Lakers

[Donuthole]

Disagree.

With A.I instead of Chauncy.,,,,they wouldn't have won the Northwest Division much less be in the WCF.

Nene is good and a great feel good story, but Chauncey is a much bigger key to their success than Nene.

I didn't say Billups wasn't a bigger key than Nene. I just said he gets too much credit (mainly, because he's getting almost ALL the credit). Denver only won 4 more games this year than they did last year. They ended up playing arguably the two worst teams in the entire western conference in the first two rounds. I don't disagree that the absence of AI is the real story, however. Much moreso than Billups. Hell, they could have traded AI for Aaron Brooks, and they would likely have improved by 4 games.

[Donuthole]

I agree. Billups is/was and will be the key for Denver's success. If anything, I would say he was not given enough credit for the Detroit Championship and final appearances.

He was awarded the Finals MVP. What higher credit can be assessed him?

[Coach McGuirk]

He was awarded the Finals MVP. What higher credit can be assessed him?

Someone had to get it. You have to admit that all anyone talked about is how Detroit was winning without a star. Hell, even Dan Patrick recognized this.

[Donuthole]

Someone had to get it. You have to admit that all anyone talked about is how Detroit was winning without a star. Hell, even Dan Patrick recognized this.

They were winning without a star. They were winning with 3 second bananas, and no superstars. Probably the only championship team ever that won't have a top 50 all time player, when all is said and done. Top 100, even.

[RockyBalboa]

I didn't say Billups wasn't a bigger key than Nene. I just said he gets too much credit (mainly, because he's getting almost ALL the credit). Denver only won 4 more games this year than they did last year. They ended up playing arguably the two worst teams in the entire western conference in the first two rounds. I don't disagree that the absence of AI is the real story, however. Much moreso than Billups. Hell, they could have traded AI for Aaron Brooks, and they would likely have improved by 4 games.

Semantics about the "credit thing".

I think he deserves the accolades going his way and you think they're overblown and that's fine.

[Coach McGuirk]

They were winning without a star. They were winning with 3 second bananas, and no superstars. Probably the only championship team ever that won't have a top 50 all time player, when all is said and done. Top 100, even.

You are going to win this argument because you are right. Any attempt I make to prove otherwise can be thwarted by facts.

[Surfah]

Gutty win for the Lakers. Actually showed me something. Melo was insane. Watching him and Kobe go back and forth and bang down low was really fun. I am with you DDD on the officiating. I thought everyone was going to foul out the first three quarters. The refs were very inconsistent. Kobe was killing me. He should have dominated Carter, Billups, and Jones in the post. But kept settling for jumpers. But the jerk ended up willing this Laker team to victory.

It was a win. And I'll take it.

[FN Phat]

Disagree.

With A.I instead of Chauncy.,,,,they wouldn't have won the Northwest Division much less be in the WCF.

Nene is good and a great feel good story, but Chauncey is a much bigger key to their success than Nene.

All this talk of Chauncy and Nene and no talk of Melo?

True his numbers are down...and that is a good thing. He is playing the best ball of his career. Truly being unselfish, better shot selections, and a new commitment to defense.

This is, and has always been, Melo's team and he is now playing the part.

[FN Phat]

Gutty win for the Lakers. Actually showed me something. Melo was insane. Watching him and Kobe go back and forth and bang down low was really fun. I am with you DDD on the officiating. I thought everyone was going to foul out the first three quarters. The refs were very inconsistent. Kobe was killing me. He should have dominated Carter, Billups, and Jones in the post. But kept settling for jumpers. But the jerk ended up willing this Laker team to victory.

It was a win. And I'll take it.

If this is a sign to come of this series, I cannot wait until the next game and hope it goes to 7 games. I thought it was a great game to watch. The officiating was inconsistent as hell.

I know I will be accused of being a Kobe hater (thinking of you DDD) but I thought the technical on Melo was ridiculous. Better yet, he deserved the technical just as much Kobe did 3 minutes later when he felt that the KMart block was goaltending. He jumped up and down, slapped his hands and yelled at the ref. The same thing that Melo did. I know that he is the Prince of the League (we all know who is the King) but you have to call him on it too.

[Surfah]

Plaschke says you can have your LeBron, I'll take Kobe

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,664657.column

What the hell is LO wearing?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...1298152.column

[TripletDaddy]

Plaschke says you can have your LeBron, I'll take Kobe

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,664657.column

What the hell is LO wearing?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...1298152.column

Hey, i haven't had a chance to post today's articles!

[TripletDaddy]

Ariza steals the show

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...0,961287.story

Kobe wants to serve a mission

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,664657.column

George Karl says nothing for 5 seconds

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...1298152.column

Kurt Rambis hates winning basketball games

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...0,728895.story

The Nuggets are sad

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...,4831155.story

Nuggets ownership apparently didn't believe the team would go far in the playoffs

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw...,4096620.story

Lakers own the Final Four

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-...6546604.column

Lakers blog...game analysis

http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2009/05/lakers-beat-nuggets-game-1-105103.html

[JohnnyLingo]

Plaschke says you can have your LeBron, I'll take Kobe

lol

[TripletDaddy]

Jack Nicholson and daughter.....hmmm....



Carmelo does pre-game Haka



Carmelo and Bynum....both very....excited...to be playing

[TripletDaddy]

Derek Fisher has renewed confidence; Laker fans sigh

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw...,1076167.story

Although, in fairness, he hit that 3 twice last night when the team really needed the momentum. Both of them were Kobe kick-and-dish to the corner. they love that one.