Well, I for one, enjoyed the game last night!!! You have to love how the Lakers battle on the road against a team that's missing it's two best players. Gasol, Bynum, and Odom just dominate the Rockets post players who tower at 6-6, 6-7 and maybe 6-8. The Lakers look like the greatest team of all time.

 

OK, I'm done with the sarcasm. Lakers will win game 7 by 15+. Nuggets will beat them in 6. Cavs and Nuggets will be a great series.

 

I don't think the Lakers would get swept by the Cavs.

 

The Lakers will beat the Rockets, but maybe if we all hope and pray really hard the "little team that could" can possibly pull off a huge upset.

Yes, I realize this, but do you realize that Cleveland has won 8 games in the playoffs, each by 10 or more points? So what if the West is tougher, the Cavaliers are the best team in the playoffs right now.

 

I would argue that Denver is because they have played tougher teams and have a higher point margin than Cleveland through the playoffs so far.

 

 

Regular season doesn't really matter now that we are in the playoffs if it did, I would ask you if you realized that the Bobcats swept the Lakers this season.

 

I did, and I think it's obvious those Lakers keep popping up.

 

 

 

The Lakers are playing some of the worst basketball of these playoffs, they didn't look particularly impressive against the Jazz in round 1 and have looked like complete and utter crap in this series.

 

You're right. They won 4-1. Awful, just awful.

 

I think Houston deserves a little more credit for stepping up with Yao and TMac out, but I agree, there shouldn't be a game 7 on Sunday. I am a little worried for the Lakers. Houston has proven they can without Yao and TMac.

I agree the Lakers aren't playing their best ball but man you Rockets are playing out of their minds. I think they have to be given some credit. The Lakers big guys are a joke inside.

Saying they are missing T-Mac doesn't really do much to the argument for me because a lot of people seem to think they play better without him and I have to agree.

Saying they are missing T-Mac doesn't really do much to the argument for me because a lot of people seem to think they play better without him and I have to agree.

 

Alot do say that. I just want to see their entire team healthy for a playoff run. I think he could add alot to them.

The Lakers will win tomorrow. With their season on the line, they're not going to fall behind by 20 points in the first quarter. That was the difference in Game 6. LA made a run and erased a 16 point deficit in about 6 minutes. Kobe made a lazy (stupid) pass that ignited a run and that was the game. The Rockets made some tough shots to close the third quarter and keep LA down. They deserve a lot of credit for that stretch, because the Lakers were playing good defense. You can't spot teams 20 and expect to win.

 

Just a few observations...

 

The Lakers struggle with quick PG's. Aaron Brooks is the last one they'll see. That fact alone makes future matchups more favorable.

 

I still don't think Denver can beat LA in a best-of-seven. I don't see any big matchup problems that LA won't be able to answer.

 

A matchup vs. Cleveland is a different story. For starters, nobody has an answer for Lebron, but that's a given. The Cavs are the type of team that is tough and physical and they bring the defensive effort every night...at this point, I've seen nothing from the Lakers to make me think they can beat a team like that in a best-of-seven, especially when they only get three games in LA.

 

I thought the Cavs were the favorite when the playoffs started and I've certainly seen nothing to make me doubt that opinion.

 

The thing that bothers me most about LA's pathetic efforts is their reactions to it...especially from Phil and Kobe. They don't seem to take it serious, so why should we expect this erratic play to change? Phil watches his team sleepwalk through Game 4 and part of Game 6 and responds as if the Lakers were giving it all they had and Houston was just on fire. The Rockets were on fire alright...most NBA teams are when they get to shoot wide open.

 

Can you imagine how MJ would have responded had his Bulls teammates delivered clunkers like the Lakers have? That's a huge difference between he and Kobe. From a leadership standpoint and elevating/demanding effort from your teammates, Jordan is light years ahead of him. That's the primary reason that Kobe is not, nor will ever be, as good as Michael Jordan. That, and the fact that Jordan was just better anyway.

 

But, to add to that, I can't imagine Phil just shrugging performances like that off when he coached Chicago. Very disappointing to me...

It wouldn't surprise me if Houston doesn't play as good next year with T-Mac back as they're playing right now.

 

The #1 reason they're playing this well is Aaron Brooks. His quickness is LA's worst nightmare and he's compounding their troubles by shooting lights out. They're turning him loose and telling him to make plays...basically putting the game on his shoulders...make shots, break the defense down, make good decisions, etc.

 

What happens when T-Mac is back and Yao is healthy?

 

McGrady has to get his 15-20 shots per game. Yao has to get his touches. Artest is third. The thing that has driven them this series has been the play of Brooks. They're not going to turn him loose with a full stable of players. Additionally, I wouldn't put too much stock in this series for a couple of reasons...1) the matchup advantage Houston enjoys with Brooks quickness and the way he's playing vs. a Laker team that struggles with that, and 2) the Lakers erratic efforts.

 

I understand the thought process. I just don't see it as a given. I may be wrong, but I'll wait and see at this point. To be honest, I expected Houston to be better this year considering Artest was on good behavior. At this point, I'm leaning toward the idea that this team is and would be better with McGrady off the roster.

The Lakers will win tomorrow. With their season on the line, they're not going to fall behind by 20 points in the first quarter. That was the difference in Game 6. LA made a run and erased a 16 point deficit in about 6 minutes. Kobe made a lazy (stupid) pass that ignited a run and that was the game. The Rockets made some tough shots to close the third quarter and keep LA down. They deserve a lot of credit for that stretch, because the Lakers were playing good defense. You can't spot teams 20 and expect to win.

 

Just a few observations...

 

The Lakers struggle with quick PG's. Aaron Brooks is the last one they'll see. That fact alone makes future matchups more favorable.

 

I still don't think Denver can beat LA in a best-of-seven. I don't see any big matchup problems that LA won't be able to answer.

 

A matchup vs. Cleveland is a different story. For starters, nobody has an answer for Lebron, but that's a given. The Cavs are the type of team that is tough and physical and they bring the defensive effort every night...at this point, I've seen nothing from the Lakers to make me think they can beat a team like that in a best-of-seven, especially when they only get three games in LA.

 

I thought the Cavs were the favorite when the playoffs started and I've certainly seen nothing to make me doubt that opinion.

 

The thing that bothers me most about LA's pathetic efforts is their reactions to it...especially from Phil and Kobe. They don't seem to take it serious, so why should we expect this erratic play to change? Phil watches his team sleepwalk through Game 4 and part of Game 6 and responds as if the Lakers were giving it all they had and Houston was just on fire. The Rockets were on fire alright...most NBA teams are when they get to shoot wide open.

 

Can you imagine how MJ would have responded had his Bulls teammates delivered clunkers like the Lakers have? That's a huge difference between he and Kobe. From a leadership standpoint and elevating/demanding effort from your teammates, Jordan is light years ahead of him. That's the primary reason that Kobe is not, nor will ever be, as good as Michael Jordan. That, and the fact that Jordan was just better anyway.

 

But, to add to that, I can't imagine Phil just shrugging performances like that off when he coached Chicago. Very disappointing to me...

 

 

 

Very astute observations. Kobe and Phil have been very nonchalant throughout and that has baffled me. It's that kind of attitude that has me worried about tomorrow.

The Lakers will win tomorrow. With their season on the line, they're not going to fall behind by 20 points in the first quarter. That was the difference in Game 6. LA made a run and erased a 16 point deficit in about 6 minutes. Kobe made a lazy (stupid) pass that ignited a run and that was the game. The Rockets made some tough shots to close the third quarter and keep LA down. They deserve a lot of credit for that stretch, because the Lakers were playing good defense. You can't spot teams 20 and expect to win.

 

Just a few observations...

 

The Lakers struggle with quick PG's. Aaron Brooks is the last one they'll see. That fact alone makes future matchups more favorable.

 

I still don't think Denver can beat LA in a best-of-seven. I don't see any big matchup problems that LA won't be able to answer.

 

A matchup vs. Cleveland is a different story. For starters, nobody has an answer for Lebron, but that's a given. The Cavs are the type of team that is tough and physical and they bring the defensive effort every night...at this point, I've seen nothing from the Lakers to make me think they can beat a team like that in a best-of-seven, especially when they only get three games in LA.

 

I thought the Cavs were the favorite when the playoffs started and I've certainly seen nothing to make me doubt that opinion.

 

The thing that bothers me most about LA's pathetic efforts is their reactions to it...especially from Phil and Kobe. They don't seem to take it serious, so why should we expect this erratic play to change? Phil watches his team sleepwalk through Game 4 and part of Game 6 and responds as if the Lakers were giving it all they had and Houston was just on fire. The Rockets were on fire alright...most NBA teams are when they get to shoot wide open.

 

Can you imagine how MJ would have responded had his Bulls teammates delivered clunkers like the Lakers have? That's a huge difference between he and Kobe. From a leadership standpoint and elevating/demanding effort from your teammates, Jordan is light years ahead of him. That's the primary reason that Kobe is not, nor will ever be, as good as Michael Jordan. That, and the fact that Jordan was just better anyway.

 

But, to add to that, I can't imagine Phil just shrugging performances like that off when he coached Chicago. Very disappointing to me...

 

Just a few observations about this.

 

As for bad matchups for the Lakers against the Nuggets you have:

1. Chauncey Billups- He's not quick like Brooks, but he is savvy. He will light up Fish and he will expose Farmar as a joke.

2. JR Smith- Who do the Lakers have off the bench that can give anything close to what he brings?

3. The Nuggets bigs. Nene, Martin and The Birdman are a huge upgrade over Carl Landry, Scola, and Chuck Hayes. The biggest difference is if the Lakers play soft inside Nene or Martin will be dunking rather than just getting boards and kicking it out.

 

In the lulls that Phil allows the Lakers to get in for quarters/half at a time the Nuggets would bury them. The Rockets are not a good offensive team, the Nuggets are. The Nuggets are a better defensive team than Houston has right now with out Yao guarding the basket. The more I think about it I really don't think the Lakers will beat the Nuggets.

 

And don't get me wrong, I would rather the Cavs play the Celtics and Lakers if they were going to win the title, but it's just not going to happen. Things about this Laker team kinda remind me of the team that lost to Detroit in the finals.

 

I do think Kobe will have a big series though.

 

As for the bolded part, that is what I've said all along. And for Phil, Jordan, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe made him. I don't think Phil Jackson could actually coach his way to a rec league title. He is pathetic. It's easy to look smart when you have coached 4 great players. Like I've said all along, you take anyone on this board and put them in Phil's shoes they have as many titles or more titles.

It wouldn't surprise me if Houston doesn't play as good next year with T-Mac back as they're playing right now.

 

The #1 reason they're playing this well is Aaron Brooks. His quickness is LA's worst nightmare and he's compounding their troubles by shooting lights out. They're turning him loose and telling him to make plays...basically putting the game on his shoulders...make shots, break the defense down, make good decisions, etc.

 

What happens when T-Mac is back and Yao is healthy?

 

McGrady has to get his 15-20 shots per game. Yao has to get his touches. Artest is third. The thing that has driven them this series has been the play of Brooks. They're not going to turn him loose with a full stable of players. Additionally, I wouldn't put too much stock in this series for a couple of reasons...1) the matchup advantage Houston enjoys with Brooks quickness and the way he's playing vs. a Laker team that struggles with that, and 2) the Lakers erratic efforts.

 

I understand the thought process. I just don't see it as a given. I may be wrong, but I'll wait and see at this point. To be honest, I expected Houston to be better this year considering Artest was on good behavior. At this point, I'm leaning toward the idea that this team is and would be better with McGrady off the roster.

 

I think people are overrating Houston right now. They are playing hard, but they are not that good. The Cavs and Nuggets would have smacked them, with or without Yao in 5 games tops. The Lakers, at least this round, just aren't that good.

I know he has been starting some, but Odom off the bench is more dangerous than JR Smith.

I think people are overrating Houston right now. They are playing hard, but they are not that good. The Cavs and Nuggets would have smacked them, with or without Yao in 5 games tops. The Lakers, at least this round, just aren't that good.

 

You must not be watching because Houston is on fire at home and they aren't all easy shots.

I know he has been starting some, but Odom off the bench is more dangerous than JR Smith.

 

I will agree that he can be a nightmare. As a starter at PF though he is average at best.

Just a few observations about this.

 

As for bad matchups for the Lakers against the Nuggets you have:

1. Chauncey Billups- He's not quick like Brooks, but he is savvy. He will light up Fish and he will expose Farmar as a joke.

2. JR Smith- Who do the Lakers have off the bench that can give anything close to what he brings?

3. The Nuggets bigs. Nene, Martin and The Birdman are a huge upgrade over Carl Landry, Scola, and Chuck Hayes. The biggest difference is if the Lakers play soft inside Nene or Martin will be dunking rather than just getting boards and kicking it out.

 

In the lulls that Phil allows the Lakers to get in for quarters/half at a time the Nuggets would bury them. The Rockets are not a good offensive team, the Nuggets are. The Nuggets are a better defensive team than Houston has right now with out Yao guarding the basket. The more I think about it I really don't think the Lakers will beat the Nuggets.

 

And don't get me wrong, I would rather the Cavs play the Celtics and Lakers if they were going to win the title, but it's just not going to happen. Things about this Laker team kinda remind me of the team that lost to Detroit in the finals.

 

I do think Kobe will have a big series though.

 

As for the bolded part, that is what I've said all along. And for Phil, Jordan, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe made him. I don't think Phil Jackson could actually coach his way to a rec league title. He is pathetic. It's easy to look smart when you have coached 4 great players. Like I've said all along, you take anyone on this board and put them in Phil's shoes they have as many titles or more titles.

 

 

 

I think Trevor Ariza brings what JR Smith brings, he just doesn't love himself as much as JR Smith does. JR is a better 3 point shooter than Ariza, but Ariza is athletic enough to cause problems for Smith. I still think that JR Smith's volatility can or will ruin Denver's chances at some point in the next round.

 

The Nuggets bigs are about as offensively mature as the Rockets and you could argue that the Rocket bigs are better offensively. I think the Nugget bigs will cause problems on defense because they are so soft but I don't see them hurting the Lakers offensively when we all know Melo, Chauncey, and JR are going to take a majority of the shots. With this Rocket team, we have no idea who is going to take the shot outside of Artest which makes them a little tougher to defend.

 

I also maintain that Denver has yet to face anyone in the playoffs with the Lakers offensive potency and it will be interesting to see how they respond to the best team in the west. Granted the Lakers haven't looked good against the Rockets, but we will see what Denver is made of shortly. If the Lakers win game 7 tomorrow, I look forward to the Denver series.

You must not be watching because Houston is on fire at home and they aren't all easy shots.

 

Well I see open three's and layups in Gasol's face. The Lakers play no defense, outside of Kobe. I love how Laker/Kobe fans elevate Houston because they are pushing the series to 7 games. Houston is no good, if LA was good they woud have proved that to everyone already.

 

If Houston somehow does beat LA, then you will see them absolutely get demolished by Denver. WHAT a quality team would do to them. I don't think Boston, Dallas or Orlando would have had alot of trouble with them either.

 

Don't give me the garbage that Houston is good. If any team other than the Lakers were struggling with them then everyone would say that both teams are horrible. Houston plays hard, they are making the shots that LA is giving them but they are not that good.