One Step Closer to Lakers vs. Pistons?
Kobe Bryant (photo. Chris Sembrot)Everyone’s been so hyped this year for a possible Lakers/Celtics matchup in the Finals, it hasn’t really been mentioned at all that Lakers/Pistons would have its own nostalgic appeal. Remember the 1988 (Finals MVP James Worthy), ‘89 (Joe Dumars) and 2004 (Chauncey Billups) championship series between these two franchises? After what the ‘08 Pistons did to Boston on their home floor the other day and the way the Lakers destroyed San Antonio last night, it’s looks like we’re headed for another go-round … Kobe didn’t necessarily rip anyone on the night, dropping an easy 22 points (13 in the first half), 5 boards and 5 assists while getting plenty of rest in the blowout win. Marv Albert gave Kobe the “ON. FIRE!” stamp of approval with about 10 minutes left in the third quarter after he drained an and-one jumper in Bruce Bowen’s mug. On L.A.’s next possession Derek Fisher found Lamar Odom under the rim for a bucket that stretched the Lakers’ lead to 14, and the Spurs were pretty much cooked at that point. Kobe played it humble afterwards, saying in the post-game that it’s still going to be a tough series. At least that’s what he said. Who knows what he’s actually thinking … The game really turned during two big L.A. runs: a 9-0 burst to break a tie and close out the first half, then a 14-3 run to begin the fourth quarter that put them to bed in an eventual 30-piecing … Odom (20 pts, 12 rebs, 4 blks) is like Rasheed Wallace in that everyone knows he’s ultra-talented, everyone who’s ever played with him says he could be dominant, yet for whatever reason it’s just not in his makeup to be a true superstar. The fact that Odom was up-and-down as L.A.’s second option to Kobe but has been consistently ballin’ as the third option behind Kobe and Pau Gasol is a prime example. Same with ‘Sheed reaching his peak as the third (sometimes fourth) guy in Detroit … Charles Barkley basically delivered a eulogy on Robert Horry and Mike Finley’s respective careers are halftime. Barkley said that Horry “has been a great player, but it’s over,” then said Finley is “past his prime.” While it’s no secret Finley isn’t the same guy he was a few years back, he is still contributing. Same goes for Horry, although he looked pretty terrible last night; he couldn’t make a shot and one time didn’t even jump on some kind of layup/hook that Odom sent to the frank man … It wasn’t just Horry, though — the entire Spurs offense was awful. They looked sluggish and uncharacteristically out of sync, plus they couldn’t make a shot when they did get a good look. San Antonio shot 34% from the floor, 6-for-23 from three-point range and only shot 10 free throws all night. As we saw in the Hornets’ series, they have to make their threes if they’re going to win … Manu Ginobili, who Gregg Popovich at one point admitted was “not Manu,” was held to 7 points. Hate to throw a huge asterisk up, but by all accounts it’s the ankle that’s bothering him. That and Sasha Vujacic has slapped some impressive defense on him … A lot was made about Kobe’s sneakers. In Game 1 he started out rocking the Hyperdunks (his “Olympic defensive stopper” shoe according to Craig Sager), but switched to the Zoom Kobe III’s (his “Black Mamba” shoe) at halftime before the 25-point evisceration. Last night Kobe went with the Zooms from the get-go … No comment on Kobe’s “jump” over a pool. But was that Rob Van Dam chilling in the water? Ever the salesman, when the TNT guys showed Kenny Smith pretending to get hit by a car again, Kobe said, “If you had some Hyperdunks on you’d be able to get up there.” … After Tim Duncan (12 pts, 16 rebs) put up a double-double in the first half, anyone would have said the Spurs needed to feed TD more often in the second half and let him go to work. So why did he only take one shot over the last 24 minutes? He needs to have a Vintage Duncan game when the series goes back to San Antonio or his team’s in serious trouble … No one was happier to see Jordan Farmar pull a Tayshaun Prince on Ike Udoka than Luke Walton. Now Luke won’t be on the business end of the most memorable block of the playoffs: when Ronnie Price got him in Utah … We’re out like Luke’s shame …
May 24th, 2008 at 4:15 am
tres_equis says:
Impressive statement game. To everyone saying the Spurs are gonna come back from this: reality check, these ain’t the Hornets. Spurs are done. I’m guessing Lakers take one in Texas and finish it at home. I can’t wait for the game 1 of the Finals in the Palace…
May 24th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Jay says:
Can we seriously stop talking about Sasha’s D like it isn’t just an annoying dude being on the lucky end of Manu playing like crap? Sasha’s idea of defense is simply trying to get under the guy’s skin. If that doesn’t work, let him get by and try to do the hook around steal.
Is that all that qualifies for “impressive” defense now: trying to get under an opponent’s skin?
May 24th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Three Stacks says:
Getting under people’s skin has won Bruce Bowen countless All-Defensive recognitions. And I don’t know if you’ve ever balled, but playing against someone that annoys you can definitely throw you off your game, any coach or player will acknowledge that. Hell, even Phil Jackson said he’s sticking Sasha on Manu cause he knows he gets under his skin, and Phil should know what he’s talking about.
Don’t wanna jinx a damn thing. This thing is still a series until somebody wins four games. Go Lakers.
May 24th, 2008 at 6:02 am
MaMba says:
the kobe pool thing was funny…..im pretty sure kobe could of done it if they didn’t remove the ramp lol
May 24th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Coach T-sun says:
The Lakers are here for many many more years Michael move over somebody’s coming to tie or move pass you for more rings and establish himself as one of the best ever. MJ won 4 rings after he was 30 years old, kobes 29 on his way to 4th. As a Laker fan i am just concerned is management willing to keep everyone a priority this summer is to re-sign turiaf and sasha, odom is gonna be a free agent next year and his role is gonna be the 6th man next year is he willing to take a pay cut from 14 million to around 8-10? Bynum is up next year and they WILL NOT play the front line of bynum,gasol and odom for long long stretches because they ahve a glut of small forwards and odom is a true 4 and a better version of tony kukoc. Heres an idea dime chew on this
Mihm
radmonvic
Ariza
for
Battier
Francis (cap/buyout)
Steve novak
This trade helps houston get deeper and gamble a bit with ariza’s talents @ the 3 along with vlade’s shooting and gets a nice backup for yao i mean mutombo is still there but you need another big. while LA gets a true defensive minded small-forward that has all-nba defense plus he can hit the 3 which is the perfect triangle player at the 3 spot, now you have a ROCK 10 man rotation that is a true dynasty
Bynum, Gasol, Turaif, Odom
Battier,Walton
Kobe,Sasha
Fish and Farmar
May 24th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Cammy Z says:
Kobe is in true assassin mode when he plays the Spurs. Just watch. If it gets close in San Antonio, look for Kobe to take over.
May 24th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Jerry says:
How are we so sure it’s not going to be Lakers vs Celtics?
anything is possible still
May 24th, 2008 at 7:27 am
kb24! says:
That trade seems cool. Coach. I love Ariza though. We haven’t really seen what he could really do. Remember that game he had agaisnt the Suns when he dunked on G-Hill. Sick…and imagine if that trade happens, and Steve Francis gets back to his all star days. haha LAKER’s wont lose ever.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Smitty313 says:
Damn I forgot the Pistons had homecourt over the Lakers. Yes Sasha is playing good D on Manu, he said himself that his ankle is not bothering him. But everyone else wants to make excuses for him. Their is no way San Antonio will win a game in L.A. so its pretty much over. Utah looks better than the Spurs at this point.
Why does Boston look shook every time I see them on t.v. Detroit never looks shook after they lose.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:02 am
for real says:
Spurs were down 0-2 after getting blown out twice in New Orleans and they looked done then as well.
But people seem to be crowning the Lakers already. So, maybe the Spurs should just forfeit the next two games, to save time and let the Lakers rest for the Pistons/Celts winner.
There are 5 games left, anything can happen.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:10 am
kobeef says:
@Coach T and KB24
If you’re offering Battier, Steve Francis and Novak, I think the lakers should offer something like this in return:
“John Odom is headed to the Laredo Broncos of the United Baseball League. They got him Tuesday from the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League for a most unlikely price: 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black, 34-inch, C243 style”
Seriously. The Lakers don’t want you trash.
Battier is over-rated and probably at the losing end of one of the worst trades in recent memory (Rudy Gay for Battier). Cap space is only useful to teams that are rebuilding and in case you didn’t notice the Lakers are in win-now mode (unlike the NBA team in Houston). Novak? Who? ……..I know who but …..who?
May 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
sans says:
no one will take Slalom. kid is is a certified dumbass, almost of the darwin award degree. And seriously, only player the Lakers are offering is Ariza and the biggest white stiff to ever come out of Texas, the land of oversized white dudes with no moves. Would Franchise get cut and be back in Houston by nightfall?
How many people think that AI might opt out this summer, drop a ton of cash behind him and chase some rings? Especially if they traded Melo–I’m dreaming of AI filling in at the point.
DIME–what other free agents are rolling up? Jamison, Arenas, Baron–this summer should be entertaining.
I really wish the Cavs would talk trades with the Bucks for Nueva, Bell, Redd, Simmons,even Sessions, try and hook up that way. Talk to D’Antoni about Curry, Randolph, Nate, or pretty much anyone else on their roster.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:58 am
rangerjohn says:
lmao at coach t
nothing more needs to be said lmao pretty much says it all.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:02 am
sans says:
Oh, and Fire Mike Brown. It’s not always the tool, although I woould love to see Wally World jump when he shoots J’s sometime–that would be nice, but it is in the system that the Cavaliers are lacking. Just like Boston right now, no offensive system, just a bunch of roaming parts and quickly diagrammed plays. How many people have said “put Lebron in the post” to see King dribbling in 27 feet away, with the help of obvious pick after obvious pick? Mike brown’s mother should be ashamed of herself for raising a blind fool who cannot even fathom his own shortcomings, let alone try and hire an assistant coach that could help him find a fucking clue.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am
shhhhhooops says:
Lamar Odom should NEVER be compared to Rasheed. That’s ridiculous. Yes neither one wants to be the “star” but Rasheed is a winner, Odom is just along for Kobe’s ride. That’s just a ridiculous comparison.
Sasha is playing pretty solid D, but whether he’s actually a good defender won’t be determined until the finals when he has to guard Rip… that is unless they play Boston and he guards Ray, which I could do at this point. But frankly none of that matters, you’ve gotta hate sasha for giving HIMSELF a nickname… he’s not shaq or kobe, he’s a role player at best.
@ Sans… you don’t even need to talk to D’Antoni about Curry and Randolph. You can have them. They won’t help you win anything besides maybe a hotdog eating contest.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:31 am
srb says:
“No one was happier to see Jordan Farmar pull a Tayshaun Prince on Ike Udoka than Luke Walton.”
That’s probably the most confusing line I’ve ever seen on Dime.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am
d1n says:
Stu Lantz gave him the nickname…
and the spurs done?..yea right and the bobcats champs in ‘10
May 24th, 2008 at 9:55 am
GO Cavs...but come on James says:
i like how the spurs do not use anyting as an excuse when they play bad…they just play. They could have used the ‘jet problems’ for game 1…manu could have used the ankle in game 2….
May 24th, 2008 at 10:05 am
djKianoosh says:
spurs just couldn’t hit any shots.
but they had a lot of open looks. If they shot closer to 45% rather than 35% the game would have been a lot closer because most of the time their defense is a lot better when they make a shot. it’s that simple. at home they’ll shoot better and the lakers role players won’t shoot as well.
i hope this goes 7, even if the lakers eventually take it, cause these bandwagon lakers fans are annoying already. imagine if they get a 4-1 or 4-2 win. they’ll be even more intolerable.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
YG Lafluer says:
Dr. Buss has money. I think to keep a dynasty together he’ll let Mitch do what he does. So all those trades and stuff are way too far ahead to even think about. Just relish the fact that next year the Lakers will have essentially the same team but with Bynum.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:07 am
yoda says:
oldest guy in lakers core group is kobe at age of 29. pau and odom are younger, andrew is only 20 or 21…if they keep them together, lakers have a chance to be or become dynasty for long time. i think odom knows he cant get anywhere money hes making now becouse he showed hes not good as first or even second option so he could take 10ish mill per to be on winning team.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:10 am
DJ Go Go Gomez says:
I know this is kinda of the subject but i’m tired of hearing the Rose-Beasly debate. There should be no confusion. Beasly is the pick hands down. If anything, history has taught us you need a Superstar/All-star big man to win it all. Look at this past decade. Either Shaq or Duncan has won it all save for one year. The year the Pistons won it all. But you still had Sheed/Shaq in the finals. Two very talented big men. I keep hearing how the League has shifted and has become more of a small mans game and you need a Chris Paul, or Dron williams. BUT WHERE ARE PAUL AND D-WILL??? Last I checked they were at home. Look at the PG’s in the final 4. Parker, Fish, Billups and Rondo. Only 2 of those guys are All-stars and top 10 PG’s. But every team left has an All-Star/Superstar/MVP big man in Duncan (MVP/AS), Sheed (AS), Gasol (AS), and KG (MVP/AS). Now i’m not saying Beasly is going to be as good as any of those guys but he has the potential to be special. That’s why he’s the pick. And don’t give me that “Jordan won without a dominate big man” shit. He never won a ring without Grant or Worm. Two All-Star bigs.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:13 am
shhhhhooops says:
When did stu lantz start calling sasha “the machine?” All I’ve read about it is that Sasha started calling himself that… I could be wrong, but I’m not wrong about him being a D-Bag.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Chuck...NBA Junkie says:
I won’t breathe a sigh of relief until the Lakers when game 4, San An is a tough team, very resilient team, and I know when they go home, everything is going to be a different story. For some reason playing at home this year is a lot easier than playing on the road.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:34 am
the_don_mega says:
@DJ Go Go Gomez…
“And don’t give me that “Jordan won without a dominate big man” shit. He never won a ring without Grant or Worm. Two All-Star bigs.”
…u gotta be outta ur mind to call horace grant a dominant big man… look grant was a good big man… but not as “dominant” as u think… worm is the best at what he does… but he’s not “dominant” as the way u define the word… u need to watch seom tapes man…
May 24th, 2008 at 11:37 am
the_don_mega says:
@DJ Go Go Gomez…
BTW… u gotta remember this… THE G.O.A.T. is always the exemption to all basketball rules… the one who defies basketball logic…
May 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Austin Burton says:
I don’t think he was saying that Horace Grant was dominant, just that he was All-Star caliber. And Jordan didn’t win without Grant/Rodman (rebounders) and Pippen.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
DJ Go Go Gomez says:
@ Don Mega
I never said Ho Grant and Worm were dominate. I said they were at some point all stars in their careers. That was the point of my whole post. That great guards still need an upper level big man to get over the top. Yes MJ is the exception to a lot of the rules but he still needed an above average big to cop all those rings. The last time MJ got eliminated in the playoffs was by Shaqs’ Magic. And who was playing the 4 that year for the Bulls?? Toni Kukoc. Next year the got Rodman and went on to three-peat again.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
DaPro says:
Dj
I hear you fam but
Duncan as solid and great as he is dominated but with the help of good to great guard play-Avery was instrumental in the Spurs early title runs just as TP and Manu is
now
Big men are vital but they need a decent guard to get them in a postion to score easily or they begin to wear down (See JO without good guard play)
It goes both ways you can have a superstar guard and a nice big or a dominate big and a decent guard and still get the chip at the end
May 24th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Oscarisalakerfan says:
Can’t get enough of the machine baby…..Annoying as hell if youre the opponent……but hes fun to watch if youre a laker fan
May 24th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
I kind of like the fact that Laker fans can’t really hate on Ginobili too much anymore because they have a “Ginobili Lite” in Sasha V. And sorry but Sasha “Vu-jayjay” (that is slang for ‘vag’) cannot guard Manu if he was actually Manu, the man is obviously hurting badly, although they won’t make those excuses. He is irritating as hell though, good for him. Get the man a lifetime supply of Vidal Sassoon for his efforts.
I just hope San Anton can even it up and at least make it an entertaining series again for us Texas folks.
. . . . . . . . .
And why is it okay to say shit about dudes in the L who are white (Novak comments, et al)? I see this on here and even on TV all the time.
You don’t see us going around pulling race card on brothers, like, “Do we really need another athletic BLACK guy in the league who isn’t intelligent enough to play defense in Amare Stoudemire? Maybe if he wasn’t black he would have gotten an education.” As if being black has anything to do with athletic ability, general intelligence, or the ability to learn. Yeah you’d be pissed, right?
I just don’t get the double-standard. You don’t have to point out the fact a guy is white to signify he is “unathletic”. You are just perpetuating stereotyping and basically keeping racism alive with shit like that…and it makes one sound ignorant.
Off the soapbox.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
@Oscar, now you know why Spurs fans love Manu. Finally someone gets it.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Lady Luck says:
Lakers vs. Pistons are my pick to go to the Finals. I think that both series are going to be longer than expected. Boston has to find a way to get a game in Detroit, I expect them to come out tonight fired up. They are going to have to play Cassell though because you need a veteran guard to handle the ball pressure. Rondo is shook right now, and House is not a good ball handler. Obviously the big 3 must play well, but they also need some production from Perkins, Posey, and Powe. Basically they need to be hitting on all cylinders. Much like the Spurs, Detroit will have bad games and they will let you back in a game. So the Celtics have a chance to win on the road and extend the series. I think it wil be over in 6. Spurs will play better at home. They have been here before. Lakers in 5 or 6.
Lakers will be the champs…and that’s scary because of the youth of the team, and Bynum coming back next year. Meaning they can win it all without playing to their full potential yet.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
DJ Go Go Gomez says:
@ Da Pro
That was my whole point. I still think the NBA is a big man’s game. if you look @ the bulls they’ve talent on the perimiter. Beasly could give them that balance of good guard play and dominate big man. That’s why I think the Bulls need Beasly more than rose. Same with Miami. They’ve got that special guard in D Wade. So Beasly would be a good fit there as well.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
doc says:
shoops u gave yourself that dumbass nickname and nobody hates on you for it.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
BxBaller says:
Regarding the pool jump that wasn’t RVD, it was Chris Pontius from Jackass. Still funny nevertheless.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Chuck...NBA Junkie says:
@SAS sizzle
I agree with youin reference to Post 31, but truthfully, that’s just something we are going to have to deal with, racism will never die completely just evoluionize to try and remain undetectable. Just is what it is.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
daquest?on a.k.a Heavy Artillery says:
but thats the gayest name ever ur not supposed to give urself a nickname its given to u and it should b an honor to get one
May 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
subrock says:
wow people are quick to quit on the spurs… I mean they dropped the first two in new orleans and came back to win the series. I bet that they at least make this a seven game series.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
daquest?on a.k.a Heavy Artillery says:
good comparison between odom and rasheed
May 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Three Stacks says:
I wish the bandwagon Laker fans would stop sleeping on the Spurs, YOU’RE GONNA JINX US, DAMMIT!!!
@ SAS Sizzle, I agree that the white stereotype thing unfair and overly prevalent in basketball analysis, but the black stereotype thing is much MORE prevalent in everyday life, so how about you stop complaining about mundane shit that doesn’t really affect you that much?
May 24th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
K Dizzle - Get that quarter out yo' ass cuz you played yourself says:
Nice game til the 3rd when we put the foot on the throat. But cuz I got vivid memories of a Hornets 2-0 series lead, I’m not goin crazy til we get one in San An cuz I don’t wanna come back to LA 2-2, but we got 1 in Utah in a closeout game so I’m feelin pretty good. Somethin’s goin on with Manu that he ain’t lettin on – maybe the hand or both ankles. The Sasha hate is good tho. Dude is makin a difference in the series and is even lookin Kobe off to get his. That trade suggestion(post 5) is so useless, I’m still laughin. Actually trade FOR Francis? Why? Team’s finally winnin again so let’s trade our depth for random players? When you suggest a trade, make sure the team actually needs improvement, not cuz it went thru on playstation. U sure u a Laker fan?
2) I think it’s safe to say that MJ is the exception to the rule of not needin a dominant big man. Every other championship team had dominant size and the only ones I can think of are the 89-90 Pistons who had big dudes that rebounded, played d, hit outside shots and just generally beat the crap outta opponents, and Shaq’s magic only beat the #45 wearin Mike-lite comin off baseball. Once he got back, it was 3 straight…again
3) “Lamar Odom should NEVER be compared to Rasheed. That’s ridiculous. Yes neither one wants to be the “star” but Rasheed is a winner, Odom is just along for Kobe’s ride”
Maybe you’ve heard of Chauncey or Rip or Ben Wallace durin the Detroit chip run. LO had 20, 12 and 4 and is the absolute x-factor of the series cuz the Spurs can match up with Fish, Pau and Kobe(kinda) but if LO brings it like he did last night, spurs got a problem. Along for the ride? Dude done way more than that so yeah, make that comparison
May 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Three Stacks says:
I really wish Barkley would stop referring Sasha as Sasha “Voo-jah-vitch.”
And the difference between Sasha and Manu is that all the Laker fans HATED Sasha for the first three years of his career, which was deserved cause he sucked so bad. But he’s put in his due diligence, so it’s even more gratifying to see him succeed on this stage. He’s still not nearly as good as Ginobili, though, and the only similarities are their floppiness and foreignness. He’s a better on-the-ball defender, though.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
daquest?on a.k.a Heavy Artillery says:
jajjaajjaj sasha vujabitch
May 24th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
shhhhhooops says:
@ Doc, you took your nickname from the crappiest coach in the league, so I think we’re even (unless you have your PhD… then I stand corrected). I’m not hating on the name itself, but the fact that he gave it to himself. Kobe can call himself the Mamba and Shaq can give himself 800 nicknames because they’ re legit.
@ K-Dizzle. Maybe I overstated the Odom vs Rasheed argument. I jsut feel that the Pistons get a lot of their toughness and leadership from Sheed (watching him pump them up before games) while Odom’s personality doesn’t influence the Lakers. In terms of their complimentary games, yes they are similiar. Neither one is a franchise, but both are solid 2nd/3rd options. I still say Sheed is much better, or at least more vital to what the Pistons do.
May 24th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
daquest?on a.k.a Heavy Artillery says:
damn doc he dissed u pretty bad
May 24th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Yoooo says:
What’s good with all the hate on Sasha? Since when does playing good and hard make you public enemy #1?? As a high school coach, I see the same things from the youth and I dont get it. We gotta stop sending that message to them or the league is just gonna turn into a bunch of lathargic, money hungry, no potential reaching bums. I guarantee if Sasha was of another persuasion cats would be on his dick… Maybe I’m lookin too much into it or maybe I’m right, and you guys just dont like him because he doesn’t play for your team, which is cool. But the boy has done a COMPLETE 180 since he was first drafted. I remember sitting in front of the TV begging for Phil to take his bum ass out… He’s come a LONG way.
I’m pretty sure LO has better numbers than Sheed in these playoffs. They do play a similar role in that there teams are better when they play good, but can still win if they have off games. But LO is a good off the ball defender who effects shots coming from when the weak side, and he’s good at grabbing boards. Sheed is a better overall defender who plays with his head more than his deteriorating athletic ability. As far as talent/potential they are pretty much in the same boat. Sheed just has a better jumper (BY FAR) and Lamar better handle (BY FAR).
That trade at #5 was the dumbest I’ve ever heard, whats good with you fam??? You high? I have wondered about how we’re gonna keep all these players though. Even though they all seem to love being on the squad together (except Mihm, that nigga been in uniform way longer than Ariza and hasn’t played yet!) at some point you gotta figure financial gain will make them pack it up and go for the bucks. Only thing is a lot of them wouldn’t be nearly as good without Kobe, so some dumbass team is gonna drop a boat load of cash on one them to find out he ain’t exactly the cats meow without Mr. Bryant. Just like Toni Kukoc and Jordan. A lot of the Lakers players are players because of the system they’re in. And they have the best player (in my opinion) to ever lace em up to save them from the mistakes they make. What a luxury that is!
And Grant & Rodman were more than serviceable big men. Grant went on to play a major role with Magic and was very consistent. And Rodman is a Hall of Famer who played his role better than anyone I’ve ever seen who wasn’t the man on their team.
I’m in Vegas right now and I still rock with ya’ll dime. Get at me!
May 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Mister Sun says:
you’re right about sheed and odom. I would add lamar is a waaayyyy better rebounder than wallace, who is by far the worst rebounder among starting PFs and Cs of the 4 remaining teams.
I don’t get why he is so bad at the boards.
May 24th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
AB_40 says:
nah ronnie price his block had a lot more impact on that game then this one. 6-3 on 6-5 or 6-1 on 6-8 c’mon now haha
May 24th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
shhhhhooops says:
@Yooo, There’s always going to be hate for a player who does the nitty gritty thigns ona team that gets under their skin (and their fans). I enjoy watching Sasha play, he’s got a nice J and when he’s amped up can play some great D. Giving himself a nickname is the only aspect I dislike…. Also, great breakdown of LO vs Sheed. Only thing you missed is that Sheed also is a hell of a lot funnier.
Sasha for whatever reason is on the all annoying team. Who else is on that this year? Who is on it for all time?
Just to get the discussion started:
Today:
Sasha… timely shots, and gets under your skin on D
Manu… Flopping and timely shots.
Parker… Flopping and whining.
Bowen… “unique” D
*Not a spurs hater… Just saying…
All Time:
Bill Lambeer… Cheap shots and hard D
Reggie Miller… Breathing.
Vince Carter… Fat contact and lack of effort
May 24th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
K Dizzle - Get that quarter out yo' ass cuz you played yourself says:
Shooops – I think Doc’s nickname has more to do with Julius than Rivers. Dude reps Philly hard so it’s defnitely not doc rivers. I feel you on the argument that Sheed is the heart of the Pistons, but Rip and CB are the leaders. It was only last season when Sheed was gettin tossed out of game 6 against the Cavs with techs, meanin he couldn’t have played in game 7 if the pistons won. That’s not tough or being a leader and that’s not LO demeanor. Dude’s always been laidback and is obviously productive as just one of the guys on a winnin team. I love Sheed’s game and emotion, but the Lakers don’t need that and Lamar’s a better fit for the triangle anyways. Laker fans need to appreciate dude for bein the most versatile player in the game instead of overlookin and tossin his name into every trade
Yoooooooo – Sasha hate is good cuz it comes from non-Laker fans and if they hatin on you, it means you doin somethin good. Like you said, nobody was talkin about dude when he was junk, now that he’s come into his own and found a role that helps the team, heads gotta hate on anything and everything about him. When was the last time anybody got hate about a nickname that dudes think they gave themselves? It’s the same reason I can’t stand Ginobili, but would I want him in purple and gold? Without a doubt
May 24th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
daquest?on a.k.a Heavy Artillery says:
correction ive always hated vujabitch ever since i saw him play hes a punk, ever since he came into the league hes been whining
May 24th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Tim says:
I know I’m a Pistons fan, but I’m saying Tayshuan’s dunk or Hedo was more memorable…it ensured the next round and it was on Hedo one on one with no help and noone blindsiding someone.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
doc says:
Ooh he dissed me pretty bad daquest wow.How about I diss your AI dickriding ass then.Since you wanna act like a fuckin 2nd grader.And shoops my nickname aint from dude my nickname come from the streets of Philly.Somthing like a PHD so stand correct prick.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
doc says:
@k dizz, Thats right dog Illadelph Ima rep until Im under the ground.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
shhhhhooops says:
@ Doc, oh calm down for christ sake. I say Sasha’s lame for picking his own nickanem, you come back at me personal, I come back at you. That’s how it works. But keep talking smack on a dimemag message board… whatever helps you sleep at night.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Lady Luck says:
@shoops…Rodman is the captain of the All-annoying team. Rick Fox was hated by most(Doug Christie) as well during the championship years.
The cool thing about Sasha was watching his development as a player. Hate him or love him you now know his name, face, and what he does on the floor….now…in the western conference finals. Outside of Laker fans who knew about Sasha 2 years ago? He is a valuable piece of the Laker puzzle and brings energy and a nice J, and scrappy defense every time he steps on the floor. I appluad his play. I don’t think he’s the only reason Manu is struggling…but he has done his job. Deny the ball, chase him around screens, and get in his chest. If Manu was healthy would he score more? absolutely…but Sasha’s job is to make Manu work very hard to get open. Same job Bowen has on Kobe. No one expects for you to STOP him…no one can…but make things tough on every play.
I’m sure Sasha was clowning around with the nickname and it kind of stuck. All of you know if you said something lame around your boys they would clown you immediately and it would not fly. These guys do “play” for a living, they should be allowed to have a little fun with it.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Lady Luck says:
Lamar played pretty well for the Clippers and also the Heat. He struggled initially with the Lakers, but has always been a stat filler. He does a little bit of everything. When you don’t isolate him, but allow him to flow within the offense, without the pressure of carrying the team, he is able to score more. But he always defends, rebounds, and makes good decisions with the ball. He’s 6′10″ and handles like a guard so he also gets assists, and can bring the ball up. Unique skill set for a player his size.
Sheed plays a different game. He is the ultimate big man to play high-low with because he can work all over the floor…inside and out. Which is how he and LO are similar. However Sheed does not have the handles or passing that LO brings. But Sheed plays bigger than Lamar. He is a better defender. And a better 3 pt shooter. Love his high release on his shot. Plays with alot of emotion and is the vocal leader on the team. However, both can disappear in games.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Lady Luck says:
@Sans. The Bucks do have some nice pieces that could work with the Cavs. I always wanted Redd. I think having him on the wings waiting for the kickout from Bron would be sick. Villanueva is a little bit better Gooden. Bell could be a really nice pick-up as well. Maybe Ferry could talk them into taking Wallace.
From the Knicks, the Cavs could try to work with Randolph or Jamal Crawford. Maybe Ferry could talk them into taking Wallace.
May 24th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
SAS Sizzle says:
@37 Thanks for that
@ three stacks…i was making an observation about something that bothers me.
i don’t agree that vujajay is a better on-ball defender than manu (when he is healthy anyway), what leads you to think that
May 25th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Nora says:
Don’t count out the Celts yet!
May 25th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Mike says:
Damn! Kobe with the Jackass-guys:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=AaJglK4IAf4