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Lakers/Magic Game 5 Chat

by


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.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. harold says

    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.

  7. Cayucos Surfer says

    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!

  10. Mimsy says

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

  11. Mimsy says

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

  13. Emma says

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

  14. Kurt says

    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.

  18. harold says

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

  19. Archon says

    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..

  23. Kurt says

    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

  26. Mimsy says

    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. 🙂

  29. Mimsy says

    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.

  31. harold says

    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.

  34. Mico says

    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

  37. Zephid says

    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

    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

    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

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

  41. Shaky says

    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

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

  44. Mimsy says

    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.

  47. Jaybird says

    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.

  49. 91601guy says

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

  50. Andreas G. says

    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

    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

    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

    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

  56. Kurt says

    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.

  58. Gatinho says

    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).

  63. Josh says

    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.

  65. Jaybird says

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

    I think it’s already in double digits.

  69. Archon says

    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

    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

    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.

  74. Josh says

    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.

  77. Zephid says

    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.

  79. Cayucos Surfer says

    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

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

  82. Will says

    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”?

  86. Will says

    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.

  88. Big J says

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

  90. Cayucos Surfer says

    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.

  92. Emma says

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

  93. Mimsy says

    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!

  97. j. d. hastings says

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

  98. luubi says

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

  99. Kurt says

    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

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

  101. Anonymous says

    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.

  107. Will says

    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

    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

    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…

  114. Mimsy says

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  120. Emma says

    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

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

  125. Will says

    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.

  127. Zephid says

    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.

  129. Shaky says

    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.

  134. Mimsy says

    Andreas G,

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

  135. harold says

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

  136. Will says

    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

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

  138. Kurt says

    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

    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!

  142. LAFan says

    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?

  147. Will says

    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

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

  153. Rich says

    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.

  156. harold says

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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

  164. Joe says

    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

    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.

  167. j. d. hastings says

    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

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

  169. 3ThreeIII says

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

    Oh my aching head…

  170. Shaky says

    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

    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

    @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

    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

    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.

  177. Kevin says

    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

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

    But that was a nice half indeed..

  179. 3ThreeIII says

    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!

  181. Archon says

    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

    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

    @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

    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

    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

  187. Mimsy says

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

  188. Anonymous says

    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

    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.

  191. anonymous says

    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

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

  197. harold says

    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

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

    Go Lamar!!

  200. Anonymous says

    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,

  204. E-ROC says

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

  206. Rich says

    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?

  209. Zephid says

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

  212. harold says

    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.

  217. harold says

    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

    @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.

  222. harold says

    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

    @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.

  228. Josh says

    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.

  232. harold says

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

    Think about that for a second.

  233. harold says

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

  237. Kurt says

    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

    @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…

  249. harold says

    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

    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

    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

    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.

  254. Mimsy says

    @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

    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…

  260. harold says

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

  261. Mimsy says

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

  264. Will says

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

  267. Mimsy says

    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.

  271. Zephid says

    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.

  274. harold says

    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

    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

    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.

  279. LJAY says

    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

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

  283. harold says

    Kobe-wan Kanobryant or something.

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

  284. anonymous says

    “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

    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!

  287. harold says

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

  290. E-ROC says

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

  293. Will says

    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.

  299. harold says

    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

    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)

  308. Josh says

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

  310. inwit says

    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.

  312. Kaifa says

    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

    I smell victory. Smells like team spirit.

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

  316. Jaybird says

    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.

  318. yoo yoo says

    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!

  320. yoo yoo says

    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

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

    Odom leading the pack by 2.

  322. Will says

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

  323. Kurt says

    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.

  326. Mimsy says

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

  327. Rich says

    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!

  330. glove32 says

    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’!

  334. yoo yoo says

    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.

  337. Mimsy says

    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

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

  339. Will says

    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

    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

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

  342. yoo yoo says

    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

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

  344. Will says

    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

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

  346. yoo yoo says

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

  347. Big O says

    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.

  351. harold says

    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.

  353. DB says

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

  354. Will says

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

  356. Mimsy says

    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!

  359. Mimsy says

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

  364. harold says

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

  368. 3ThreeIII says

    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

    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.

  372. DB says

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

  373. Mimsy says

    @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. 🙂

  376. Archon says

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

  381. j says

    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

    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

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

  384. yoo yoo says

    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

    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!

  388. Adrian says

    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

    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.

  393. Big Ralf says

    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!!!!!