtics for making it a classic, for being the hated, bullying, clawing, whining, fighting rivals that makes it that much sweeter
jam says
congrats lakers, their fans and officials, goal achieved.
Matt R. says
The Los Angeles Lakers are your NBA champions after a game that has left the players and the fans with nothing in the tank.
I’m exhausted. I have tears in my eyes. The Lakers earned it. That was a team effort. What a great title.
*thunk*
kehn says
So. frakking. happy.
Don says
649 coolrunnings ammo has had more rings than lebron for a year now. So has sun yue
Charles says
Back to back!
I was screaming at the TV all game long and overreacting to everything, but this was incredibly sweet.
From Ron providing a spark, to Gasol and Kobe making up for poor shooting nights by crashing the glass, Sasha hitting free throws…ugly game, but simply electric.
Brilliant effort by everyone up and down the roster. Artest and Magic completely derailing attempts to interview them was a fantastic aftershow too.
The 2010 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers!
chibi says
That heady play by Lamar was something Magic did to the Blazers, long ago. Wow, just pure joy is what I feel right now. Thanks, Lakers.
Revenge is so, so sweet!
Andreas G. says
I’m still waiting to hear Celtics Nation’s comment on the game?:D
lesha says
i wouldve loved if kobe took bynum and artest and thanked those guys specifically, because they jumped over their shadows to give us this moment.
ANDREW BYNUM AND RON ARTEST!!!
Joel says
Artest = best post-championship game interview ever
joe wright says
Thanks to the site staff for keeping the flame.
Nice to have people to talk to when you are watching the games usually from 4:00 AM to 7:00 here in Europe.
Best wishes for all of you.
See you next season to get the 3rd straight¡¡¡¡
Darius says
#648 Mimsy,
You can usually stream the press conferences live on nba.com. Also, NBA TV typically has them as well as ESPN News. Soak it all in Lakers fans. This was an amazing ride. I still can’t believe they pulled it off. Down 13 in the third quarter but they fought back and finally got over the hump. The game was ugly, but the outcome was as beautiful as could be.
bypasser says
i know it’s all quiet here but i can feel y’all guys. the philippines is one with the world in celebrating our 2010 champs, the Los Angeles Lakers!
heart, talent, grit, resiliency….my oh my. and i could just watch it in GAMECAST (work-related issues)! man oh man, i wonder how they’re celebrating in staples? how’s the crowd? how are the paramedics?
this site has and will be part of my staple web diet. absolutely fantastic work guys. such a blessing.
time for me to surf for some laker jackets now that it’s gonna be rainy season here.
GO LAKERS!
needle says
Agree 100% Joel.
Andreas G. says
An underrated part of the victory was the great game of Sheed. Noone can honestly claim that Perkins would have played better than that.
Celts were at more than full strength;)
Zephid says
Last year at this time, we were talking about faith; faith in our guys; faith that they could overcome the 39 point beating that they took at the hands of these same Celtics in 2008. This year, it is all about our guys defending the championship and overcoming adversity.
Overcoming adversity – it’s doing the little things when the big things are going wrong.
On a night when Kobe was genuinely horrible while shooting the ball, he did all the little things right. He came up with 15 huge rebounds, ripping them away from Celtics on multiple occasions. He was also at the helm of one of the greatest defensive performances I have ever seen, funneling Rondo into our bigs and playing amazing help defense.
Overcoming adversity – it’s having the confidence to see yourself fail and still try again.
Ron Artest, a guy who was lost on offense for so much of the season, whose defense was beginning to be questioned, with shots clanking off the rim throughout the playoffs, rose up and hit the biggest three of the season.
Pau Gasol, the guy who stared these same Celtics in the eye in 2008 and blinked, lived through two seasons trying to overcome his defeat at their hands. He battled, all night, through the fouls and the contact. It looked like he was rattled in the beginning of the game, but he came through in the end, making huge clutch plays to help seal the game when Kobe just couldn’t get it done.
Our guys faced the same Celtics core that beat them down two years ago. They fell behind by 13 points during the 3rd quarter. But our guys never gave up and continued to struggle, and gradually overcame that deficit. I could not be any happier right now.
Mimsy says
Thanks Darius!!! NBA.com it is! 🙂
On a different note, can we say that Ron Artest has officially earned his way into Laker-dom, and forever has a spot in the heart of FB&G?
Glove says
Thank you to the 2009-2010 Los Angeles Lakers NBA Champions
The ride had some bumps but it was a great journey to the title.
chron says
Congratz Lakers.. I’m definitely not a fan but you damn well earned it this last game.
coolrunnings says
Haha its funny cause that 20 seconds highlight clip pretty much went through every single made Laker shot in the game.
Ronald says
How sweet it is!!!!
TB-8788 says
The time has now arrived. Make the FTs, take the lead, and bring it home.
Dex says
Deep in the shadows of the third quarter, I promised God I’d never smoke again if we pulled this out; and then, once we did, and I stood on the porch exulting in the fluid night, God came down from heaven and we smoked together in silence as stars wheeled above us and moon-dust whitened our feet. Congratulations Laker fans
muddywood says
BACK TO BACK AND DOING AGAINST THE CELTICS IN A GAME 7 ???
OH YEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lewis says
Lakers baby I told everybody I know to keep the faith BACK TO BACK from ruin to redemption!! Congrats to all the Laker fans on the f&b who live and die Lakers 3peat baby
Jaybird says
Thank you Lakers! Thank you Darius and everyone on FB&G!
What a victory! Team effort. DEFENSE!!!
AAAGGHGHAHEWEHEHARH!!!!!!!!
TB-8788 says
Means the most because it was the hardest. Great lesson on finding other ways to help your team when your offense isn’t there. Defense and rebounding keep you in every game and give you a chance. Substance now goes with the style.
Tremble says
God, this was the best year to be a Laker fan.
Hale says
I finally saw a game that they won! Thanks FB&G for the super site.
Don says
Everybody did something tonight. LO w/ the tips. Pau in the post. Artest 3 w/ 50 sec to go that sealed it, defense, loose balls. Kobe rebounding. Fish hit that 3. Sasha FT.
What a team effort.
This has been amazing, FB&G’ers. enjoy.
won w/ 32% shooting. wow.
Zephid says
I’d also like to take the time to thank everyone on this website for their contributions. It hasn’t been the easiest year, what with the changeover from Kurt to Darius, and with the teams obvious regular season and playoff struggles. But through it all, we’ve always had one another to talk Lakers when we needed the fix. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and certainly the Lakers probably shortened a lot of our lifespans, but I don’t think anyone can say the near heart attacks weren’t an easy price to pay for the exhilaration. For those who just joined us this season, you’re now FB&G vets; you’ve experienced what it was like to ride through an entire season with an online community (and it is a learning experience). Now hopefully we can all take a few less lows and a few less highs during the regular season and take time to truly enjoy the ride. For now, this moment is the one we live for. Enjoy it to the fullest.
Don says
Dear Bill Simmons, John Hollinger
suck it
sincerely,
Laker nation
Glove says
Just like the 1987-88 repeat won both game 6 and game 7 for the repeat. Also won a close game 7 for the title
DB says
Much to love to Ron-Ron! Viva the Spaniard! Fisher clutch once again! Sasha even puts the icing on the cake–take that Simmons!
A night we will never forget!!!
ray says
Thanks to this website for a great ride this year. From Kurt, to Darius, Zephid, it was nice to get great analysis.
Also thanks to Ken and Aaron, the two guys who I fought against the most all year, for great debate all season. I still think you were wrong!!!
hahah.
16 baby. I bought a Title hat last year that has the number 15 on it. I need a new hat.
RC FROM TEXAS says
This feels so great!!!! I do not know how to describe this moment but as a fan this is all you can ask for. Lets do this again next year….. quest for number 17 starts…..
DY says
Kobe: 5 championships and counting. Lebronze: 0 championships and still searching.
True team effort tonight from everyone including my boy Artest. Glad Artest connected with Kobe in the shower in 2008! 🙂 Here’s to the three-peat to come!!!
chearn says
This team has driven me crazy all year long and this game was no different!
All credit must be given to Ron Artest he played tenacious defense on EVERYONE with 5 steals!
Ron will be so much better next year because he’ll know the triangle so much better!
I LOVE THE LAKERS 2010 NBA CHAMPIONS!
kehn says
dear Celtics fans:
-20 on the offensive boards lost you the game, not the refs.
love,
FB & G
magic days says
This is the year of redemption for the Lakers. Revenge for the 2006/2007 Suns and now with 2008 Celtics. Artest can now put Auburn in his past and move forward as a valuable contributor to a championship. It’s so hollywood. I love it. I love this team!
I was wearing my 1987/1988 Lakers Repeat championship shirt on under my kobe jersey for the game hoping it’ll bring good juju. It worked! Now I got to get me a newer edition of the tshirt. I’m ordering it first thing tomorrow. Too bad I don’t have a 3peat shirt.
2010 CHAMPS! GO LAKERS!
Darius says
A celebration thread is up. We’ll recap the game in the morning. Enjoy this one, everyone.
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2010/06/17/back-to-back/
3ThreeIII says
Lamar = +13
Farmar = +10
Sasha = +9
The much maligned Laker bench was a huge difference maker tonight.
WOW.
muddywood says
lakers fans………FEELING YOU!!!!
Don says
From Bill Simmon’s live chat:
sportsguy33: I no longer want to be here. Is this what hell is like?
..
sportsguy33: At least purple and yellow confetti isn’t falling on my keyboard… oh wait, it is
Adam says
Hannah Storm: Kobe, Shaq said earlier today that you’re the greatest laker ever. What do you say to that?
Kobe: I’m just glad I got one more than him now (lol) I’m just kidding…no I’m not
Classic, just second to Ron for his first thank you going to his hood and then thanking his psychiatrist. I love this TEAM !!!
jooel says
Tremendous game. This post season was made infinitely more enjoyable by this very organized, smartly written thanks all. Awesome season.
Ben says
“An underrated part of the victory was the great game of Sheed. Noone can honestly claim that Perkins would have played better than that.”
5-11 shooting, 11 points, eight boards, two assists. Seems far from a great game. Of course Perkins could have played a role in not giving up 23 offensive boards. It cheapens the moment to think like this. You go in with the guys you have. The team’s played an amazing game, nice finish. And the Lakers are the champs.
Of course there were circumstances that will be brought up in time, but at the end on team comes out on the left side of the score. With everything on the line, that team was LA.
Ashok says
LAKERS!
Taylor says
Just wanted to pop my head back in…I’m sure this is lost in all the celebrations!!!!!!!!!
We did it!
W e d i d i t !
Tears of joy.
There is nothing left to be crossed off the mirror boys and girls…16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and now…..1!!!! It is beautiful, I am rambling…it is over!!!!!!!!
Congrats FB&G! Congrats Lakers!
AMMO
DJ
JOSH
LUKE
SHANNON
JORDAN
LO
DREW
RON RON
FISH
THE SPANIARD
MAMBA!!!!!!!
Drink it up! Love it all. Love you all.
specialM says
what a dull and precitable game. after all, phil jackson coached teams are 47-0 in series once they win game 1. this outcome was obvious.
John Matrix says
Maybe I didn’t jinx us with the first post? Either way, this game was awesome and I love all of you guys.
chron says
#702 to say this outcome was obvious does disservice to how much both teams gutted it tonight and this whole series. The Lakers made the plays they needed at the end and deserved to win.
Lauren says
woooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I may not be able to sleep for a while, but when I do, I shall sleep in peace. And have dreams of marrying Sasha, just for those free throws.
An unimportant but funny tidbit: my gameday music today was Motorhead, which has really worked in past Laker wins, especially when they play against Boston. Somehow I didn’t play them this Finals until today. It worked. Death metal rules!
Revenge IS beautiful.
There IS a God.
I’m going to that parade!
@701: You’re missing someone from that list. #18, to deny #18 to the Celtics. How fitting.
Dick Barnett says
I never thought they could do it, but they did it!
Andrea Floyd says
Lakers won at the GAME 7.!
Congratulations LAKERS!
but all in all, Celtics fought when nobody said they would and forced the series to 7 games and were 4 points away from a little.CONGRATULATIONS to them for all their efforts and for putting LAkers on fire for the past 7 games!
Oskar says
Congrats Lakers from Sweden. (In tears writing this after too much champagne).
Will remember this for the rest of my life 🙂
robinred says
@ 682
Hollinger picked the Lakers in 7.
Feels good, don’t it?