How are the Lakers "the team to beat"?

[Bufalay]

They still aren't the team to beat, watch whoever comes outta the East will be favored...

You're an idiot. The only thing worse than a Laker fan is a Laker fan who pretends to be a Suns fan.

 

[Andrew]

And you my friend are what we like to call...mentally challenged.

 

[Bufalay]

And you my friend are what we like to call...mentally challenged.

Why?

 

[Andrew]

Because you make moronic assumptions on matters you have no idea about....

 

[Bufalay]

Because you make moronic assumptions on matters you have no idea about....

word. Thanks man.

Hey, can you make some more of those blog posts? That stuff is pure comedy.

 

[Andrew]

Aww, not gonna happen. I don't like to fuel the people who have nothing better to do than to pick a fight with someone online.

 

[Irish]

Aww, not gonna happen. I don't like to fuel the people who have nothing better to do than to pick a fight with someone online.

There is no rule that says you have to respond.

 

[arwillan]

Am I the only one that kind of laughs when Kobe says it’s the most rewarding out of all the times he has been to the finals?

Yeah I get it, he is supposed to be a team player, but that statement just oozes that he would rather be the guy on the team to lead them to the finals than be part of a dynasty.

He is priding himself on being a team player, but then goes and implies that he likes it better to get to the finals as THE MAN rather than THE DUO.

I get it, we all got pride. It just is frustrating when he says that. Like him saying that sounds like the 3 rings he already has means nothing because he wasn’t THE MAN. I get that the team was counted out before the season started but still…

Just an observation….

I would rather be on a team with experience (Fox, Horry, Shaw, Harper, etc) in the finals than a team that has no experience but a few players and the coach…

it's not like he doesn't have just as much help this year as he did with shaq. he has pau playing well, odom playing out of his mind, an incredible bench, and his buddy fisher on top of it.

Of course he would rather be the guy that leads his team to the finals, but not in the sense that he's "the man". it's more in the sense that he is the leader. See "kobe receives MVP award" for details.

 

[arwillan]

Hey, can you make some more of those blog posts? That stuff is pure comedy.

 

[Ode to Ocho]

Am I the only one that kind of laughs when Kobe says it’s the most rewarding out of all the times he has been to the finals?

Yeah I get it, he is supposed to be a team player, but that statement just oozes that he would rather be the guy on the team to lead them to the finals than be part of a dynasty.

He is priding himself on being a team player, but then goes and implies that he likes it better to get to the finals as THE MAN rather than THE DUO.

I get it, we all got pride. It just is frustrating when he says that. Like him saying that sounds like the 3 rings he already has means nothing because he wasn’t THE MAN. I get that the team was counted out before the season started but still…

Just an observation….

I would rather be on a team with experience (Fox, Horry, Shaw, Harper, etc) in the finals than a team that has no experience but a few players and the coach…

Just accept the fact that Kobe will down in the history books as a better player than Shaq.

 

[Gee!]

Just accept the fact that Kobe will down in the history books as a better player than Shaq.

I had never even had this thought cross my mind before.. But now that it has, I gotta say, there is no way I can even compare the two in my mind.. I mean.. One is a 7'2" monster.. The other is a skinny SG.. Their skill sets are totally different and they would never be matched up against each other so very hard to even start this comparision.. At least in my mind..

 

[TJ]

Just accept the fact that Kobe will down in the history books as a better player than Shaq.

Are you a Laker fan, or strictly a Kobe fan? Because you really have no clue what you are talking about. Take a glimpse at the Laker three-peat and tell me who the #1 player on that team was.

You cant write any Kobe history book without mentioning Shaq in it. W/O Shaq, Kobe would still be looking for his first title.

 

[Trophytown]

Are you a Laker fan, or strictly a Kobe fan? Because you really have no clue what you are talking about. Take a glimpse at the Laker three-peat and tell me who the #1 player on that team was.

You cant write any Kobe history book without mentioning Shaq in it. W/O Shaq, Kobe would still be looking for his first title.

Shaq relied heavily on two qualities: Size and power. Very little skill involved with the big man. Tell us...........how many game winning shots did Shaq convert in his time with L.A. ?

Kobe, much like MJ can beat you long. He can beat you off the dribble. He can pretty much dictate when and where his looks come from. Shaq relied heavily upon the post entry pass when he established positioning in the low block (deep). If he wasnt deep enough, he'd kick it back out and try to re-establish (with power) and await the next post entry pass. If went to the line, he'd convert. If Shaq went...........well, you would hope for the best. Not saying Shaq doesnt deserve accolades but there was/is minimal skill displayed compared to the likes of Kobe--who can kill you from anywhere on the floor.

And dont forget, dominant-Shaq hadnt won any ring attire until he was paired with a great coach and a marquee pressure relief such as Kobe. Kobe took a lot of pressure off of the big man (and vice versa)

 

[arwillan]

Shaq relied heavily on two qualities: Size and power. Very little skill involved with the big man. Tell us...........how many game winning shots did Shaq convert in his time with L.A. ?

Kobe, much like MJ can beat you long. He can beat you off the dribble. He can pretty much dictate when and where his looks come from. Shaq relied heavily upon the post entry pass when he established positioning in the low block (deep). If he wasnt deep enough, he'd kick it back out and try to re-establish (with power) and await the next post entry pass. If went to the line, he'd convert. If Shaq went...........well, you would hope for the best. Not saying Shaq doesnt deserve accolades but there was/is minimal skill displayed compared to the likes of Kobe--who can kill you from anywhere on the floor.

And dont forget, dominant-Shaq hadnt won any ring attire until he was paired with a great coach and a marquee pressure relief such as Kobe. Kobe took a lot of pressure off of the big man (and vice versa)

oh, i forgot that kobe had so many rings without jackson and a very good big man to help him out. shaq and kobe had equally important roles in their joint success, they just did different things. They were like peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, or whatever else you want to call it.

 

[TJ]

Shaq relied heavily on two qualities: Size and power. Very little skill involved with the big man. Tell us...........how many game winning shots did Shaq convert in his time with L.A. ?

Kobe, much like MJ can beat you long. He can beat you off the dribble. He can pretty much dictate when and where his looks come from. Shaq relied heavily upon the post entry pass when he established positioning in the low block (deep). If he wasnt deep enough, he'd kick it back out and try to re-establish (with power) and await the next post entry pass. If went to the line, he'd convert. If Shaq went...........well, you would hope for the best. Not saying Shaq doesnt deserve accolades but there was/is minimal skill displayed compared to the likes of Kobe--who can kill you from anywhere on the floor.

And dont forget, dominant-Shaq hadnt won any ring attire until he was paired with a great coach and a marquee pressure relief such as Kobe. Kobe took a lot of pressure off of the big man (and vice versa)

And dont forget also, that Shaq went to one previous finals with a much more inferior Magic team and one another championship with a much more inferior Heat team

 

[cobbler]

And dont forget also, that Shaq went to one previous finals with a much more inferior Magic team and one another championship with a much more inferior Heat team

And on one occasion got SWEPT and used by a superior player in Akeem, and on the other rode D. Wades coatails to a title.

As for LA, Shaq doesnt win without Kobe, Kobe doesn't win without Shaq, and neither win without PJ.

You cannot compare Centers to Guards. Just plain impossible. Guards have more skills, centers are more dominant due to size and strength. It is also nearly impossible to compare eras with rule changes, strength of league etc.

Here's a little trivia for you about the dominance of big men:

On a summer day in the early 1980s at the Men's Gym on the UCLA campus, Chamberlain showed up to take part in one of the high-octane pickup games that the arena constantly attracted. Larry Brown was the coach of the Bruins back then, and Chamberlain often drove to UCLA from his home in Bel Air, Calif.

"Magic Johnson used to run the games," Brown recalled Tuesday after hearing that Chamberlain, his friend, had died at the age of 63, "and he called a couple of chintzy fouls and a goaltending on Wilt.

"So Wilt said: 'There will be no more layups in this gym,' and he blocked every shot after that. That's the truth, I saw it. He didn't let one (of Johnson's) shots get to the rim."

Chamberlain would have been in his mid-40s at the time, a decade removed from one of the greatest careers any basketball player ever produced.

 

[TJ]

And on one occasion got SWEPT and used by a superior player in Akeem, and on the other rode D. Wades coatails to a title.

As for LA, Shaq doesnt win without Kobe, Kobe doesn't win without Shaq, and neither win without PJ.

You cannot compare Centers to Guards. Just plain impossible. Guards have more skills, centers are more dominant due to size and strength. It is also nearly impossible to compare eras with rule changes, strength of league etc.

Here's a little trivia for you about the dominance of big men:

On a summer day in the early 1980s at the Men's Gym on the UCLA campus, Chamberlain showed up to take part in one of the high-octane pickup games that the arena constantly attracted. Larry Brown was the coach of the Bruins back then, and Chamberlain often drove to UCLA from his home in Bel Air, Calif.

"Magic Johnson used to run the games," Brown recalled Tuesday after hearing that Chamberlain, his friend, had died at the age of 63, "and he called a couple of chintzy fouls and a goaltending on Wilt.

"So Wilt said: 'There will be no more layups in this gym,' and he blocked every shot after that. That's the truth, I saw it. He didn't let one (of Johnson's) shots get to the rim."

Chamberlain would have been in his mid-40s at the time, a decade removed from one of the greatest careers any basketball player ever produced.

I had mentioned previous that the Heat and Magic teams w/ Shaq were far inferior. I would also argue that part of the reason the Magic lost so bad was because of Nick Anderson's chock job in game one with his FTs.

I had never heard that story about Chamberlain. Doesnt surprise me as he was the most dominant player to ever lace them up. Im sure he also nailed a bunch of chicks later on that evening

 

[Ode to Ocho]

And dont forget also, that Shaq went to one previous finals with a much more inferior Magic team and one another championship with a much more inferior Heat team

In a weak Eastern conference, both times.

The Magic were a better team than Rockets yet Shaq was completely dominated by Hakeem. Penny was a 1st team All-NBAer back then.

In 06, worst eastern conference ever. Gravy trained Wade/Refs to a ring while getting outplayed by Eric Dampier in the finals.

Like I said, when it's all said and done, Kobe will go down as a better player than Shaq.

 

[Ode to Ocho]

neither win without PJ.
.

You're dumb. Seriously. Give that team a coach like Riley, Brown, Sloan, Pop and they three-peat just as easily while playing better defense.

 

[Andrew]

Makes me proud, seeing some of you stick up for Shaq.

*sheds a tear*

 

[cobbler]

You're dumb. Seriously. Give that team a coach like Riley, Brown, Sloan, Pop and they three-peat just as easily while playing better defense.

Well, they were together 3 years and accomplished nada until PJ arrived so facts support my dumbness. I am sure they could have done well with other QUALITY coaches as well, but that is opinion, and nothing more.

 

[Darth Llama]

You're dumb. Seriously. Give that team a coach like Riley, Brown, Sloan, Pop and they three-peat just as easily while playing better defense.

I have to respectfully disagree with you. Not only on the issue of Cobbler's intelligence (he's far from dumb) but on the notion that any of the other coaches listed could have done the same with the Lakers. Pop and Riley are great coaches, they might have won 1 or 2 in that time span, maybe. Larry Brown would have accomplished absolutely nothing with that team. I used to doubt Phil Jackson, I never liked him as coach of the Bulls, and I didn't want him in 2000 when he took over the Lakers. I was never sure of Jackson till I saw the results he's brought to LA after his success in Chicago. When you look at the numbers, Phil Jackson has to be considered the best coach the NBA has seen. The only valid argument against him is Red Auerbach who's greatness I will not even attempt to question.

Larry Brown doesn't deserve mention with any of these men. Larry Brown is a great college level coach, but what's he done in the NBA? He took the Pistons to the title in 04, I give him credit for that, but other then that, he just moves from city to city bringing false promises and a lack of a spine. he moves in, collects his fat paycheck, shows some slight promise and then he quits. Even if you disagree with Phil being the best, you can't deny his results. He took a Laker team that couldn't get out of the 2nd round to three straight titles. This year, he took a team projected to be a low 7-8 seed to the Finals with players that most people had never heard of a year ago. Phil is every bit as responsible for the three peat as Shaq and Kobe.

 

[mojorizen7]

In a weak Eastern conference, both times.

The Magic were a better team than Rockets yet Shaq was completely dominated by Hakeem. Penny was a 1st team All-NBAer back then.

In 06, worst eastern conference ever. Gravy trained Wade/Refs to a ring while getting outplayed by Eric Dampier in the finals.

Like I said, when it's all said and done, Kobe will go down as a better player than Shaq.

I'm gonna have to disagree with you there. The Rockets had that "inside out" offense perfected w/Smith,Elie and Cassell on the perimeter.......and they had 3 legitamite shot-blockers up front w/Hakeem,Thorpe and Horry.
I don't recall who was favored but IMO Houston was the all-around better team.

 

[Ode to Ocho]

I have to respectfully disagree with you. Not only on the issue of Cobbler's intelligence (he's far from dumb) but on the notion that any of the other coaches listed could have done the same with the Lakers. Pop and Riley are great coaches, they might have won 1 or 2 in that time span, maybe. Larry Brown would have accomplished absolutely nothing with that team. I used to doubt Phil Jackson, I never liked him as coach of the Bulls, and I didn't want him in 2000 when he took over the Lakers. I was never sure of Jackson till I saw the results he's brought to LA after his success in Chicago. When you look at the numbers, Phil Jackson has to be considered the best coach the NBA has seen. The only valid argument against him is Red Auerbach who's greatness I will not even attempt to question.

You're delusional no offense. This is basketball where one player can impose his will and win a series by himself. Phil was completely outcoached in game 7 2000 WCF and it wasn't until Kobe/Shaq stopped running the triangle that that the 'Lakers' team finally woke up.

Larry Brown doesn't deserve mention with any of these men. Larry Brown is a great college level coach, but what's he done in the NBA? He took the Pistons to the title in 04, I give him credit for that, but other then that, he just moves from city to city bringing false promises and a lack of a spine. he moves in, collects his fat paycheck, shows some slight promise and then he quits. Even if you disagree with Phil being the best, you can't deny his results. He took a Laker team that couldn't get out of the 2nd round to three straight titles. This year, he took a team projected to be a low 7-8 seed to the Finals with players that most people had never heard of a year ago. Phil is every bit as responsible for the three peat as Shaq and Kobe.

Compare the talent Phil has had to Larry Brown. Exactly. Phil has coached the 3 best players in the NBA in their primes, in succession.

As for you 2nd round team to three straight titles, another laffo. The team Phil coached where Kobe/Shaq won 3 straight titles was completely different than the ones from years past. Jerry West is the one who trimmed the fat off that allowing Kobe to be the true 2nd option. Not to mention, Kobe was older. Pretty ridiculous to think that coach would have won with the Del Harris teams. Just look at Phil Jackson's history with playing young guys. Exactly. He would have been giving Eddie Jones more minutes than Kobe as well.

Let me just more eyes at Phil, taking a 'projected 7-8 seed'. Which is completely stupid considering the Lakers were 30 and 19 last season before injuries destroyed him. Bynum was a completely different player. Oh yeah Pau Gasol. Yup, all Phil.

Phil is a good coach, who doesn't emphasize defense becaue of the insane talent he has been privlidged to coach. At the end of the day, coaches aren't nearly as big a factor when it comes to winning as the players. Thats a fact. This is a game of 5 on 5, where the players play both ends of the court, 90% of the game. Talent wins out.

The point is, a two huge hand fulls of coaches would have won with that talent.

 

[Ode to Ocho]

Well, they were together 3 years and accomplished nada until PJ arrived so facts support my dumbness. I am sure they could have done well with other QUALITY coaches as well, but that is opinion, and nothing more.

That just supports your immense ignorance. Wasn't the same team. Post-Kobe Bryant breakout season.