Originally posted by Jeff_Atello
Yes, but I hate Cuban because he's a whiny llittle *****. Here's what he said when he found out he might have to play the Spurs in the first round....."I hate San Antonio, I hate the fans, the city sucks, the fans suck, the Spurs suck..." etc. That's why I hate Mark Cuban. He whines when he puts together an amazing team, but they still can't find a way to beat the best. Defense, Mark....it's not a bad thing.
Wow! Did he really say that? That doesn't sound too much like him. Do you know where I can read that whole quote? If he did say that, well then shame on the immature little bastard.
Originally posted by cookies2006
Hassell, Cassell, and Madsen stepped up last nite...but KG and Spree just couldnt connect.......thats y they lost....bummer...pacers is my pick
Spree played flat out aweful but KG played great except he wasn't quite there from the field. But he also had like 18 rebounds and 7 assists so nobody can place blame on him.
The Lakers are basketball's equivilent of the ny Yankees--everyone hates them passionately--but, they only hate them 'cuz they're so-o consistently good. On the court, the Lakers have everything--size and immovability (Shaq), speed and endurance (Kobe and GP--yeah, Payton's still got it, mofos.), experience, veteran presence, and a great bench (usually). Furthermore, since the Spurs are out, their chances are even better.
They do have a poor and unstable team chemistry, though, and far too much ego to be considered healthy. Plus all the internal squabbling and the cheap shots between the players really damaged them during the reg. season. They seem a little more synergetic now, but with the number of talented but hopelessly self-centered superstars on the squad, that could all go bye-bye anytime. Also a source of team angst is that unrelenting Kobe rape b.s., and the rumors of either Kobe or Shaq being shipped out post-season.
Still, I say the Lakers in 5. It's not the popular opinion, but it is made via fact and observation, not geographic locale.
Lakers biggest flaw now is their lack of depth. Once Karl or Shaq goes out, they suffer pretty badly by having Slava on the court. Granted Slava has handled his own pretty well, but he'd get worked by a Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber, or Jermaine O'Neil.
That said...they have the best coach in the league. Some may doubt me, but his resume will prove otherwise. Take LA's series vs. San Antonio for example. They lost the 1st two games of the series because they didn't have an effective gameplan. Then after 5 days of waiting they played game 3 and that's when you could see the coaching changes made by Phil Jackson. They stopped the pick and role, and once again proved why you can't effectively front Shaq on defense.
Originally posted by Clark_Kent
i voted lakers..cuz..other teams are going 7
games..(Kings/Twolves..nets/pistons)..only the Pacers are done..so that would leave two tired teams to play either the Lakers and Pacers.
So my final vote is LAKERS AND PACERS in june..rematch..lakers in four...why? because, i dislike J. O'Neal.
Jermaine is my least favorite player but I still would rather see him win a championship with the Pacers rather than LA win again. At least, Reggie, my all time fav player could then get a championship ring.