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Archive for May, 2008

TLN’s Playoff Report: Lakers vs. Spurs [Game 5]

Published by Steve Avery on May 30, 2008 in Avery's Postgame. 37 Comments

What a game! How is it that the Lakers are seemingly never out of a game? Even on a night where they didn’t even play that well, they still were able to put out the defending champs in 5 games.

The Lakers shot 45% from the field, even though they only shot 32% in the first half. The difference in the game came on the boards where the Lakers finally took care of business by out-rebounding the Spurs by 3.

The Lakers needed both Kobe and Pau to play 42 minutes, including the entire second half to get the win.

The Lakers also got it done on defense tonight, with 9 steals and 6 blocks.

In my opinion, the refs were awful tonight on both accounts. Seemed like they missed a ton of calls both ways. That play where Farmar dribbled, lost it, picked it up and dribbled again seemed illegal to me. And Pau was getting fouled like no other.

Now, the bests of the night…

Continue reading ‘TLN’s Playoff Report: Lakers vs. Spurs [Game 5]‘

The Lakers are in the NBA FINALS!

Published by Jim Murdoc on May 29, 2008 in Our Take. 79 Comments

The Lakers are in the NBA Finals, let me say that one more time so it can stick in your head… THE LAKERS ARE IN THE NBA FINALS!

A year that has brought many emotions to everyone who is a part of the Lakers Nation. From the staff to the members who chill in the Shoutbox during Laker games.

I’m completely speechless and I just don’t know what to say. I feel like crying but at the same time, I want to scream and dance.

What are your thoughts? What are you going through right now? Let us know in the comments.

Lakers #1!

Jackson wants NBA to rewind further into Game 4

Published by Jim Murdoc on May 29, 2008 in 2008 Playoffs. 8 Comments

Phil Jackson responds to what the League had to say about the ending of Game 4… Gotta love the guy. :-)

L.A. Times: Fisher’s 17-foot shot with 6.9 seconds left appeared to graze the rim before hitting Spurs forward Robert Horry and falling out of bounds. The referees, however, said Fisher’s shot was an air ball, leaving the Lakers with only two seconds left on the shot clock. Kobe Bryant’s hasty turnaround 16-footer was short, and the Spurs gained possession with 2.1 seconds to play.

“What did they say about the 24-second clock?” Jackson asked rhetorically. “They didn’t want to go all the way? You’ve got to start peeling that onion a long way back, don’t you, if you start opening it up.”

Bucher: Kobe to Spurs in 2010?

Published by Chris Manning on May 29, 2008 in Kobe Watch. 44 Comments

His track record speaks for itself… nuff said right? Well since he did come out and give another one of his propecies, why not laugh about it en route to our dethroning of the champions tonight?

ESPN: “Bucher: The Spurs have structured their contracts so that only Parker and Duncan are under contract for the summer of ‘10, when a dozen or more superstars — Kobe, who has great admiration for the San Antonio organization, included — could be available.”

TLN’s Playoff Preview: Lakers vs. Spurs [Game 5]

Published by Jonathan Somers-Harris on May 29, 2008 in Jonny's Game Preview. 37 Comments

Please, let’s not talk about the foul-or-no-foul no-call at the end of the last game, let’s just focus on the game at hand.

Pertinent Facts -

Lakers are 2-0 in close out games.
Lakers are 7-0 at home.

Lakers rotation age average: Young.

Spurs rotation age average: Old.

Now, I know a huge deal has been made about the aging Spurs, but the truth is this is their last time around with this current roster (well, current supporting cast) and you have to feel that they’re going to give it their all in Game 5.

Continue reading ‘TLN’s Playoff Preview: Lakers vs. Spurs [Game 5]‘

Fines will be imposed for clear cases of flopping

Published by Jim Murdoc on May 29, 2008 in Articles. 12 Comments

ESPN: The NBA announced to its teams this week at its annual pre-draft camp that fines will be imposed on players starting next season for clear cases of “flopping,” ESPN.com has learned.

The league office has yet to determine exact fine amounts for offending flops and how fines might escalate for repeat offenders, but in-game arena observers and video reviewers will be instructed to report instances of theatrical flopping for potential punishment as part of postgame reports on officiating and other matters.

The league’s pledge to crack down on flopping was conveyed to team representatives at Tuesday’s competition committee meeting in Orlando.

NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson confirmed the new policy Wednesday night saying: “What was clearly expressed to the committee is that we would begin imposing fines next season for the most egregious type of flops. When players are taking a dive, for lack of a better term.”

Because a precise penalty system has not yet been structured, it is not yet known whether serial floppers will be subject to possible suspensions after a certain number of fines for flopping, as seen with the league’s protocol on technical fouls. Players who accrue 16 technicals during the regular season are hit with a one-game suspension when they get to No. 16 — the limit is seven technicals during the playoffs — and receive one-game suspensions for every other technical thereafter (No. 18, 20, etc.).

Continue reading ‘Fines will be imposed for clear cases of flopping’

Shaw wants shot at Bulls position

Published by Chris Manning on May 28, 2008 in News. 7 Comments

UPDATE: Looks like Shaw won’t be heading over at all! Yahoo! is reporting Doug Collins will be back as the Bulls head coach next season. I think that’s a great fit, and selfishly, I never wanted Shaw to leave us. But IF he did/does, I as well as many out there wish him the best of luck.

O.C. Register: “I want to take a shot at it,” Shaw said. “I think I’m ready but that remains to be seen. I’ve always been the type of person that is ready to take on a new challenge and be placed in situation where it’s up to you, whether you sink or swim.”

Thanks for the support, Eva!

Published by Chris Manning on May 28, 2008 in 2008 Playoffs. 15 Comments