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Lakers/Magic Game 5 Chat

June 14, 2009 by Kurt


Finals
There is nothing harder in basketball than closing out a team in a playoff series — teams take their play to another level when it’s season is on the line. The Magic have been a scrappy team and that will play their best ball tonight.

If the Lakers play like a team that has two more games at home, they will be in trouble. But if they are close at the end, that has to be in the heads of the Magic players.

This should be a fun one. More than anything else, be sure to enjoy the ride.


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  1. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    All the reports are that the energy in the arena is way, way down.

  2. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    Game 3 huh?;)

  3. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    3. 5. What’s the difference 🙂

    Fixed.

  4. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    As long as the result is not the same as in game 3, it’s all good:D

  5. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Close this out and we can stop complaining about this team. Even if we don’t, I could care less, I wouldn’t mind watching this year’s team play another game.

    I would, however, mind watching our team play two more games. That would take some toll.

  6. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Your officials: Dan Crawford, Joe DeRosa and Ken Mauer.

  7. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    I expect Kobe to have a big game tonight. We had the extra day off so he should be nice and rested. If Bynum can stay in the game and play D, i like our chances a lot. I don’t like the odds of that happening however, and we are going to need a big effort from Lamar tonight to pull out the win and get number 15!

  8. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    way to crash the boards Lakers

  9. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Love the effort on the boards, but Orlando starts off hitting two jumpers.

  10. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    I like Bynum’s energy so far… but he needs to pass, not shoot. Pass, not shoot.

  11. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    I’m almost afraid to say it, but… does the refereeing actually look sane tonight?

  12. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    Lakers are great on the inside right now.

  13. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:12 pm

    I am feeling anxious just watching Bynum play. He seems anxious. I want him to do well!

  14. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Let me rephrase, I like the energy from Bynum right now, I like the Lakers are going to the paint. They just need to hit the shots.

  15. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    Orlando’s hot again…

  16. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    ok time for odom

  17. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    Uh-oh… what happened to Kobe’s hand?

  18. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    Funny how Orlando’s shooting 70% but the combined FG% of both teams don’t add up to 100%.

  19. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    I disagree with Kurt, I don’t like the shots Bynum is taking they seem rushed…

    I think we will see Odom out of the timeout..

  20. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    I hope Kobe’s hand is OK

  21. Tremble says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    horrible start

  22. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    it is still early

  23. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    From ESPN’s Beto Duran: Kobe looks in a lot of pain. Whincing into a towel as DJ Mnega trys to block the ABC cameras

  24. kehn says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    I like Bynum making Howard work on D. Bynum’s shot selection…. not so much.

  25. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    Bynum shouldn’t be taking jump-shots period.

  26. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    There we go!!

    RE: Bynum shooting, I would LOVE to see him learn and make full use of the sky hook. Just for the hilarity of it. 🙂

  27. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    That’s more like it, Bynum!! Grabs the offensive rebound, hits the shot +1.

  28. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    following gamecast… is Kobe hurt? Oh man that can’t be good.

  29. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    harold:
    He somehow got his right hand stuck/swatted by someone, and looked like he was in a lot of pain. They called a time-out, and he’s back on the floor now. He just made a shot, so it can’t be that bad. We hope.

  30. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    that’s it Bynum throw it down

  31. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Mimsy:
    If I know one thing about Kobe, it’s that he could be hurting like hell and still be in the game because he wants to close it out.

    I hope it’s something that won’t get worse because he battles through it.

  32. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Mimsy, we have all been saying that for YEARS.

  33. luubi says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    yes! Bynum take it to the hole.

  34. Mico says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    Bynum’s aggressive on the boards, but he’s aggressively missing shots as well 🙁

    However, i’m thinking his focus on scoring is helping keep dwight away from a good rebounding position

  35. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    ahh I forgot what it was like to get calls

  36. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    Officiating seems far more even right now.

  37. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    I don’t see how this start is so bad. We’re playing with good energy, it’s obvious the team wants to win this game and isn’t going to sit back and rely on Games 6 and 7, and we’re killing them on the boards. As soon as we adjust to their new tactics, like Shard on the wing and Hedo curling from the side, we’ll do fine.

  38. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    Mimsy- I really hope he gets a handle on the sky-hook too! I’d much rather see him attempt that in-game than those free-throw line jump-shots.

  39. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    However, I would like to see us get the ball to Pau more. Maybe some cross screens by Bynum to free him up and get him away from Lewis’ fronting.

  40. Scot says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    We really need to go for it tonight because we’re one Kobe injury away from likely disaster.

  41. Shaky says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:29 pm

    I love the passing so far. Even in that broken up play between pau and ariza, sure we turned it over but the passing was nice and the effort was to get a shot closer to the basket with Howard not in position to bother Pau. I like it.

    Bynum’s got a nice stroke. Yeah I’ve been drining.

  42. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    So when the Lakers grab this, do you think Kobe will opt for the off-season surgery on that hand?

  43. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    They are officiating this one like it’s a playoff game, letting them bang a little.

  44. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    Zephid, good point. Bynum is most likely going to get frazzled at some point and start committing unnecessary fouls, and even if that doesn’t happen, I think we may want to give the ball to Pau on general principle. He’s a lot harder to guard than Andrew is.

  45. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    Wow, when did Petrius get that move?

  46. E-ROC says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    Didn’t Pietrus travel?

  47. Jaybird says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Kurt, he still doesn’t have that move – he hopped on his pivot foot while spinning, then took two more steps after the turn. Travel.

  48. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    That was a good quarter…

  49. 91601guy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    down 2, I’ll take that. The longer the game is close, the more likely Orlando starts feeling the pressure.

  50. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    It’s funny that tips don’t count for anything in the box score. For instance the one Pau just had; doesn’t show up at all.

  51. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    I like the feel of this game. Howard and Lewis are struggling. And as soon as a Laker other than Bryant and Gasol gets some shots to fall we’ll be pulling ahead.

  52. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Magic came out with a ton of energy, passed the ball extremely well, forced us into some bad turnovers, shot 48% compared to our 36%, and we’re only down by 2. Needless to say, I like our chances. Keep up the effort on the interior, getting rebounds, get the ball in to Gasol in good position, and we’ve got a good chance.

  53. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    good quarter. no one in foul trouble great job on the boards. Just need to limit turnovers. Time for the second unit to get the lead

  54. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Howard looks flat so far.

  55. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Anyone else playing GUNDY.

  56. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    From IMG’s Mike Moreau (via TrueHoop): Pietrus now has the most obvious double dribble and the most obvious travel of the Finals. Neither were called.

  57. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    I like the Lebron puppet wishing Kobe good luck in the finals. Cute.

  58. Gatinho says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    I’m in Brasil watching online. Wore Laker stuff on the plane and today walking around. Let’s just say Brasil loves the Lakers (esp. Magic Johnson).

  59. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    I take it Mike Moreau didn’t watch the Cavs-Magic series?

  60. kehn says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    You can’t stop Sasha Vujajic. You can only hope to contain him.

  61. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    Make up call for Howard there…

  62. drew says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    this is my least favorite lakers rotation

  63. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    Glove, I’d love for the 2nd unit to get the lead, but according to this season’s storyline so far…that almost never happens.

  64. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    why is bynum shooting jumpers?

  65. Jaybird says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    How many times as Jackson said “big time move”?

    I think it’s already in double digits.

  66. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    Bynum has 11 FG attempts. How many does Pau have? Ridiculous.

  67. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    Anyone else think we need to get Kobe back in here pretty soon…?

  68. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    breaking even with this lineup will be minor miracle

  69. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Fisher’s play has been vindicated, but what would Sasha have to do this game to have his year vindicated? I say he would have to score 40-50 points this game, with a buzzer beater

  70. sT says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    That injury to Kobe is why we want to close this series out today and not rely on other games. You just never know…

  71. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Great use of the matchups, getting Odom the ball out on the wing when Battie has him.

    Howard has made a couple of the best post moves I’ve seem from him in this game.

  72. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    i Actually like to see Pau in there with the second unit with Odom.

  73. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    Spoke too soon about Howard looking flat …

  74. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    ODOM!!!!!!!!!

    Sasha on the other hand…I hope we can trick some team into taking him off our hands like we did with Radmanovic, lol.

  75. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    I thought the second unit had one good game in them.
    Nice drive by Odom

  76. Big J says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Vujacic just taking up space out there.

  77. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Bynum needs to do more pounding in the post, less shooting. He’s also catching to ball too far out; he needs to get deeper post position, since his hook shot is getting pretty good. That being said, I don’t really like the Jordan Sasha Luke Odom Bynum lineup on the floor. But I do like that he’s playing aggressively, holding Howard accountable on defense.

  78. 91601guy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    the supporting cast (all except kobe and pau) are 5-22, step it up guys!

  79. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Odom with the gorgeous lay up +1. I don’t mind this game so far. Nobody from the Lakers has played particularly well, yet it’s still close. Not to mention the bench being in there for the past few minutes, giving Kobe and Pau some rest.

  80. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:50 pm

    This has started to feel like an all-stars game here in terms of ease of offense and lack of defensive intensity.

  81. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    Um, the defense has been pretty damn good. I don’t know what game you’re watching.

  82. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    Instead of saying “they’re really letting them play” as if it’s a good thing, why not say “they are not calling obvious fouls”?

  83. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    Oh hi fish!!!

  84. Mamula says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    Bryant with a monster jam

  85. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    if only kobe was officiated like wade in 2006, blimey

  86. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Sorry, there have been some defensive plays, but there have been more plays than usual where Hedo or someone else was clearly thinking about their vacation plans.

  87. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Will, you take what the refs give you. If they are letting you foul, then use that. Lewis did.

  88. Big J says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    To me this is good basketball. There’s nothing wrong with allowing contact from both teams and letting some things go.

  89. Andreas R says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    I think we all could have had a GUNDY on the lead to commercial just now

  90. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Wow, Kobe getting hacked with no call. Honestly, i’m fine with that as long as it goes on both ends. And right now it seems to be. I wholly expected them to call the fall on that Turk fake, but they let them play. I only hope they keep it up.

  91. Mamula says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:54 pm

    what happened between Turk and Ariza?

  92. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    Does anyone remember Kareem’s explanation re: why he hasn’t taught Andrew the skyhook?

  93. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    I would much rather see the refs call only the most obvious fouls and let the others go, than the other way around, as long as it is consistent. It gives the players a chance to get in an offensive rhythm and allows the game to flow, and that in turn makes it a lot more fun to watch. Let them play!

  94. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    OVER THE HUMP

  95. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Ariza for the 3 and Lakers lead

  96. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    Yeah baby. Let’s take this game. Dismantle them!

  97. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    Now is the time to coldly execute and get the Magic feeling the weight of what this game means.

  98. luubi says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    I think refs finally woke up to the fact they were calling it too evenly and remedied the situation.

  99. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    My favorite tweet so far this game, from Daren Rovell of CNBC: ABC just said game is broadcast in 215 countries. US State Dept. says there r 194 countries in world. Who’s lying?

  100. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    A nice little cold streak by the magic would do quite nicely here. Especially if it coincides with a Kobe explosion.

  101. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    I get the feeling that this is it. Those threes by Ariza and Fisher followed by Kobe hitting tough shots are breaking the Magic’s will. They’re rushing on offense. This series could be over.

  102. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Yes, how fitting. Let Ariza sink the Magic.

  103. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Oh great, my feed cuts out and it appears I’ve missed two Ariza three’s.

  104. sT says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Another 3 by A r i z a

  105. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Is it possible Orlando folded the tent?

  106. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Fisher with two lay-ups in this game. The apocalypse is nigh.

  107. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Though it pains me to admit it as a Laker fan, there has definitely been playoff series in the last decade where we pretty clearly got the major balance of bad calls going in our favor. Maybe not like Wade in 2006, but we’re definitely on #2 on everyone’s list of beneficiaries of bad ref’ing in the 2000’s.

    So I think this series is some karma. We’re paying back all those extra calls we got in 2002 and such. But that’s ok, because we’re going to win it regardless.

  108. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    SVG is trying, he’s calling the TOs and pushing the buttons. But it’s the Lakers with all the heart right now.

  109. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    Another TO. I like how this is going. Everybody has been in sync the last few minutes on both sides. Maybe its the Lakers feeling the moment even more than the Magic…

  110. Travis says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    @ 105. I really think so.

  111. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    break their spirit Lakers. Keep this run going

  112. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    lets open the flood gates now.

  113. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    They will make a run, remember with this team all it takes is a spark..

  114. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    Let not celebrate just yet…. we need to dig the hole a LOT deeper before the Magic get stuck in it. Remember, they are not a team that gives up just because they are down by 15 going into the half.

  115. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    After Ariza and Turk’s little sissy fit, look how both have responded. Ariza hounded Turk on the next possession, leading to Turk throwing up a clunker. Ariza followed it up with two wide-open threes at Turk’s expense. I think we now know who’s got more heart.

  116. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    Kurt: And it’s not even broadcasting here in Sweden. Although, they probably count the NBA League Pass Broadband as broadcasting I guess.

  117. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    Orlando is 0-7 from the 3.

    We are 5-8.

    FG% about to draw even, and we made more FTs than they attempted (80%).

    Out rebounding them by 7 as well.

  118. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    great stuff lets end this now

  119. kehn says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    It’s pretty good when Fish is blowing by people 🙂

  120. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    I’ll go with State Department 😀 Probably lots of countries that can’t be officially recognized by the state, such as Taiwan.

  121. Travis says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    Turk is channeling his inner Sacramento King. He’ll be off kilter the rest of this game.

  122. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    Derek Swisher

  123. karlum says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    It’s funny that you can hear the “let’s go lakers” chants in orlando….

  124. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    Ariza is Hungry. I like.

  125. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    Orlando will pull themselves together at least at halftime when they chew each other out in the locker room. But this is definitely dagger territory. If the Lakers take the Magic’s best shot in the third and responds with some killer Bryant shots or any role players making shots and I don’t think the Magic or their fans have it in them to persevere.

  126. kehn says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    ARIZA!

  127. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    Long rebounds and turnovers are getting us into semi-transition, where we’re killing the Magic by passing to trailers. Credit goes to our guards and Odom for boxing out, getting rebounds, and pushing the ball up the floor.

  128. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    If I was an financial advisor, I’d be mailing business cards to Ariza

  129. Shaky says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:03 pm

    For a team that everyone kept emphasizing was the best defensive team in the league… we sure make them look like they don’t belong in the final when we get hot like this. (they similarly made us look bad in several of the first quarters in this series)

    I know nobody is going to say either of these teams was a really good championship team, since thir average level of play hasn’t been impressive (philly series, having to go 7 against a very depleted celts team — rockets series, getting blown out in game 4 of the denver series)…

    but if the lakers win playing like this, it’s going to leave me with this impression: This team IS great at their high points, just so much talent in their guys 1-6. This quarter has been incredible, we’ve really been making the magic look horrible.

  130. Travis says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    its over.

  131. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    BBBBBeautiful

  132. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    OK. I nominate Trevor Ariza for Finals MVP.

  133. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:05 pm

    Fish fouling is what worries me, but other than that…

  134. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:06 pm

    Andreas G,

    I think they count the countries the broadband league pass are available in towards that total.

  135. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Well, they weren’t going to be 0% from the 3 pt line forever, but wow, PJ is calling timeouts quickly 🙂

  136. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Ok one thing I want us to do above all else though, is keep Lewis from getting hot. Let any other Magic beat us.

  137. karlum says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Phil jackson’s “Easy now, it’s not over” is so much better than Van gundy screaming…

  138. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    Shaky, I wouldn’t say that at all. The Lakers 2000 team had to go seven and come from 15 down in the fourth to win. San Antonio ha struggled to win a lot of their titles. Style points are irrelevant. Get it and history cannot take it away from you, and if someone wants to say they are not the mid-90s Bulls, than so what?

  139. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    As long as we know that Orlando will responde just as Lewis hits that 3, we can’t relax thinking this run means Orlando is giving up. I don’t expect a blowout this game, in the 2nd half I expect some 3’s to start falling for Orlando, we just need to match their energy and we should come out with a W and the O’ Brian trophey!

  140. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    We (the Lakers) Need to keep the intensity and stay focused on D.

  141. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Btw: I think Lewis and Howard have a combined 2 pts when guarded by Pau?

  142. LAFan says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    Guys, new here.

    Aren’t the Lakers getting it done in terms of series-clinching games?

    Game 5 with Utah they won by 11.
    Game 7 with Houston they won by 19.
    Game 6 with Denver they won by 13.

    Game 5 with Orlando?

  143. lakergirl says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    I dont know what got into Ariza…whatever it is…I like

  144. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    He so didn’t call that bank.

  145. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    I like Gortat, but someone is going to overpay for his services this summer.

  146. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    should of been blocking

  147. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Flop? 6-1 PG under 200 bounds against what everyone says is the strongest center in the league? I’m sorry, but it’s amazing any time Fish doesn’t go down against him.

  148. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Oooaky… look for the Magic to come out and go on a scoring run early in the third.

  149. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Now THAT possession had to be back breaking.

  150. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Love the sound of that crowd. 🙂

  151. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Lovin this.

  152. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    I agree with you Kurt

  153. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    I love the fact we responded to the Magic’s energy because we knew they’d come out desperate and they did as was shown by their 9 point lead. But we played with a lot of intensity, Ariza is simply amazing…I only fear that in the off-season someone is going to offer him a lot of money, here’s hoping he’d rather play for LA and go for another title than making more money.

  154. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    great 2nd Q run by the Lakers. 24 minutes away.

  155. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    That’s a make-up call for the Howard push-off. Overall, I like the way the game is being officiated.

  156. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    It’s going to be Pow Gasol, not Pau Gasoft after this series.

    Now, I’m a bit ahead of myself, but I really hope Buss goes all out (or all in) and try to keep Ariza and Odom as long as they’re willing to stay.

  157. gnitsch says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    Greetings from Hungary, fellow Laker fans! It’s 3am here, but that does not keep me away from a Lakers game 🙂 Don’t you think that Kobe is HUGE defensively tonight? I am simply amazed by his fakes on a 1-3 situation…

  158. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:15 pm

    all I can say is Trevor and Lamar please stay, MR Buss please make it happen, to think that chris broussard said that peitrus was better then ariza today

  159. Shaky says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    Kurt — there’s no question in my mind people are going to say this was a weak championship team because of the inconsistency. As to you point about the lakers having to come back in that historic game 7 against portland, the key is that was an AWESOME portland team (in my opinion the best team in a given season that did’nt make the finals), vs. the yao-less rockets that basically scrapped its way to a game 7.

    Either way, my point was that despite that, I hope people remember the high points: this has been my favorite laker team since the 16-1 2001 team when they spread the floor and pass like that (and shoot the lights out, obviously). 🙂

    I’m with Will on that one with the D12 screen — JVG saying that’s not a legit foul… wow. Are you serious, Jeff? The guy didn’t just grab fish, he pushed and pulled him like a rag doll for a good 3 seconds on that screen.

    Not to re-open an old wound but Dwight Howard’s illegal screens remind me of the nonsense KG-Perkins-Big Baby pull off on a possession-by-possession basis. Big Baby I guess should get a pass since bringing that much pudge to a full stop is probably like asking Shaq to spell-check his twitters.

  160. E-ROC says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    I agree Kurt, Martin Gortat is going get paid and the team needs him the most is the Magic. However, they will probably not have enough money to re-sign after re-sign Hedo. I wonder who would want a quality back-up.

  161. kehn says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:18 pm

    I’ll be VERY surprised if the magic don’t come out hot in the 3rd – as long as we don’t panic and force shots to keep pace, we’ll be ok, I think. ORL can’t stay cold from beyond the arc forever.

    Also – the Kobe haters who say he doesn’t make his teammates better can offiicially shut up.

  162. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Magic Johnson is wearing that suit because he doesn’t care if it gets ruined by bubbly being poured all over it.

  163. Bill Bridges says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    Earvin, Earvin, Earvin,…. who dresses you?

  164. Joe says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    Im really impressed on how well the Lakers played that half. One more good half of basketball and we are the champions!!!!!

  165. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    Kurt, I love Ariza, but someone is going to try to overpay for his services this summer. After this Finals performance, he’s almost guaranteed the full MLA, to the tune of 5-6 mil per year. I’m thinking something similar to James Posey’s contract last year. Needless to say, he’s not going to be cheap. The key is how much of a pay cut Lamar Odom is willing to take.

  166. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    It is a title clinching, I-don’t-care-what-happens-to-it suit.

  167. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    Odom has had 2 Dr. J type english off the backboard shots in the first half by my count. Loving the play of everybody. Except Bynum’s shot “selection,” but even that was so egregious it was more comical than anything. And I liked his energy overall even if Dwight torched him as badly as he’s been ineffective against Gasol.

    The double Technical seemed to work out great for Ariza. Fired him up.

  168. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    @ 163
    Hopufully Kobe takes a pay cut and that could help out with paying Lamar and Trevor

  169. 3ThreeIII says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    Did they just say that the Three Tenors is opera’s version of the Triangle Offense?

    Oh my aching head…

  170. Shaky says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    ABC’s programming, based on its commercial breaks during this finals, looks absolutely horrendous. Maybe TNT just knows how to market its shows better… or maybe these quasi-japanese game shows just aren’t for me.

    I’m going to a bar right now with my number 8 jersey on. If I don’t post here again within 48 hours someone call the police. Hopefully we’re 2 hours away from awesome. FINISH IT, KOBE!

  171. Gr8 Scott says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    I feel like the wait is nearly over. This season just felt like an extended run from last year that wasn’t finished. I have a few bottles of bubbly for my wife and son to pour on my head and then we are going to celebrate another Laker title deep in the heart of spur-country San Antonio. Go Lakers! And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we can keep both Ariza and Odom. Fish and Phil (and Kobe if he opts out)- please come back, too! I know it’s only halftime, but let’s keep it up and we can break their will. What a fitting end for the best road team to win another clincher on the road. I have truly enjoyed watching this team over the course of this season. So many expectations, so many twists and turns, so many instances of other players stepping up and so many more great Kobe and Laker memories. I can’t wait to stock up on a lot of championship shirts, DVDs, hats, banners…all of it. Go Lakers!!!! This site is the best.

  172. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    @Big O – I highly doubt Kobe will take a pay cut, I just don’t see that being likely at all. I think Lamar will take around 6-7 million a year for about 2yrs and Trevor with around 5-6 million a year.

  173. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    Wonder how badly Kobe wants his 4th, 5th, 6th championships… and beyond.

    I’m sure there’s a ton of pride involved, but him taking a pay cut would mean a lot, and could probably get Lamar/Ariza to not seek to maximize their deals and force Buss to overpay a bit more.

    Anyway, still a half of basketball to be played, and they won’t really be outrebounded and cold for another half. SVG is smart enough to throw something at us that will get them going.

  174. chris h says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    ok, we’ve got the lead going into the half.
    we need to play smart, hold off the runs.
    protect the lead without playing only to protect the lead, still need to match all they’re gonna bring.
    if we can play them even for the 3rd, I’ll be that much happier.
    I am very relieved that we have such an excellent coaching staff, I know they’re putting together and excellent second half game plan.
    love to be a fly on that wall.

  175. Emma says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    Now I know why Pau Gasol makes that face! He’s singing arias in his head…

  176. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    One More Half. Lets keep it up. Go Lakers. I love this team.

  177. Kevin says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    I’m with you Bill. Magic is embarassing us? Where did he find that ugly suit and why doesn’t he take it back?

  178. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Calm down people – it’s not really over yet;)

    But that was a nice half indeed..

  179. 3ThreeIII says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Harold, don’t forget the player’s union. They, um, discourage players from taking pay cuts.

    Kobe gets top money. It is a business.

    On the plus side, the deep run in the playoffs equals a bit more money in the coffers, and Buss has never been cheap with his players.

    I suspect that we will keep both Ariza and Odom.

    Go Lakers!

  180. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Be on the lookout for a lot of threes from the Magic.

  181. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    There is NO WAY in the world Kobe’s is going to take a pay cut. This isn’t a hard cap like football, so why would Kobe who has probably doubled the value of the franchise, and made Buss hundreds of millions of dollars take a cut so the ownership doesn’t have to pay the luxury tax? He’d be crazy to take a pay cut, and Kobe is not crazy…

  182. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Over here in China, I’m skipping work to watch this game cuz deep down I KNOW it’s going to be the last game of the season. Make it happen in the 2nd half, fellas! =)

  183. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    @165,
    I was hoping I heard that wrong. The Three Tenors are the triangle, huh? Um, okaaay. That makes sense.

    Get ready for that Magic run now! Execute on defense, help each other and keep their shooting % low. And then run fast and give the ball to Pau.

  184. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    I think the first 3-5 minutes is going to show who wants this more. If we can control the first few minutes of this quarter and put even more doubt into Orlando’s minds that this series is in fact over!

  185. anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    if we continue to drive the ball to the paint and play defense like we have been doing we should do well
    as soon as our defense breaks down is when we will get in trouble

  186. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    Haha “I want to feel the pain” – legendary:D

  187. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    Did they just compare Kobe to one of the felons who broke into Watergate…? *mind boggles*

  188. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:33 pm

    man I really hope Kobe takes an easy summer with lots of rest. his legs just don’t look as strong as we’re used to. if you could put KB24’s head on KB8’s body, nobody would be talking about Lebron.

  189. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:36 pm

    Not advocating him to take a cut, but it has been done before to negotiate a longer contract, which can be of interest to Kobe (but not at this point in his career, yet).

    At any rate, Kobe bailing our stagnant offense again.

  190. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    The refs have now decided to keep this one close..

  191. anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    the refs will try their best to let orlando win this game – calling all the fouls on us! hope we can overcome this

  192. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    My game cast must be wrong, it’s only been 15 seconds and there’s a clock violation?

  193. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    I swear if I just read the comments here right now I think we were losing.

  194. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    And oh btw, 3 shots for Pau? Jeez..

  195. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:39 pm

    wowww, what a way to respond to a corner three with one of our own!

  196. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Lamar ODOM. I love when he comes to play.

  197. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Last game of the season (hopefully) and Lamar and Ariza stepping up bigtime (rightfully).

    Man they know how to plead their case.

  198. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Kurt, we’re just trying not to jinx it by acting as if we’ve already won the trophy 😉

    Go Lamar!!

  199. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    2 BIG 3’s by Odom

  200. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    that statement by JVG is why we have to prioritize Odom over Ariza this offseason. when he plays great, we’re unbeatable. you can’t say the same for Ariza,

  201. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Thought I just saw him take and make that three earlier. Glitch on my gamecast?

  202. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Odom + Ariza + Brown = the post potent shooting 3some in basketball????

  203. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    What else do Laker fans want from Lamar Odom?

  204. E-ROC says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Doesn’t Kobe have three blocks in his game? His help defense has been great inn this game.

  205. luubi says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Odom and Ariza: Dude, where’s my contract?

  206. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Why are people complaining about the refs and saying their going to allow the Magic to win? Are we all of a sudden losing depsite the score saying we’re ahead?

  207. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Lakers draining three like they are the….. Magic? Lakers 7-11 from three, Orlando 2-12.

  208. 3ThreeIII says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    LAMAR!!!

    3 for 3.

    I think I know where Sasha’s shot went…

  209. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    We’re playing pretty good defense, we just need to get the offense going again now. More Gasol, more cutting.

  210. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    Ball movement like the 1970 Knicks.

  211. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    E-ROC: The box score has him at 4.

  212. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Those threes, that block…

    I know Henry Abbot said this, but it DOES look like last year, except we’re on the better end of it.

    Last year, this is about where we folded and saw the game end in a huge blowout.

  213. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Nice offensive foul by D Howard.

  214. sT says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Kobe has 4 blocks.

  215. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Anyone complaining about the refs in this wrong. They’re calling this game exceedingly fair.

  216. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    Boxscore says Kobe w/ 4 blocks now

  217. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    I’m so giddy (a bit early, i know) that I can’t keep myself from spamming the board. Sorry.

    But I think Kobe has a good shot at 20-5-5-5 even if he doesn’t give a darn about stats.

    One more block, one more assist, and three more points. Other than the block, the rest are given unless we make this a true blowout…

  218. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    @208

    don’t even get me started on Sasha. he has gotten worse and worse as the postseason has gone on. question: does anybody think he can make a comeback and play better next year? Its hard to imagine.

  219. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Hedo ran him over.

  220. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Is it just me, or does the crowd seem completely out of it? This doesn’t feel like a championship game.

  221. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    More Pau please.

  222. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    Anonymous, I’m not sure if it’s harder to imagine him getting better than it is him getting worse. I mean, Sasha already hit rock bottom…

  223. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    @Zephid,
    In their defense, their team are not playing like a championship contender right now. They’re getting beat on both ends, and though they’re trying to fight back they’re just not getting anywhere.

  224. Travis says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    Kobe. Dominating.

  225. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    Good Defense. Keep it up.

  226. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    GUNDY!!!

  227. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Will the Magic fold? Let’s see. Their body language doesn’t look so good.

  228. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Kobe is just insane. This season is putting him in the GOAT-esphere for sure.

    I’d like to see Kobe end up with numbers that keep in the Jordan/West 30 ppg 8 assists avg.

    Just because it provides further concrete evidence that all those Kobe haters are totally deluded.

  229. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    gasol the most underated defender in the league?

  230. 91601guy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    really like Kobe’s rhythm in the offense, this is looking like Denver game 6

  231. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    Good going Mimsy

  232. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    Pau Gasol is the only player on our team not in double digit scoring.

    Think about that for a second.

  233. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Errm, meant on the floor right now. At any rate, this is looking better as time goes on…

  234. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Someone is frustrated.

  235. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    rofl huge bs. That should be Howard’s 5th foul. Forearm in the back = foul

  236. Mike says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Dwight Howard does not deserve to be called Superman.

  237. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Lakers just want it, they want the loose balls, they are attacking and kicking, they are trying to block everything. Orlando doesn’t know how to match it.

  238. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    @231,
    My box score says Andrew, Luke, Sasha and Jordan are in single digits as well…? And for three of those, the digit is a 0…

  239. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    wow, dwight with 5 fouls… i think its over

  240. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    “Oh was that Howard’s fifth? Let’s change it to Turk!”

  241. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    oops. 4, my bad

  242. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    Never mind, that made more sense. Ignore my comment #237

  243. Tremble says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    is it still too early to celebrate? 😉

  244. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    @ 237

    LMFAO

  245. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    refs blatently changed that call when they realised howard already had 4

  246. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    Anybody else notice that Ariza seems to be getting in Turk’s head a little?

  247. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    i mean 238

  248. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    Howard pushed him in the back, why change it?

  249. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    Mimsy, sorry, meant those on the floor right now.

    Bryant, Ariza, Fisher, Odom all have double digits, Pau only with 7 (but with the highest fg%) but with 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists.

    Bryant with 4 blocks, Ariza with 2 steals, Fisher with about 2 offensive fouls drawn(?)…

    Our players are willing themselves to peak.

  250. Travis says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    in the words of Stephen A, its OVAAA.

    I just hope we see a Shannon Brown dunk in the 4th quarter.

  251. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    HA that’s why people complain about officiating. That was a very legit 5th foul on Dwight, yet they change it once they realize it is his 5th. Come on. Really?

  252. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    They changed it so he can at least play quality Minutes in the 4th or the ratings will go down in Orlando. I know they will stay up in L.A.

  253. anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    was that a goaltend on odom’s shot?

  254. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    @Travis
    That would be a good reason to Keep Howard in. So Brown can dunk over him! 🙂

    This is not over yet. Not by far. It will be extremely difficult for the Magic to get back into this, but it’s not impossible. They are still fighting, and they will keep fighting. Let’s not do them the favor of writing them off just yet.

  255. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    Spreading ugliness, but I like it as long as it’s both teams not scoring 😉

    Lamar just killed his FG% of the night there, although I like his effort…

  256. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Wow Alston not too pleased at being subbed for.

  257. Cayucos Surfer says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    Looked like a goaltend to me..

  258. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 6:59 pm

    That’s the 5th, irreversible

  259. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Now its 5 on Howard

  260. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Is it just me, or does Dwight just not want to play? He really is keen on fouling out tonight.

  261. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    I take it back. Howard with 5 and over a quarter left, that might well be the killer.

  262. joe wright says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    The work of Pau on Howard tonight is just AWESOME.

  263. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    Come on I want to see Sasha score!

  264. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    Nice play Gortat. Probably better for the Magic to have him in instead of Howard anyway.

  265. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    Odom, that’s how you picked up your last offensive foul…

  266. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    Time to pile it on.

  267. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    Despite the lame bail-out when Howard’s 5th was given to Turkoglu, I still like the refs tonight. In fairness, we should give them some credit when they do a good job as well as rail on them when they don’t. Tonight’s trio is doing a good job of keeping things consistent and even.

  268. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    12 minutes away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  269. Anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    no more Sasha. He just plays ugly basketball. I wanna see Shannon Brown.

  270. sT says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:03 pm

    1 more quarter to go folks and I feel good about the Lakers at this moment.

  271. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    I can smell it now. Kobe is going to be way too focused, our team is going to be way too intense, and there’s no way Orlando is going to out-score us by 15 in 12 minutes. Let’s take them out now, on their home floor. Let’s show the rest of the world that we’re a champion.

  272. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    12 minutes to go and the title is ours!!!!

  273. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:04 pm

    Put Kobe back in NOW.

  274. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    You know, I *DID* pick the Lakers to win it in 5… 😉

    Anyway. One quarter left still. Although I doubt we’re capable of a collapse, you never know with a team like Magic as they rely on 3s. They can make it up really quick if we lax and then we’re back to LAX.

    Let’s go. This has been another masterful performance by Kobe et al., let’s not waste it.

  275. Joe says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    We know the Magic will go on a serge. If the Lakers keep their poise and continue to execute, then we will be the champions!

  276. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    Kobe went out a little earlier than he usually does so he can start the 4thQ and put this game away. He knows the title is close.

  277. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    SVG in the interview can’t even pretend any more.

  278. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    Why do they play star wars music?

  279. LJAY says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    It’s amazing the fact that someone could say that Gasol has dominated Howard this whole series, and no one could dismiss the statement as nonsense.

    Amazing job in the defensive end from Gasol.

  280. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    This is where we make a statement. Blow them out. Hold them under 80. Anyone? 🙂

  281. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    Big O: IT’S EMPIRE STRIKES BACK!

    although we have Luke.

  282. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:08 pm

    We also have Kobe. The Force is strong with that one.

  283. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Kobe-wan Kanobryant or something.

    Bleh, no need to get too creative here, let’s just go get this 🙂

  284. anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    “you are not going to win letting jj redick guard kobe byrant one on one…that is recipe for diasaster”
    -mark jackson

    haha this is really funny because it’s so true

  285. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    I would go with Darth Mamba 🙂

    I would also really want to see some serious stops on defense right now. If the Magic get the lead down to 10 they will have hope again, and we do not want that!

  286. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    that last three…. i was Kobe No no no.

    Yessssssssssssssssss

  287. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    And that 3 by Kobe was just heartless, brutal, cruel, mean, vicious, ruthless and GREAT!

  288. Gemmy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    dagger 3!

  289. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    that is one nail in in the coffin on Kobe’s 3

  290. E-ROC says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    lol, “Hand down, man down!” As soon as Hedo dropped his hand, Kobe rose for a three.

  291. Tremble says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    8 minutes till paradise

  292. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    At this point, the Magic would have to kill Kobe to win.

  293. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Defensively we just need to keep them from getting open looks at 3 and don’t give up any and-1’s on their penetration and against Howard in the post. If they are forced to only score 2’s, and we just keep passing on the offensive end, there is no way they can catch us.

  294. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Let me warm up my wallet to order some Championship Gear.

  295. John says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Optimus Prime is a baller!!

  296. wickedskillz says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Hand Down Man Down.

    Kobe Wan Kenobi with ice in his veins.

  297. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    Loved that Kobe 3.

  298. wickedskillz says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    This is exciting,
    to say the least

  299. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:17 pm

    You know, we’re so lucky to witness a team that started with our franchise player screaming trade me, then outperformed all expectations, came oh-so-close last season, dealt with injuries this season but is just about to win it all.

  300. Mico says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    Am i right that Kurt would win the stat geek smackdown blogger edition should the lakers win?

    (I think he picked Lakers in 6 though, but i’m pretty sure he’s clear as long as the Lakers win)

  301. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    ahh trev does miss a few dunks for some reason

  302. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    I really hope that Kobe still has that jacket from the 2002 celebration to wear again!

  303. joe wright says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    It s over.We are the champions¡

  304. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Just realized we had a strange lineup with no true PG right now.

  305. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Mico, I think Dave Berri may have tied me. I forget.

  306. Mico says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    ooh missed dunk…

  307. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    We’re living history right now guys. Let’s bask in the glory.

  308. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    It’s not important, but I still want to see Kobe crack 30 pts and 8 assists for the game.

  309. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    @ 302
    I was thinking about that jacket the other day. I love it. I want one.

  310. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Hedo, Rashard and Dwight really rolled over tonight.

    I watched the Media Access show, the Magic’s body language said they were done, although they said all the right things.

  311. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Now iso Pau on Howard so he can foul out. Would be a fitting end.

  312. Kaifa says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Harold, I was wondering in a previous thread whether a Kobe-Ariza-Odom-Gasol-Bynum line-up couldn’t work. Odom is hitting from 3, you have two (and a half) guys who can bring up the ball; low-post-scoring, mid-range game, the ability to switch picks on the perimeter…

  313. luubi says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    I smell victory. Smells like team spirit.

    why aren’t they showing this game at Staples? such a great treat for the faithfuls.

  314. wickedskillz says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    hahahaha oh no its contagious! MJack getting into Gundy’s head.

  315. Atomsk121 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    “Hand down, man down”

    Who’s got GUNDY?

  316. Jaybird says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    The move by Kobe where he flew in front of the hoop, Howard forced him to change his shot and he took it all the way from right to left, double clutched and put it in… was amazing.

    Hard to describe it but I think you guys know which move I’m referring to.

  317. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    Walton on board! Now we just need Sasha to score…

  318. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:24 pm

    wooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooo

    by the way this would be a repeat with a healthy ariza and bynum last year but who cares cuz loser complain about injuries. Whos going to the parade??? I am!

  319. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    he tried to slit the throat with that three.

  320. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    By the way no one bother praying to god for world peace tonite he is too busy talking to Howard about his freethrows.

  321. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    odom, gasol, ariza going for the 2nd best scorer on our team 😉

    Odom leading the pack by 2.

  322. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    Pau is unquestionably the second best player on the floor this Finals, even counting all of the Magic.

  323. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:27 pm

    Soak up the moment tonight people. Enjoy. Don’t come with posts about the offseason or your pissed at Sasha or whatever. Love this. Love these guys. There is plenty of time for the rest.

  324. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Three Minutes.

  325. beyondblue says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Kobe going for game over three’s. Just win Kobe.

  326. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    They cut it down to 12…! Still fighting, still trying. You’ve got to admire and respect that.

  327. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    I just want to thank Kurt for another great year here at FB&G and all the great posters, you’ve truly made this season that much better, go Lakers!

  328. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    Can we call this yet?

  329. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    you right kurt. I love it. put mbenga.

  330. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    This Championship is in the refrigerator: the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard, and the Jell-O’s jigglin’!

  331. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    Odom with the double double now.

    Kobe, go for one more block 😉

  332. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    Almost there.

  333. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    @330

    Classic

  334. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    thanks kurt i love this site and all the othe rlaker fans here. this has been a hell of a ride since last years finals. I salute every person who wanted to stick with odom last offseason, he has really impressed me this year.

  335. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    I love the MVPs from Nike

  336. inwit says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    Machavellian? (terrible spelling).

  337. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    Pau Gasol has been outstanding this series. Defensive effort on Dwight Howard, his rebounding, passing, all of it has just been fantastic. We could not have won this without him.

  338. emh101@aol.com says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    The Lakers have been impressive in their close out games, particularly the last two on the road.

  339. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    Love seeing Nike having to fire off all of their stored up new puppet commercials since there’s not going to be a game 6 or 7!

  340. Big J says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    Congratulations Kurt on running a great blog site. I’m not a Laker fan but I come here because there is intelligent basketball talk and no fanboyism.

    Congratulations Laker fans on another championship. Party Hard

  341. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    anyone know if we are aloud to meet the flight at LAX i always wanted to do that.

  342. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    the lakers never panicked this whole offseason, lord knows i did a couple times a sign that Kobe is a great leader, I think as his jumping ability lessons he will become the all around player we have seen these finals, I am so proud of our squad.

  343. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    This one is done. They’re in the penalty, and Kobe has yet to miss any FTs tonight.

  344. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    Lakers have been impressive tonight, but this is plain and simply not the Magic’s best game. Not like Houston was playing in game 7 or the Nuggets were playing in game 6. Like we saw in game 1 of the finals, the Magic can play bad, and not have the mental toughness to every time figure out how to compete even when the game doesn’t start off going their way.

  345. DB says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    Can Phil put Sasha in to make his only shot of the finals in garbage time? I still have faith! 😉

  346. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    phil remains undefeated in playoff series where he wins game one, whats that like 44-0 that is pretty sick.

  347. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    This is Beautiful. I just found this site not too long ago. I’m glad i found it. Everyone have a great summer and i look foward to chatting it up with you next year.

  348. sT says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    I am planning my trip down to Fig for the parade already.

  349. Joe says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Party time boys!

  350. Josh says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    This is sooooo rewarding. Congratulations, guys.

  351. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    kobe’s 4th! Kobe’s 4th! Kobe’s 4th!

    Oh man, I’m so looking forward to the attitude changes of the media after Kobe wins his 4th.

  352. Rich says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    Stop! Party Time!!!

  353. DB says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    If Breen makes one more comment about the resiliency of the Magic I’m gonna lose it.

  354. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Are they really going to play the foul-every-possession game for the next 36 seconds when down by 12?

  355. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    D Fish with the fourth Ring.

  356. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Phil Jackson just won his 10th ring. Good job, coach.

    Good job players!

    PARTY TIME! I am so happy and proud of my team! GO LAKERS!

  357. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:38 pm

    Kobe’s 4th, but JACKSON’S TENTH! Best of all time, no question.

  358. Will says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    CHAMPIONS!

  359. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    All my comments get stuck in moderation 🙁 I just want to join the celebrations!

  360. chibi says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    Lakers #1

  361. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    2008-9 NBA CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  362. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    One LOVe.

    Lakers.

  363. j. d. hastings says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    Larry Bird: 3, Kobe Bryant: 4

  364. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    Somebody relay Kobe’s expressions in the post game. I can’t get that via gamecast 🙁

  365. Gatinho says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    Os lakers vao sair campeoaaaaaaa

  366. lakergirl says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Oh wow…what a season. We are the Champions!!

  367. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    LOVE IT BRILLIANT, well deserved now lets 3peat lol

  368. 3ThreeIII says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Great season all!

    I want to thank Kurt, and Co, and the usual posters for a great site, and a great place to share and enjoy this season, this team, and this great championship!

    Sweet sweet sweet!

  369. Zephid says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Ah, so this is the sweet taste of victory. Winning the NBA championship, cheering our team to the pinnacle of this sport. But, it is not the victory that brings us sweetness. It is the long 82 game regular season, all 23 games played in this postseason, all the rigors of this season. It is the tough December losses, the mental break-downs in January, the beautiful road streak in February, the frustrating losses in March. It is the Christmas game, the back to back @Boston, @Cleveland games. It is the leads given up against Utah, the blowout against the Yao-less Rockets, the home loss against Denver. It is the Game 7 victory against Houston, the Game 6 closeout in Denver, and this closeout here in Orlando. It is Fisher’s struggles and redemption, Lamar’s excellent form, break-down, injury, and now return to form. It is Andrew’s coming out, injury, and coming back as a role player. It is Gasol and Kobe’s consistency and fire. It is Sasha’s shooting woes, Jordan’s struggles, Luke’s benching, Ariza’s development, and Powell’s bad hands. It is the pain of last year’s Finals loss, Boston’s Game 4 comeback, the 39 point blowout in Game 6.

    It is the entire journey, with all its pain, suffering, joy, jubilation, frustration, relief, and exuberance, that makes this victory sweet.

    To all of us who stuck around this entire season and last: we’ve earned this as fans. We’ve been here through the good times and the bad. We’ve born all the trials and tribulations that the team has gone through. We as fans have earned this sweet, sweet victory.

  370. tonystarks says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    This one is for Chick

  371. Kurt says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    New post up for celebration!

  372. DB says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    Kobe with the ear to ear smile, holding his daughters in Lakers unis, hugging all his teammates. It’s awesome!

  373. Mimsy says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    @harold,
    Biggest, most genuinely happy smile you’ve ever seen on him. Big, big tight hug with Fisher and now he’s over with his daughters and just grinning like an idiot. The man looks truly happy. And frankly, he’s earned it. 🙂

  374. glove32 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm

    SHAQ 4 Kobe 4

  375. Andreas G. says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    Champions! ¡Campeónes! Mästare!

  376. Archon says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    All the ups and the downs the nightsweats, the tension worrying about this team, it was all worth it!!!!

  377. la_resistance28 says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY! Lakers Purple and Gold PRIDE!!!

  378. harold says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    I think I’m gonna cry.

  379. james says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    doris burke is trying to ruin this for me

  380. Big O says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    Where is Vic the Brick? LOL

  381. j says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    frick the damn sports channel in canada cut off the celebrations!! great game, great season though, champs at last!! beautfiul win

  382. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    Pau you were awsome and honestly the best power forward in the NBA this year. Third team my asss, you out did garnett, duncan and Carmelo. I love this team.

  383. anonymous says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    i must say kobe’s daughters are really cute in those matching lakers dresses

  384. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    Shaq will get a fifth… as will kobe when shaq signs for the veterans minimum in two years, I will always love Shaq and what he did here, but this is the best all around team championship since showtime.

  385. Mamula says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    Congratulations to the Lakers! To each and every member of the organization.

    Congrats to you guys… This is what we were dreaming of from the beginning of the season and now it is finally here.

    Thank you Kurt for this amazing corner that you have created for us fans to come together and share our happiness and pains together throughout the season.

    WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!

  386. yoo yoo says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    wow a lot of laker fans there.

  387. E-ROC says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Kobe Bryant is first official winner of Bill Russell award.

  388. Adrian says

    June 14, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    I’m a late bloomer when it comes to being a basketball fan.. Started following the Lakers on 2005 only because Kobe is the only player that I know.. Got heart broken because of the two 1st round exits against Phoenix.. Was very happy for the team last year, and now.. This is IT! The feeling of winning it all! What a great feeling indeed.. By the way, I was not able to watch a SINGLE LAKERS’ GAME, only following them through this blog and yahoosports

  389. luubi says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    wow, it’s been a long 7 years. Enjoy guys!

    thank you Kurt for this great blog. You and the commenters have made this season that much more enjoyable and memorable for me.

  390. robindude says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    aaahhh…REDEMPTION!

  391. chris h says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    where’s the best place to see post game interviews?

  392. JD says

    June 14, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    Champions!!!

  393. Big Ralf says

    June 14, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Weee are the champions my friends, and we’ll keep on fighting till the end!!!!!!

    This is who we are!!!!

    We are the Los Angeles Lakers!!!!!

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