Spurs vs. Lakers: Its finally here

Discussion in 'Los Angeles Lakers' started by Rudeezy, Apr 29, 2004.

  1. Rave

    Rave JBB JustBBall Member

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    I have a gut feeling that Bowen won't be able to hold Kobe back this time. The playoffs have made him a beast again. I still see them losing though, especially if ol' Lazy is his usual lazy self. He needs to work hard and kill them, no one can match his size and strength anyway, Duncan is the nearest thing, in physical body contact he'd still get smashed also.

    Ginobili, Rose, Parker, Turgokolu, they're all better than a lot of your supporting cast so you'd have to rely on the likes of your starters as well as people like Rush and Walton. They'd aid you pretty well, it's just going to be hard to stop Parker, he's so much younger and faster than "The Glove", any of the Lakers PG's can't handle him. I want them to take this though so that "The Mailman" can finally take home a ring the so rightly deserves. He should've gotten it a long time ago, damn if Jordan wasn't there, they would've.
     
  2. mike18946

    mike18946 JBB

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    I don't call shooting 38% and 21% from three-point line being a "beast" and thats being guarded by Mobley not anywhere near the defender Bowen is. However we all know Kobe can turn it up and shoot the lights out, the key to Kobe will be him getting to the free-throw line. When his jump shot isn't there he must try and get to the line for L.A to have a better chance in this series.
     
  3. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    What do you feel the Lakers need to do to win this series?

    What the Lakers have to do to win this series is contain and shut down three men. Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili. Tony Parker looks more like a mature point guard no longer in Popovich's doghouse. He sets the tempo, he makes wise choices and well thought out decisions with the rock in his hand, and one advantage he uses very well is his speed and athletic ability. I wonder when Gary Payton will crawl out of his shell because Payton has really lost a step in his defensive abilities, and the last time the Spurs faced the Lakers at Staples, Payton was owned. In fact, he's been owned by Parker the first time he came into this league. So Payton will have to step up or shut up if he wants to get past this team. Manu Ginobili, much like Parker, uses his speed, quickness, and athletic ability over his defenders. He maybe doesn't have the prettiest looking layups, but he gets the job done. This is only his second year in the league, but he's really proved himself that he can be an ultimate force off the bench. And of course, the bread and butter for the Spurs is no other than Tim Duncan. Samaki Walker and Robert Horry wouldn't be guarding him anymore, so we turn to Karl Malone. A 19 year vet that has so much experience under his belt in these type of playoff atmospheres. Malone really would need to harass Duncan in the low post. It wouldn't be easy because Duncan has a variety of ways to beat you, but if Malone can make him work for every shot, and really buckle down on him on defense, I think the Lakers may have a shot.

    2. What advantages do the Lakers have over the Spurs and vice versa?

    What the Lakers do have over the Spurs is they have Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq doesn't have to worry about Robinson on his back, he now has Rasho Nestrovic on him who I believe is a soft defender. Shaq really has to prove a statement to us fans, the critics, and the Spurs that he can still live up to the dominant center that he's made himself out to be. Another advantage we have is Kobe Bryant. Even though he'll be guarded by Bruce Bowen, I really feel Kobe has the fire in his eyes to really take out this team that made him cry publicly on the Laker bench. Bowen may know how to disrupt and harass Kobe, but he can't shut him down on a consistent basis. I also feel our bench can play a significant role in this series. If Derek Fisher can be the clutch player I know he's capable of being, and knocking down clutch shots in critical situations, I think we have a shot. And Kareem Rush in the playoffs has really found confidence once again in his left handed outside shot. They can't come out one game, and play terrific and then all of a sudden go back to their dismal ways. We need effort from our role players. 48 minutes total with contributions from everyone.

    3. Whats your prediction?

    Lakers in 7. With Kobe and Derek crying last year, it'll just give them the ultimate revenge to go and stick it to them.
     
  4. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    1. What do you feel the Lakers need to do to win this series?
    Defense is key. We must want to play defense. WE can play it, we just dont have any desire too unless are backs are to the wall. If we can wiin a game Defense first, I think we will be up to play defense the rest of the series.
    Malone is also critical in this series. He had a great last two games against Houston and he will need to repeat that and limit Duncan's touches. GP and Kobe need to look for Shaq in the paint, and for one game, can Shaq shoot over 35% from the free throw line.
    . What advantages do the Lakers have over the Spurs and vice versa?
    The Lakers def. have the advantage in the experience factor in the starting lineups. Malone, Kobe, Shaq, and Payton have all played longer than Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili. The Lakers have won 3 championships in recent years, the Spurs 2. I think Malone and Payton are hungry to get their first and will give the Lakers the extra fuel to get past the spurs. On the other hand, the Spurs have a quicker PG, a SG that matches up decently with Kobe, and argueably the best player in the game in Duncan. If they can get the ball to Duncan 20+ times a night, he doesnt have to shoot all of them, they will be in great shape to win this series.
    3. Whats your prediction?
    My Prediction is the Lakers in 6, I think Malone and Payton want that ring and will be the fuel for the Lakers to win this series and eventually the finals.

    P.S. I will have the Preview up Friday or Sat.
     
  5. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post"> Kobe is expected to shoulder a lot of the scoring as it is and having him expend additional energy on defense might tire him out for the 4th quarter. </div>
    Well Kobe will have to exert a lot of energy once Manu gets in the game. Manu took him to skool in their overtime victory over the Lakers. Parker would eat George alive, I would stick to Payton on him.
     
  6. purpleb0n9

    purpleb0n9 JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Q Rich3:</div><div class="quote_post">P.S. I will have the Preview up Friday or Sat.</div>

    Can't wait :thumbsup:
     
  7. Mez

    Mez JBB JustBBall Member

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    I think the key to this series will be the play of Karl Malone and Gary Payton. If Karl continues his outstanding play in the playoffs that will spread the Spurs defense, and they won't be able to double Shaq nearly as much. Rasho has not defended Shaq well at all as we've seen last year when he was with the Wolves, and during this regular season. If Gary comes out with energy on defense I think it will change the whole series. Although everything still runs through Duncan in San Antonio, I think if Gary can do a decent job on him on the defensive end it'll be one of the biggest keys to this series.
     
  8. Glen Infante

    Glen Infante JBB Trend Setter

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    This series is going 7 games. I call a Laker win here also.
     
  9. ANiMuS

    ANiMuS JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Manu took him to skool in their overtime victory over the Lakers</div>

    LA actually won that one, and Manu burned Kobe just to get burned by Kobe on the other end. You gotta keep the bias somewhat in check man :P
     
  10. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting ANiMuS:</div><div class="quote_post">LA actually won that one, and Manu burned Kobe just to get burned by Kobe on the other end. </div>
    You're right they did lose. But Manu had 33 points and 13 rebounds. Duncan and Parker didn't play in that one if my memory serves me well.

    <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> You gotta keep the bias somewhat in check man :P</div>You're one to talk.[​IMG]
     
  11. ANiMuS

    ANiMuS JBB JustBBall Member

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    ^ Do a search on my past posts in the Laker forum and then tell me that I'm a "typical Lakers fan".
     
  12. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Well Kobe will have to exert a lot of energy once Manu gets in the game. Manu took him to skool in their overtime victory over the Lakers. Parker would eat George alive, I would stick to Payton on him.</div>

    Well the difference between Kobe on Parker, and Kobe on Manu, is Parker plays almost the entire game for the Spurs. Guarding Manu is the lesser of two evils for Kobe.

    I also think you are underestimating Devean George as a defender. He has some natural instincts on defense and is very athletic. His height and wingspan could force Parker into some difficult shots. If he plays straight up defense and doesn't get cheap reach in fouls, it just might work. This adjustment could also free-up Payton to guard Manu and then have Kobe on Bowen. Having Kobe on Bowen would allow Kobe more freedom to roam on defense and help out on the penetration or Duncan in the post with some blind side swats.
     
  13. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">
    I also think you are underestimating Devean George as a defender. He has some natural instincts on defense and is very athletic. His height and wingspan could force Parker into some difficult shots. If he plays straight up defense and doesn't get cheap reach in fouls, it just might work. This adjustment could also free-up Payton to guard Manu and then have Kobe on Bowen. Having Kobe on Bowen would allow Kobe more freedom to roam on defense and help out on the penetration or Duncan in the post with some blind side swats.</div>It is very possible that I am underestimating George. I hope Jackson goes to that match up, I am eager to see how it plays out.

    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting ANiMuS:</div><div class="quote_post">^ Do a search on my past posts in the Laker forum and then tell me that I'm a "typical Lakers fan".</div>You're a typical Lakers fan.[​IMG]
     
  14. jbbKing James

    jbbKing James JBB Banned Member

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    I'll go ahead and say it, we won't see George on Parker, Phil would be an idiot to do that.

    Tire Kobe? Kobe was tired last game too, did not effect him much. Bottom line is, it's playoff time, it's win or go home. We know how great Kobe is as a defender and we know that he can change any game in the 4th quarter with just a few plays. This is the type of moment that Kobe would live for.

    You stop Parker (which I believe Kobe straight up can do) and you seriously hurt the Spurs chances of winning the ball game. Timmy will get his, but Parker is the X-Factor.
     
  15. purpleb0n9

    purpleb0n9 JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">I'll go ahead and say it, we won't see George on Parker, Phil would be an idiot to do that.

    Tire Kobe? Kobe was tired last game too, did not effect him much. Bottom line is, it's playoff time, it's win or go home. We know how great Kobe is as a defender and we know that he can change any game in the 4th quarter with just a few plays. This is the type of moment that Kobe would live for.

    You stop Parker (which I believe Kobe straight up can do) and you seriously hurt the Spurs chances of winning the ball game. Timmy will get his, but Parker is the X-Factor.</div>

    Totally agreed. George is too slow to guard Parker. I believe at some point in the series, Kobe will be put on Parker. But IMO Phil's first option on defending Parker would be Fisher first who has had a decent defensive performance in the Rockets series. If Fisher breaks down, Phil will put Kobe on him. If Parker doesn't get his points, yes the Spurs will struggle. He is not the type of guy who can dominate the game without scoring like Scottie Pippen used to. Parker needs to score to contribute and if he's stopped, the Lakers have a great chance to win the series handily.
     
  16. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">You stop Parker (which I believe Kobe straight up can do) and you seriously hurt the Spurs chances of winning the ball game. Timmy will get his, but Parker is the X-Factor.</div>If Kobe guards Parker, who will guard Manu?

    Kobe has to be on Manu. Manu had his way with him a few times this year. Parker uses the pick and roll to perfection. I think the Lakers will have to pick their poison. I think Payton will start on Parker. He has too much pride not too. If he can't handle it, Phil will make the adjustment.
     
  17. jbbKing James

    jbbKing James JBB Banned Member

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    George is a better fit for Manu. Parker may be the fastest with the ball in the league, that is why Kobe is the better fit on him on that end. Plus Parker sets up the Spurs offense. Manu's job is to come into the game and score.
     
  18. Rudeezy

    Rudeezy JBB Senior *********

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">George is a better fit for Manu. Parker may be the fastest with the ball in the league, that is why Kobe is the better fit on him on that end. Plus Parker sets up the Spurs offense.</div>Maybe I am just underestimating George's defense but I never knew he was a "stopper". <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Manu's job is to come into the game and score.</div>He actually comes in the game and does pretty much everything. He is a scrapy defensive player, obviously a scorer, and could get you some rebounds.
     
  19. Mez

    Mez JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">If Kobe guards Parker, who will guard Manu?</div>

    George can guard Manu then. It is a much bigger priority to stop Parker than it is to stop Manu.. I think George can do a good job on Manu anyways, he's big and has long arms like Shapecity said, and I think he can be quick enough to guard him. Gary can guard Bowen, all you have to do is stand in front of him to make him miss shots so even if he isn't as good as he was in the past he can handle that..
     
  20. jbbKing James

    jbbKing James JBB Banned Member

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    Manu is a great thief too.

    George I'll say is a good defender, nothing great, just good. He won't stop Manu, but he can bother some of his shots and use his body to nail him when he tries to drive. Bit in no way would I expect him to bother Parker.
     

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