NBA finals prediction thread!!! - Page 13

**The Outlaw** · 05-19-2004, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

If Peeler had head-butted, kicked, slapped, or did just about anything directly to the face of another player, he would be suspended. Its not like punching is the only illegal thing or the only one that would cause damage. So if KG and Brad Miller started fighting next game using open palmed hits to the face, double technical, no suspensions? I think not. You're just trying to pick apart little discrepincies that don't have any relevance right there.

Did you read what I said?

It's in the rules if you want to look it up, then you can come back and tell me what I am trying to do.

**The Icon of Elisim** · 05-19-2004, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Uhh, are you retarded?

That would explain a lot of this thread

**BCWWF** · 05-19-2004, 07:41 PM

OK Outlaw, you're going to have to explain this to me because what I got from your posts is that Peeler shouldn't be suspended because he didn't punch KG. If thats what you're saying, then my post made perfect sense, if thats not what you were saying, then what were you?

And yes, Doug Christie may be one of the better defensive guards in the game, but he isn't a shut down defender. You see how Peja has been shooting this series, its because Hassell is a shut down defender. Who is Christie guarding in this series? I would assume either Spre or Sam, and the only thing shutting them down is Sam's back injury.

There are a lot of guys I would rather have guarding Kobe than Doug Christie.

**BCWWF** · 05-19-2004, 11:19 PM

Alright, we didn't capitolize on poor shooting in the first half, and now the Kings have caught up midway through the third. All I can hope for now is some good old fashioned fourth quarter choking by them Kings.

**BCWWF** · 05-20-2004, 12:15 AM

And the better team wins!

I will give one to Doug Christie though, I was expecting him to flop real bad after two years ago, but that late three was sooo clutch. Wow. Now Peja is the choke, wow 2-20 was it?

I want to get into one of these next games REAL BAD

**FacelessBum** · 05-20-2004, 01:17 AM

lakers will win.

**AlphaBean** · 05-20-2004, 01:23 AM

The Wolves showed their nerves tonight. I don't think either team particularly deserved this win... Wolves got lucky with the C-Webb miss. Miller ****ed up for them by trying to be the hero. Christie airballed a clutch 3-pointer after hitting a clutch 3-pointer. Wolves proved they have inside heart but no inside skill. Maddog is a headcase, Ervin is a consistent erm, body. Trent sometimes is an offensive presence, and Olowokandi makes me sad to not be 7'1", because to make 5 mil a year to sit on the bench is ****ing PRIMO WORK.

I think the Wolves should be given the chance to drop Hudson and Kandi from their postseason roster and add Barkley and Rodman.

Sure, both are too old to play basketball anymore, but at least they'll be bodies to put on Shaq.

The guys at the studio said it best. Wolves got nobody to pose a threat to Shaq.

I'm not too optimistic about the Western Conference finals.

Especially without Sam.

And I'm saying nothing about the reffing because I felt that the Wolves got some lucky calls, but then after watching so many Danny Crawford games, I don't know what's fair anymore. It seemed like a balanced game from the foul perspective -- nobody in foul trouble.

Anyway, Peja, Christie and C-Webb all choked at the end, and everyone but KG did for the Wolves (well, Sam woulda scored 40 in the 4th quarter if he was healthy).

MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: Do I bother watch the Wolves get swept by the Lakers?

**AlphaBean** · 05-20-2004, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FacelessBum

lakers will win.

You could SO get a job with ESPN, dude.

**AlphaBean** · 05-20-2004, 01:25 AM

PS: Bibby and Brad Miller on KG as the shot clock expires, almost half-court, chucks up the trey... IT'S GOOD!

MVP!

I think he should just play his balls off vs the Lakers and hope that's good enough. STOP PASSING IT TO YOUR CENTER. We don't have Rasho anymore. We don't have someone who can take the dish-off under the basket and put it in for an easy two. KG has to take it all the way.

**FacelessBum** · 05-20-2004, 01:29 AM

I want the Nets to win.

**FacelessBum** · 05-20-2004, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaBean

You could SO get a job with ESPN, dude.

Weekdays 9-10AM Eastern Time

**AlphaBean** · 05-20-2004, 02:13 AM

Will you be able to say enough in that time?

"Lakers will win."

"Nets should win, dunno if they will though."

"In baseball, Bonds rulz."

"Randy Johnson is a good pitcher, but so is, Roger Clemens."

"I think that, Calgary will win the Stanley Cup."

"I like, Jennifer Capriati to win in tennis."

"And finally, how about that Smarty Jones? He sure can gallop."

"Vote Kerry in '04."

**AlphaBean** · 05-20-2004, 02:41 AM

**BCWWF** · 05-20-2004, 06:41 PM

I am more optimistic than you guys here, but not quite as optimistic as the at least 10 guys I heard call into WCCO Radio last night saying the Wolves would sweep the Lakers.

I think the Lakers will either win in six or the Wolves will win in seven.

This whole series will be based around Trenton Hassell though, if he can do what he did in the regular season and what he did to Peja and Carmelo in the playoffs, I can see good things happening. As of right now everyone is just like "The Lakers will sweep," and that is the main thing going against the Wolves right now. If all our fans don't believe we have a chance, if our players don't believe we have a chance, then we won't have a chance. I still stand strong though, Malone and Peyton aren't worth mentioning, the Lakers are still a Kobe and Shaq team, and the Timberwolves are a KG, Spre, and Cassell team. It will all come down to which unit is better.

**The Icon of Elisim** · 05-20-2004, 07:23 PM

Don`t like the wolves chances one bit. KG is going to have to put up insane minutes, and some serious time at the point. Game 7 he looked dead down the stretch.

I`d give the wolves a couple of games if Cassell were healthy or if Hudson was playing and the series if they were both in there.

Lakers in 5 or 6 depending on Spree and Cassell

**BCWWF** · 05-20-2004, 10:29 PM

Having Fisher come off the bench is going to be what kills us, methinks. If we had T-Hud this would be a totally different series, but I'll look into it optimistically, and I still think we have a better chance than the Kings.

**AlphaBean** · 05-20-2004, 11:37 PM

I'll watch all the games and pull for our guys to the final buzzer, but it's an uphill battle, and the only thing that can beat the Lakers is the Lakers.

I pray to God that their bullshit cocky "I don't care who we face" attitude comes back to **** them in the ass. I want to see Flip earn his money and write up a gameplan that will shut down the Lakers. I want to see the Wolves force two wins at home, and then SWITCH THINGS UP on the road, causing the Lakers to be like

and have to try regrouping, but by then it will be too late.

I want to see the Wolves big men do something. Olowokandi MUST show up for the Lakers series.

**BCWWF** · 05-20-2004, 11:51 PM

I imagine Olowokandi will come back before the playoffs are over

**Kid Robb** · 05-21-2004, 06:02 AM

Stopping Shaq is the problem, given Olowokandi is average at best, and Johnson is servicable but not a superstar. Use up a shitload of fouls and play zone, provided Hassell Cassell Spreewell and co can cover the outside shooters.

I think (/hope/pray) the Wolves can win, but it would take a massive effort. The first two games will be huge, hold both of them, then take one game on the road and clinch at home.

**Ninti the Mad** · 05-21-2004, 09:52 AM

And the Nets are out...

Hahaha I am bad luck.

I hope Minnesota wins.

**AlphaBean** · 05-21-2004, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCWWF

I imagine Olowokandi will come back before the playoffs are over

You talk as though it's an injury.

**AlphaBean** · 05-22-2004, 02:08 AM

The Lakers acted like they didn't care at all that they won.

That's pathetic. To have an NBA championship as an afterthought... truly pathetic. It ruins the game, and the Kings would have no chance in hell of competing with the Lakers. Would have made the series fun? Bullshit.

If you can't guard 3 shooters, you can't guard 7.

**Kris P Lettus** · 05-22-2004, 03:41 AM

KG was shut down...

:happysad:

**The Outlaw** · 05-22-2004, 03:42 AM

I think it's more a case of them being there and doing that before thing. They take care of business and don't celebrate a lot untill it's the right time to celebrate.

**FacelessBum** · 05-22-2004, 06:23 AM

Will it be a shut out?

I truly believe Spurs were the only ones to defeat the Lakers but they got screwed in game 5.

I saw the highlights about them saying that the timer didnt start until he was already turning around in shooting motion and they were correct. He got at least a half second advantage. Fisher that is.

**The Icon of Elisim** · 05-22-2004, 11:33 AM

If the Lakers had thrown a big celebration it just would've lit a fire underneath the Wolves. Plus they won by like 8 points, you don't usually see guys going crazy when they win by that much.

**Ninti the Mad** · 05-22-2004, 02:03 PM

Shaq will stomp on their fire.

**PureHatred** · 05-22-2004, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaBean

The Lakers acted like they didn't care at all that they won.

They don't. Every single player on that team knows that, especially after beating the Spurs, anything less than an NBA title is a failure this year. And now with word coming out on Sportscenter that Sam Cassell is doubtful for Game 2, this series could be done in 4.

**AlphaBean** · 05-22-2004, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris P Lettus

KG was shut down...

:happysad:

He was tripleteamed the entire game, and was getting beaten down physically. It's depressing that he can't get help, but ESPN said that the "big three sputters" and that the Lakers "shut down the big three."

The Lakers throw three guys at KG on every play, Spree shreds their defense and does very well, but Sam didn't even play... I mean, I wouldn't call his time on the court "working." He got hard-fouled and hit the floor and now he's probably out.

The Wolves never stood a chance. The Kings whined about injuries when the Wolves had injuries too. The Lakers are completely healthy. There's no way with our COMPLETE LACK OF POINT GUARD we can guard GP and Fisher. With KG under the basket, Malone is like Webber... free to hit the open J. Kobe runs circles and tires Hassell or Spree out, and Shaq gets doubled by loser Centers and KG trying to cut him off. You can't guard everyone. Spurs couldn't. Kings sure as hell couldn't.

And if you guys think it's a good thing that they've been there before and have no reason to be excited, you are missing the point of the game. Basketball is not a job. It's a sport. And if you can't even SMILE after winning a very important game, then basketball has lost its spirit. It's not even a case of underdogs, it's just the Lakers coasting through the playoffs. I'm assuming the next three (or four) games are going to have piss-poor ratings.

And since the Kings < The Wolves, that series would not have been better.

My only solace is that the Lakers will be torn apart next season.

**PureHatred** · 05-22-2004, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaBean

And if you guys think it's a good thing that they've been there before and have no reason to be excited, you are missing the point of the game. Basketball is not a job. It's a sport. And if you can't even SMILE after winning a very important game, then basketball has lost its spirit. It's not even a case of underdogs, it's just the Lakers coasting through the playoffs. I'm assuming the next three (or four) games are going to have piss-poor ratings.

My only solace is that the Lakers will be torn apart next season.

Actually, it is a job. It's their job.

This is a veteran group. Look at the roster..outside of Rush, Walton, and Cook, every single person on the Lakers roster has either won a title or been to the Finals before. I don't remember the 80's Celtics and Lakers, the 90's Bulls, or even the Spurs from last year ever celebrating until after the NBA title. If they did, people would call them 'unprofessional' and you'd see all these analysts saying things like "why are they celebrating? they haven't won yet." The Yankes don't do a jig after the first round of the playoffs, do they?

They won Game 1; they still have to win three more in this series and four in the next. This team was put together to win a title; this is what they're supposed to do.

So they will stay calm, play hard, and beat a T-Wolves team that really has no shot as long as the Lakers play a complete game. And I'm sure, come June, that these guys will lose their minds. Karl Malone and Gary Payton are going to go bonkers once they have a ring....just not now.

Those kind of emotional outpourings after every game are for the NCAA's. This is pro-basketball.

As for next year...Phil is probably gone. Karl, too. Fox will retire. But no wway in hell they let Derek Fisher walk after these playoffs. And that still leaves a Laker team with Shaq, Kobe, Gary, an improved bench, and a veteran exemption slot on the cap that will let them pick-up a guy like Keon Clark or Theo Ratliff. Outside of the Spurs and Wolves, there's not a team in the West that's going to compete.

**BCWWF** · 05-22-2004, 03:20 PM

I doubt Gary Payton stays for next year, he was bitching and moaning all year because he couldn't play his game, I can't see him staying. Keon Clark sucks, and really wouldn't help them at all, and Theo Ratliff would be dumb to leave Portland, I don't think he would fit in with the Lakers, given Shaq is already the dominant center.

On Yahoo! Sports, they had a preview of the Wolves/Lakers series, and it compared all the different aspects, and for coaches it had "even". I just thought that was kind of funny, because it seems like Phil Jackson is quickly losing all his credibility for being such a great coach.

**PureHatred** · 05-22-2004, 03:55 PM

Maybe they were just acknowledging the fact that Flip is very underrated.

Also, if he wins a title, I think Gary will exercise the option to extend his contract since it's unlikely he'll get more playing somewhere else unless it's for a really lousy team. Being in LA., I've heard every single one of his interviews and GP has said all year that winning is what makes him happiest.

Either Clarks or Ratliff at power forward for a year or two to give defensive help and rebound would fit fine. I'm honestly hoping Karl stays, since he brings all that and can pass. But I doubt he would at his current salary.

**AlphaBean** · 05-22-2004, 04:59 PM

Karl would probably be an all star playing on the Mavericks.

Kobe's leaving.

That is Shaq, Fisher, maybe GP? A good team, sure, but there are a lot of them. And think about this... if Shaq and Kobe are there without the Zen Master, who's to say they will be able to coexist? They didn't coexist before Phil, so chances are they won't after him...

Nuggets if they keep Camby and he remains healthy are on their way to being elite. They have most of their positions filled.

Wolves on the other hand I think are overrated in terms of future. I love Sprewell, but even if he stays, he's already very inconsistent, and his "on" days will grow further and further apart the older he gets, because he won't be able to keep it up. T-Hud, Kandi, Sam, Wally are now all injury liabilities. Kandi for the most part is just straight-up liability, don't let last night fool you. The Wolves want another player in the offseason, so let's see if they can bring in a complete 2. THAT'S RIGHT, T-MAC IS COMIN' TO MINNESOTA.

**The Outlaw** · 05-22-2004, 05:11 PM

LOL @ BArkley's comments on Kandi last night

I think TIOE nailed it right on the head, if they would have celebrated heavily it would have lit a fire under the Wolves, namely KG. We aren't going to be like the Nugs and celebrate after a win and start a thug war. We aren't like that.

I think this whole Lakers being an uneasy group is more or less what the media has put into people's heads. I was reading ESPN Magazine and they had a huge article on how everyone on the Lakers hated Kobe minus Fisher. Like Shaq said, the media has taken their words and twisted them into what would make a story and make it interesting. Do I think they are all best friends? No, but I think they are closer than what people think. Shaq or Kobe one had an interview and said even though the media likes to think otherwise, they are a close knit group.

I'm actually interested to see what happens after this season. See who stays and who leaves. It will make things interesting.

**PureHatred** · 05-22-2004, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaBean

Kobe's leaving.

The last time he made any kind of public statement, Kobe said he wanted to be a Laker for life. And Jerry Buss has said that re-signing Bryant was THE most important thing to do in the offseason.

Kobe stays. Phil leaves.

**The Outlaw** · 05-22-2004, 06:04 PM

Yeah they would have to fire the GM if they wanted to get rid of Kobe.

**Crimson** · 05-23-2004, 12:36 AM

Damn I haven't been able to post for a while but LOL @ all Laker haters who said the Spurs were gonna beat 'em

.

I think probably Lakers/Pistons. Kobe will stay most likely , and Phil will retire as the most succesful coach in postseason .

**BCWWF** · 05-23-2004, 02:32 AM

PureHatred is right, Kobe is not going anywhere, but Phil Jackson on the other hand is. The Lakers aren't going to fall off the face of the earth either.

I also agree, Pistons/Lakers finals, and I think it'll be pretty good. The Pistons were the smartest team in the East, trading away a point guard and getting one of the better big men from the west, so now they have the power in the paint to compete against the west. It'll be guarding Kobe that will be the biggest challenge.

**AlphaBean** · 05-23-2004, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PureHatred

The last time he made any kind of public statement, Kobe said he wanted to be a Laker for life. And Jerry Buss has said that re-signing Bryant was THE most important thing to do in the offseason.

Kobe stays. Phil leaves.

I had only heard about the wanting to test free agency thing.

Meh. Now I just hope the Lakers split up. Makes for boring basketball.

**packt up** · 05-23-2004, 12:34 PM

I like the Lakers

even went to one game cos all my relatives live out there. They are gonna win now I reckon though I have no idea whats gonna happen next year as they don't have much news about that out here

.

Wish I could watch the games too

- Fisher's shot over Spurs must have been a great thing to watch.

05-19-2004, 07:41 PM	#483
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	OK Outlaw, you're going to have to explain this to me because what I got from your posts is that Peeler shouldn't be suspended because he didn't punch KG. If thats what you're saying, then my post made perfect sense, if thats not what you were saying, then what were you? And yes, Doug Christie may be one of the better defensive guards in the game, but he isn't a shut down defender. You see how Peja has been shooting this series, its because Hassell is a shut down defender. Who is Christie guarding in this series? I would assume either Spre or Sam, and the only thing shutting them down is Sam's back injury. There are a lot of guys I would rather have guarding Kobe than Doug Christie. Last edited by BCWWF; 05-19-2004 at 11:20 PM.

05-19-2004, 11:19 PM	#484
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Alright, we didn't capitolize on poor shooting in the first half, and now the Kings have caught up midway through the third. All I can hope for now is some good old fashioned fourth quarter choking by them Kings.

05-20-2004, 12:15 AM	#485
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	And the better team wins! I will give one to Doug Christie though, I was expecting him to flop real bad after two years ago, but that late three was sooo clutch. Wow. Now Peja is the choke, wow 2-20 was it? I want to get into one of these next games REAL BAD

05-20-2004, 01:17 AM	#486
FacelessBum Posts: 166	lakers will win.

05-20-2004, 01:23 AM	#487
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970	The Wolves showed their nerves tonight. I don't think either team particularly deserved this win... Wolves got lucky with the C-Webb miss. Miller **ed up for them by trying to be the hero. Christie airballed a clutch 3-pointer after hitting a clutch 3-pointer. Wolves proved they have inside heart but no inside skill. Maddog is a headcase, Ervin is a consistent erm, body. Trent sometimes is an offensive presence, and Olowokandi makes me sad to not be 7'1", because to make 5 mil a year to sit on the bench is **ing PRIMO WORK. I think the Wolves should be given the chance to drop Hudson and Kandi from their postseason roster and add Barkley and Rodman. Sure, both are too old to play basketball anymore, but at least they'll be bodies to put on Shaq. The guys at the studio said it best. Wolves got nobody to pose a threat to Shaq. I'm not too optimistic about the Western Conference finals. Especially without Sam. And I'm saying nothing about the reffing because I felt that the Wolves got some lucky calls, but then after watching so many Danny Crawford games, I don't know what's fair anymore. It seemed like a balanced game from the foul perspective -- nobody in foul trouble. Anyway, Peja, Christie and C-Webb all choked at the end, and everyone but KG did for the Wolves (well, Sam woulda scored 40 in the 4th quarter if he was healthy). MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: Do I bother watch the Wolves get swept by the Lakers?

05-20-2004, 01:25 AM	#489
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970	PS: Bibby and Brad Miller on KG as the shot clock expires, almost half-court, chucks up the trey... IT'S GOOD! MVP! I think he should just play his balls off vs the Lakers and hope that's good enough. STOP PASSING IT TO YOUR CENTER. We don't have Rasho anymore. We don't have someone who can take the dish-off under the basket and put it in for an easy two. KG has to take it all the way.

05-20-2004, 01:29 AM	#490
FacelessBum Posts: 166	I want the Nets to win.

05-20-2004, 02:13 AM	#492
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970	Will you be able to say enough in that time? "Lakers will win." "Nets should win, dunno if they will though." "In baseball, Bonds rulz." "Randy Johnson is a good pitcher, but so is, Roger Clemens." "I think that, Calgary will win the Stanley Cup." "I like, Jennifer Capriati to win in tennis." "And finally, how about that Smarty Jones? He sure can gallop." "Vote Kerry in '04."

05-20-2004, 02:41 AM	#493
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970

05-20-2004, 06:41 PM	#494
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I am more optimistic than you guys here, but not quite as optimistic as the at least 10 guys I heard call into WCCO Radio last night saying the Wolves would sweep the Lakers. I think the Lakers will either win in six or the Wolves will win in seven. This whole series will be based around Trenton Hassell though, if he can do what he did in the regular season and what he did to Peja and Carmelo in the playoffs, I can see good things happening. As of right now everyone is just like "The Lakers will sweep," and that is the main thing going against the Wolves right now. If all our fans don't believe we have a chance, if our players don't believe we have a chance, then we won't have a chance. I still stand strong though, Malone and Peyton aren't worth mentioning, the Lakers are still a Kobe and Shaq team, and the Timberwolves are a KG, Spre, and Cassell team. It will all come down to which unit is better.

05-20-2004, 07:23 PM	#495
The Icon of Elisim Elitist Member Posts: 15,438	Don`t like the wolves chances one bit. KG is going to have to put up insane minutes, and some serious time at the point. Game 7 he looked dead down the stretch. I`d give the wolves a couple of games if Cassell were healthy or if Hudson was playing and the series if they were both in there. Lakers in 5 or 6 depending on Spree and Cassell

05-20-2004, 10:29 PM	#496
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	Having Fisher come off the bench is going to be what kills us, methinks. If we had T-Hud this would be a totally different series, but I'll look into it optimistically, and I still think we have a better chance than the Kings.

05-20-2004, 11:37 PM	#497
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970	I'll watch all the games and pull for our guys to the final buzzer, but it's an uphill battle, and the only thing that can beat the Lakers is the Lakers. I pray to God that their bullshit cocky "I don't care who we face" attitude comes back to **** them in the ass. I want to see Flip earn his money and write up a gameplan that will shut down the Lakers. I want to see the Wolves force two wins at home, and then SWITCH THINGS UP on the road, causing the Lakers to be like and have to try regrouping, but by then it will be too late. I want to see the Wolves big men do something. Olowokandi MUST show up for the Lakers series.

05-20-2004, 11:51 PM	#498
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I imagine Olowokandi will come back before the playoffs are over

05-21-2004, 06:02 AM	#499
Kid Robb Mr. Bump Posts: 8,990	Stopping Shaq is the problem, given Olowokandi is average at best, and Johnson is servicable but not a superstar. Use up a shitload of fouls and play zone, provided Hassell Cassell Spreewell and co can cover the outside shooters. I think (/hope/pray) the Wolves can win, but it would take a massive effort. The first two games will be huge, hold both of them, then take one game on the road and clinch at home.

05-21-2004, 09:52 AM	#500
Ninti the Mad Mad as in crazy, dumbass Posts: 27,739	And the Nets are out... Hahaha I am bad luck. I hope Minnesota wins.

05-22-2004, 02:08 AM	#502
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970	The Lakers acted like they didn't care at all that they won. That's pathetic. To have an NBA championship as an afterthought... truly pathetic. It ruins the game, and the Kings would have no chance in hell of competing with the Lakers. Would have made the series fun? Bullshit. If you can't guard 3 shooters, you can't guard 7.

05-22-2004, 03:41 AM	#503
Kris P Lettus Listen to Killer Mike Posts: 56,741	KG was shut down... :happysad:

05-22-2004, 03:42 AM	#504
The Outlaw Unofficial Legend Posts: 11,931	I think it's more a case of them being there and doing that before thing. They take care of business and don't celebrate a lot untill it's the right time to celebrate.

05-22-2004, 06:23 AM	#505
FacelessBum Posts: 166	Will it be a shut out? I truly believe Spurs were the only ones to defeat the Lakers but they got screwed in game 5. I saw the highlights about them saying that the timer didnt start until he was already turning around in shooting motion and they were correct. He got at least a half second advantage. Fisher that is.

05-22-2004, 11:33 AM	#506
The Icon of Elisim Elitist Member Posts: 15,438	If the Lakers had thrown a big celebration it just would've lit a fire underneath the Wolves. Plus they won by like 8 points, you don't usually see guys going crazy when they win by that much.

05-22-2004, 02:03 PM	#507
Ninti the Mad Mad as in crazy, dumbass Posts: 27,739	Shaq will stomp on their fire.

05-22-2004, 03:20 PM	#511
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	I doubt Gary Payton stays for next year, he was bitching and moaning all year because he couldn't play his game, I can't see him staying. Keon Clark sucks, and really wouldn't help them at all, and Theo Ratliff would be dumb to leave Portland, I don't think he would fit in with the Lakers, given Shaq is already the dominant center. On Yahoo! Sports, they had a preview of the Wolves/Lakers series, and it compared all the different aspects, and for coaches it had "even". I just thought that was kind of funny, because it seems like Phil Jackson is quickly losing all his credibility for being such a great coach.

05-22-2004, 03:55 PM	#512
PureHatred Instant Credibility Posts: 2,979	Maybe they were just acknowledging the fact that Flip is very underrated. Also, if he wins a title, I think Gary will exercise the option to extend his contract since it's unlikely he'll get more playing somewhere else unless it's for a really lousy team. Being in LA., I've heard every single one of his interviews and GP has said all year that winning is what makes him happiest. Either Clarks or Ratliff at power forward for a year or two to give defensive help and rebound would fit fine. I'm honestly hoping Karl stays, since he brings all that and can pass. But I doubt he would at his current salary.

05-22-2004, 04:59 PM	#513
AlphaBean Happy Inside Posts: 18,970	Karl would probably be an all star playing on the Mavericks. Kobe's leaving. That is Shaq, Fisher, maybe GP? A good team, sure, but there are a lot of them. And think about this... if Shaq and Kobe are there without the Zen Master, who's to say they will be able to coexist? They didn't coexist before Phil, so chances are they won't after him... Nuggets if they keep Camby and he remains healthy are on their way to being elite. They have most of their positions filled. Wolves on the other hand I think are overrated in terms of future. I love Sprewell, but even if he stays, he's already very inconsistent, and his "on" days will grow further and further apart the older he gets, because he won't be able to keep it up. T-Hud, Kandi, Sam, Wally are now all injury liabilities. Kandi for the most part is just straight-up liability, don't let last night fool you. The Wolves want another player in the offseason, so let's see if they can bring in a complete 2. THAT'S RIGHT, T-MAC IS COMIN' TO MINNESOTA.

05-22-2004, 05:11 PM	#514
The Outlaw Unofficial Legend Posts: 11,931	LOL @ BArkley's comments on Kandi last night I think TIOE nailed it right on the head, if they would have celebrated heavily it would have lit a fire under the Wolves, namely KG. We aren't going to be like the Nugs and celebrate after a win and start a thug war. We aren't like that. I think this whole Lakers being an uneasy group is more or less what the media has put into people's heads. I was reading ESPN Magazine and they had a huge article on how everyone on the Lakers hated Kobe minus Fisher. Like Shaq said, the media has taken their words and twisted them into what would make a story and make it interesting. Do I think they are all best friends? No, but I think they are closer than what people think. Shaq or Kobe one had an interview and said even though the media likes to think otherwise, they are a close knit group. I'm actually interested to see what happens after this season. See who stays and who leaves. It will make things interesting.

05-22-2004, 06:04 PM	#516
The Outlaw Unofficial Legend Posts: 11,931	Yeah they would have to fire the GM if they wanted to get rid of Kobe.

05-23-2004, 12:36 AM	#517
Crimson Posts: 6,108	Damn I haven't been able to post for a while but LOL @ all Laker haters who said the Spurs were gonna beat 'em . I think probably Lakers/Pistons. Kobe will stay most likely , and Phil will retire as the most succesful coach in postseason .

05-23-2004, 02:32 AM	#518
BCWWF The People's Member Posts: 18,092	PureHatred is right, Kobe is not going anywhere, but Phil Jackson on the other hand is. The Lakers aren't going to fall off the face of the earth either. I also agree, Pistons/Lakers finals, and I think it'll be pretty good. The Pistons were the smartest team in the East, trading away a point guard and getting one of the better big men from the west, so now they have the power in the paint to compete against the west. It'll be guarding Kobe that will be the biggest challenge.

05-23-2004, 12:34 PM	#520
packt up Posts: 3,460	I like the Lakers even went to one game cos all my relatives live out there. They are gonna win now I reckon though I have no idea whats gonna happen next year as they don't have much news about that out here . Wish I could watch the games too - Fisher's shot over Spurs must have been a great thing to watch.