Do you normally post on Laker Boards? Which?
Do you notice an influx of Celtics fans there?
Quite a turn around for your team from last year and even from December when we last played, what has changed do you believe, besides the addition of Pau?
You all have my personal welcome to the discussion(s) here!
Yes I do, Mostly on TheLakerNation.com or KB24.cm
Yes we've had an influx of Celtics come by
I believe our team's offense has gone up about 10 fold since we last played. The Ball Movement is a beautiful art any team would enjoy especially in the paint. Ever since the removal of Kwame "Stone Hands" Brown the Laker's TO's have gone down (we were at the top at almost 18-19 TO's per game down to 10-11) and our assists has gone up.
And I believe most importantly "Lamar Odom". For many years LO has had great games teasing his fans with triple doubles type numbers across the box sheet. Since Gasol's arrival, LO has been playing more consistant and aggressive. LO is attacking the paint more at the same time having great chemistry with Gasol.
Our bench has got a lot deeper since we last played because of one person "Sasha" since the beginning of the year; he almost 50% from 3 point land. Plus the change of pace the 2nd unit gives is great too see. They rarely give up lead when they come in, most of the time if the Lakers are up by 4-7 it will usually stay at 4-7 points when Kobe comes back in. Giving him a good amount of rest going into the 4th quarter (if needed). Kobe's minutes dropped alot this season due to many games being over in the 4th quarter (not needed), and/or the bench mob takes care of business.
At the same time our Defense has also suffered especially rebounding we give up too many 2nd chance points. The reason for the is Andrew Bynum. His stats may not overwhelm you but with his soft hands around the rim with length and at 7'1 it was almost he grabbed every defensive rebound. With Andrew Bynum's lost we also lost alot of easy put backs and alley oops Bynum gave us. Also with Andrew alot of PG's in the western conference didnt penetrate as much when he was in the paint, mostly settling for jumpshots.
Good Luck Celtic Fans, Im not like everyone else saying this series is going to be over in 4 or 5 games. I believe both team's strength will exploit the other team's weakness. Laker's transition game will bother the Celtics and the furious defense will disrupt our half court offense.
I think this series is going to be grueling, exciting, hard fought, tough battle for both teams where no team is blown out or having a large lead (20 pts or more) and the other team coming back. Each game is going to be decided in the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter.
Ill admit the Celtics were the team I wanted to face in the finals and at the same time the ones I was afraid of they were the only team who can end this Hollywood Story for Kobe Bryant.
A Year Ago:
1. Kobe wants helps (Laker Fans Agreed)
2. Kobe wants to be traded to a contender (This is getting bad)
3. The possibility of getting KG in uniform (Kobe might stay)
4. When KG went to C's the Jermaine O'neal rumors surfaced
5. The infamous Kobe You Tube Video dissing management, and AB
6. Laker are listening to offers for KB (depressing times)
7. Season starts: Players like Jordan Farmar, Turiaf, Radman, and especially Bynum suprised every Laker Fan and KOBE on how well they were playing together and competing against tittle contending teams such as Dallas, San Antonio, Utah, Phoenix, Houston, etc
8. The realization this team can be competitive had everyone smiling
9. Western Conference becoming the best conference race in history
10. Andrew Bynum goes down - our hopes went down significantly (we were #1 in our conference at the time)
11. Trevor Ariza (our 2nd best perimeter defender) breaks his foot in practice.
12. ****** Kobe tears a ligament on his pinky (shooting hand) requires surgery********
13. GASOL TRADE - Getting rid of Kwame Brown and replacing him with Gasol (dream come true) not because Gasol's 19pt and 9 reb avg, it was because we knew we can throw him the ball and it wont automatically turn into a TO.
14. Derek Fisher injury - bone bruise on his foot
15. Gasol injured - out 9 games
16. Last 2 weeks of season - Laker's seed # ranged from #1-6. Beat Hornets and Spurs to claim #1 seed.
17. Kobe finally wins his 1st MVP trophy.
18. Now were playing the Boston Celtics in the Finals - HOW GREAT IS THIS
Both our teams has had great seasons over coming the bad luck we suffered the past few seasons.
Good Luck Celtic Fans Win or Lose Were all going for a great ride
p.s. Best thing about this FINALS - HDTV .. Yeah Baby!!!!