NBA Play Offs
 

So who do you think are the front runners.

In the east?
In the west?

With Garnet out for the playoffs
Boston's chances have diminished.

NBA Schedule, Pro Basketball Schedule, National Basketball Association Schedule - ESPN

Lakers all the way. Lets go Lakers. Kobe and Co. rules.

Cleveland Cavs :D everyone seems to underestimate them...

:yawn:

Real men play hockey.

Ever kiss a hockey player? :nanana:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TwAbZhMGVE...obbyclarke.jpg

Cavs in the East, Lakers in the West. Cavs to take the crown

The sleeper teams are Atlanta in the East and Portland in the West.

Supporting my Blazers all the way!

Suns all the way! Oh wait, never mind.

Well I agree with 3 of the choices.
I don't know about that sleeper though

lakers vs celtics again baby GO GREEN, lets really make Koby cry this time, he almost landed himself a deal with kleenex last time

Atlanta is full of athleticism. The only thing that stopped their end of the year run last year were the Celtics who took 7 games to stop the Hawks. Portland, with players like Roy and Fernandez, will be contenders in the West.

Real men play contact sports
without body armour.....:nanana:

at least we can agree that real men and woman drive bmws

Real men and women drive Corvettes AND play/follow hockey :) :nanana:

You CAN'T be serious!

Current medical terminology in the United States uses the term collision sport rather than contact sport to refer to Rugby, American football, lacrosse, and ice hockey. The term contact sport is used to refer to sports, such as basketball and association football that allow limited contact. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement in 2001 entitled "Medical Conditions Affecting Sports Participation" that included the following definitions:

In "collision" sports (eg, boxing, ice hockey, football, and rodeo), athletes purposely hit or collide with each other or inanimate objects, including the ground, with great force. In "contact" sports (eg, basketball and soccer), athletes routinely make contact with each other or inanimate objects but usually with less force than in collision sports.

My chin going into somebody's forehead playing basketball the other day requiring stitches may prefer the term collision. :D

P.S. GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!

Looks like Detroit didn't have the heart......:(
Detroit wont look the same next year.

The team was getting old. At the beginning of the year, it was the same team that beat the Lakers in 2004 minus Ben Wallace.

Billups was traded for AI's $20M expiring salary. Rasheed's gone, Tayshaun Prince will probably get traded, and Rip Hamilton wants off the team unless Michael Curry gets fired which is a good possibility.

If they clean house this year, they could potentially clear enough cap space to get into the Lebron sweepstakes.

Yep...the pistons misfired badly on this one...

Is it me or is the NBA analyst Doug Collins annoying.

Can't be half as bad as Craig Sagers wardrobe!

http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/b...age_suit_1.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dw1uC9gDox...400/sagerx.jpg

Celtics vs Bulls last night, that was quite a game!!!

Yep it was.

Can't wait for Lakers Rockets match-up.
I don't believe the Rockets can hang.

If Odom keeps playing well, nobody can hang with LA.....

Craig Sagers has his game on.
He knows what show time is all
about and markets himself accordingly.

Do I like everything he wears? No
But imo he is anything but annoying.

Guys don't pay a whole lot of attention
to what other men wear but in his case
there's a whole lot of people not just men
who can't wait to see what he will be wearing
come game time. Bro man has guts fo sho....:thumbup:

Gotta give credit to Sager for rockin' those ugly suits. Until he started doing that, he was just another face on the sideline.

But Don Cherry is 'da man when it comes to outrageous suits.

http://www.skate2stick.com/wp-conten...s/d-cherry.jpg

WHAT??? I'm way behind. Who the heck is Don Cherry?????

At least one of my sleeper teams advanced to the second round. Hawks def. Heat. Hawks won't make it past the Cavs.

Don Cherry is the former Boston Bruins head coach and current color analyst for Hockey Night in Canada. Unlike Sager, he puts some thought into his wardrobe.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/...25d1bb9dc4.jpg

Oh I don't know. Seems to me the question could be asked
what are either of them thinking regarding their choice in clothes.

I'm sure it's all about entertainment.

I think Don Cherry wins!

http://www.xyre.org/blog/wp-content/...may-2008-h.jpg

But honestly? Who even makes these suits let alone the print?

Looks like the Lakers wanted this one......
Who say's B ball ain't physical.......:wow:

I wouldn't say it's "not physical", but of the 4 majors, it's #3 behind hockey and football in terms of physicality.

NHL>NFL>NBA>MLB

And I put the NHL above the NFL in terms of physicality by a very very slight margin.

Denver Nuggets: They looks really really good, the most complete team in NBA. Chancy was the missing piece in the puzzle.I won't be shocked if they go all the way.

My favorite "Green" has no chance in hell this time without Kevin Garnet with their aging remaining members.

As far as Lakers."WhoCares", it turns out Andrew Bynum ain't the missing link, we thought he was. However, they are my number two favorite to win it all.

King James ready to take his crown? I am not so certain yet. They are dominant physical team but will fold to who whomever rises from the left coast.

My crystal ball says east fades this summer...
1. Nuggets
2. Lakers
3. Cavaliers

#1 Regarding Denver....:dunno: could be

#2 There's still speculation that Garnet make a showing.

#3 As far as Lakers."WhoCares", (In this case I do)
It turns out Andrew Bynum ain't the missing link,
we thought he was (No argument there he's just a baby right now)
The lakers in Houston???? OH BOY:wow:

#4 King James ready to take his crown? I am not so certain yet.
(Again I agree but it sure is fun to watch.)

I'm waiting on KG to give the fans the long awaited "Willis Reed" moment!!!

I've picked up on the NBA since the scond round and I'd say the Cavs and the Nuggets looked the most impressive so far.
The Lakers/Rockets are giving us a really fun series. I wouldn't be surprised if they bloody themselves up and neither make to the finals. I can't wait for tomorrow and see How Artest behaves... If he keeps his cool thye have a shot of wining the series... and that is a big IF!!

The Cavs are my pick to win it all ... they are currently destroying a very good Hawks team!!

As much as KG is my main man and I LOVE the Green, even if KG appears in the middle of the playoffs he won't make an impact enough to save the Big Green while risking major injuries...
(I am 'quoting' one of the TNT commentators, I think it was Jet Smith who happen to live in my town...)

It was amazing to watch reformed ghetto player(?!) Ron Artest played last night. That dude got some game... I don't understand why some people have to fabricate unconfirmed hood story. Ohhh, I am so scared. I like the calls made today about the game last night. Justice has been served.

Even with all my love for Kobe, he shouldn't talk crab to his opponent who is guarding him. What was that he said? "You cannot guard me?" He should keep his mouth shut and keep playing as much as he stands a mile ahead of the competition. On the other hand Shane Battier set a perfect example during the interview today.

I couldn't believe my eyes how Derek Fisher sucker-elbowed the dude... Regardless what happened before that was soooo wrong.

Can't wait until the Lakers go to Houston on Friday night. Oh man, it was fun last night watching them beating each other up. Its PLAYOFFS time. Dont cry like a baby Rockets. Kobe got on Artest nerves and guess who win the mind game, KOBE prevails. Artest lost it just like he always did. It doesn't matter how hard the foul was man, your team need you so be smart and stay in the game. Shane Battier with blood dripping down his face in Game 1 and now this, 2 ejections and 5 technicals, 1 suspension in Game 2, Bloody series. Lets go Lakers.

And I forget to mention. Cavaliers vs. Atlanta - Cavaliers vs. High School Girl Basketball Team.

Actually the Kobe artest thing has been going on for a long time.
Looking back at some of the previous videos artest has thrown his
share of elbows and his aggressive style of defense promotes
an aggressive response.

Basket ball is much more that just making baskets. It's a mind game
and if you can get into the mind of the opponent then all the better.
So trash talking is part of the game. Always has been always will be.
Even Artest admits that's the case and expects it. He also expects to continue his
defensive posture and has said on more than one occasion that he fully expects
Kobe not to back down and he wouldn't respect him if he did.

Shane Battier set a perfect example during the interview today regarding what?
He understands just like everybody else that it's deep in the playoffs
and the lakers needed to take a stand and demonstrate that unlike last
year they intend to compete.

What we are going to see in the next game is a tight game by the refs
which was a common complaint by the players as a whole.

Artest was tossed based on reputation and not his actions in that game. He did nothing worse than Rondo, Keyan Martin or even Rafer Alston, none of whom got tossed in their games. He was elbowed in the throat and got the foul called on him. That would piss anyone off. Even Kobe didn't think he should have been ejected.

:iagree:Completely !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was frustrated watching it... how about being in the action?? I am Shocked he did not blow up.

First of all he Artest was not elbowed in the throat.
Go and look at the videos and the league decision
regarding the matter.

Artest was smothering Kobe under the basket
with his elbow and arm all over his back and a foul
should have been called. That's the way Artest plays
and about the only way you can get some clearence is to
deliver the message "BACK OFF".

It's the Playoffs, it's emotional, and the players
will tell you it's exactly what to expect when
the desire to win kicks in.

Attachment 32892

This is just a pic of one frame of that incident between Kobe and RonRon but it goes to show what goes on in that play aside from Ronron's accusation of Kobe elbowing him.

Artest normally plays this way yet when someone has enough of it and dishes out an elbow to him that sends a message to back the f off he cries foul. Cry me a river.

Those who like Kobe will continue to like him and those who don't will continue not to like him.

The important part is that we will have potentially two good games tonight.
Yesterday's was a stinker.... shame on the Hawks, they are much better than what they have shown so far!!

The flagrant foul called on Ron towards Pau was complete BS. The league is pretty much getting out of hand with the calls they have been making. Fans from both teams are upset. That play should be reviewed carefully with that flagrant foul call being rescinded. Either way, the game has already been decided at that point.

It's still an exciting series to watch. I hope Yao gets better from whatever knee condition he has. Hate to see a player go down and being unable to play because of that.

The Second round is over!
 

It started promising... Now with Yao out it is hard to imagine the rockets being competitive. Cavs are stream rolling the Hawks. Denver is almost done with the Mavs. The only series left is the magic Celtics... and I'm not sure what to expect. Allen and Peirce need to get their act together otherwise it is over. Rondo can't carry the team by himself.

P.S. I agree, that call on Artest in game two is total BS.

:thumbup::thumbup: I hope they take it all

Artest not suspended for Game 4, foul downgraded

HOUSTON (AP)—The NBA downgraded a flagrant foul called against Ron Artest(notes), determining Saturday that the play should not have been severe enough to warrant an ejection.

Artest was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty two, an automatic ejection, for his hard foul on Pau Gasol(notes) late in the Lakers’ 108-94 victory over Houston on Friday in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

“It happened so fast. It’s a bang-bang play. Nowadays, in our league, that’s cause for a flagrant foul,” Houston coach Rick Adelman said. “The referees told me that he hit him in the head. But it was such a bang-bang play, I just didn’t think there was any intention of hurting him or anything. They just reacted to the play, Gasol went down hard. I think (downgrading) it was a good call.”

League spokesman Tim Frank confirmed Saturday the foul was downgraded. Artest will not face a suspension for Game 4 on Sunday.

“I think that they made more of that than it was. I didn’t think that was a flagrant two,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “It looked to me like it was a hard foul. There’s a danger point right there where Pau goes down, and then I think they have to worry about it a little bit. But as far as malicious contact, I have to disagree. I think they overreacted a little bit on that.”

Artest also had a point removed from his flagrant foul total. Players are suspended a game if they accumulate four flagrant foul points in the postseason.

“It don’t mean nothing to me,” Artest said of the league’s decision. “It’s not important. It doesn’t matter to me.”

The temperamental Artest was also thrown out of Game 2 in Los Angeles after a verbal confrontation with Kobe Bryant(notes). Artest claimed that Bryant elbowed him in the neck, a blow that wasn’t called by the officials.

Seems like everyone thinks its Lakers vs Cavs in the finals and no one is noticing what the Nuggets are doing. They can compete with any team and will give the Lakers a fight for the West crown.

The Magic can also challenge the Cavs if they are on.

Thank you Rockets for embarrassing the Lakers without your core players. And if the Rockets win the series as well, kudos to them since the Lakers haven't shown any desire or heart to win.

Yes, I am a Lakers fan but I am so embarrassed and it's so much harder to swallow a loss when your team plays this way. This performance is completely unacceptable for this franchise.

Vent over.

Lakers vs Nuggets will be really fun. My money is on Nuggets, more complete team. Yeah, go Nuggets

Game 7 all around. Should be fun for sure.

Lakers vs. Houston seriers is "expected" to go to Game 7. Every time we have a heated, physical series involving technicals, ejections and those sort of things, It will go all the way to game 7, yes because of the TV ratings. Lakers want sell more tickets at home. The outcome of game 7 is about 90% sure of Lakers, that makes the tickets selling for 1 more game is expected. Who wouldn't want to watch a series like this? Ron Artest and Kobe have a thing going so everytime they guard each others things heat up. Game 7 please.

A little behind are we?

Expected is not wazzz up.
Last nights Lakers loss
made it a fact.

Quicksilver, you are half right. The way the Lakers played last night was not even 80% of what they are capable of. They would like to win it on their home court where they could sell tickets for another round. Each playoff home game makes a lot of money. So if they lose Game 7 that is their fault for letting it happen. But they did let the Rockets off the hook yesterday and I think that was half intentional half because of their "down playing" the Rockets. Houston is no where close to the Lakers capability. If they were even close Vegas wouldn't have had the Spread LA -10 last night on Houston home court and -14 coming sunday. Its the TV ratings and profit they make from each additional home game in the Playoff make you believe Houston had a shot. But as I said earlier, if they lose game 7, thats their fault for outweighing the profits. Look at it this way, BOSTON had a chance in game 6? Vegas had ORL -7 and they won by 8. That makes it a fact. 90% of the time BOSTON would lose game 6. Its all about the profits they make out of each homecourt playoff game (TV, tickets and a lot more, that makes up a large portion of their profit for entire season). Now thats a fact.

Houston - LA the most watched series. No doubt LA want to win it at home, another round of playoff tickets sell. ROCKETS think they have a chance. Now thats funny. Denver Next.

In the end, consistency wins champoinships. Cavs win.

Calm down there. The Cavs haven't won anything yet. Either Orlando or Boston will drain their energy off the first 2 games. Hawks, and Pistons gave up their series to Cavs. To be honest I think Cavs will lose next series or in the Finals. Period. No more discussion on them.

Defense wins championships.......:nanana:

I guess we'll see about that :rofl::rofl:

Based on season performance and post potential...i expect to see Lebron vs Kobe in the finals. However, Denver has been playing great but i don't expect them getting past LA...their bench isn't as deep as Lakers.

btw...i think the Lebron puppet ads are absolutely brilliant:

Given the way LA sputtered to a game 7 against the Houston "Bottle" Rockets, I have changed my finals pick to the Nuggets and Cavs.

LA went 3-1 vs Denver during the season. I can't defend LA's inconsistent performance against Houston especially considering that their #1 & #2 scoring options were out...Not taking anything away from Denver but i believe LA's bench being deeper will make the difference.

Either way, I expect a compelling series but i'm taking LA in 7... :D ...

If Kevin Garnett played series with Orlando, Celtics was winning the series. I still love the way Celtics played in final last year.

I luv to see Kobe Bryan cries as he used to cry after lost game in final series vs. with Spur in LA years ago.
(I graduated from Temple University, i used to see Kobe entered building (illegal entrance because he's not Temple student) to play with Ed. Jone and Aaron McKey (the Owls and then Sixers)15,16 years ago. You see him in real life as teenager and you see him now you may don't like him. I like the Lakers but not Kobe.

Hate Kobe all you want...but you cannot like the Lakers without acknowledging that they are what they are because of Kobe. That's like people saying they dislike Michael Jackson because of all the accusations but love Pop music. You cannot like pop music with acknowledging that Michael is the epitome of Pop.

I personally prefer to focus on their craft other than the actual person...as talent/celebrities in real life are not the typical characters their "roles" make them out to be...but then there are those times when you meet a celebrity and they're the complete opposite of what you've read or heard. Just my 2 shekels...

Yup, i don't hate the Lakers, when i was younger i enjoyed Magic Johnson ( Larry Bird ) and later Michael Jordan of Chicago Bulls. You may don't like what i feel for Kobe but the facts that you can't compare basketball vs. pop music like Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson is the only one for pop at that time but there are many many great players who play better basketball than Kobe but they don't act like Kobe. Kobe attitude is horrible.

Again, i like Lakers because of Magic Johnson, I like Utah because of Karl Malone, I like Chicago because of Michael Jordan, I like the Cavs because of Jame Lebron, I like Toronto because of Vince Carter, I like Sixers because of "Dr. J" I like Celtics because of Larry Bird, because of Kevin Garnett, Paul and Ray Allen etc.

I like Lakers but I DON'T LIKE KOBE (sorry!!)

He can't make Lakers championship last several years but he acts like the legend while others like Lebron Jame, Michael Jordan, Magic Johson, Dr J and so on never had that cockey attitude before.

And never "because" of Kobe and Lakers champion again. Lakers champion years ago because they got help from my big guy SHAQUILLE O'NEIL!!!! Without Shaq, Lakers don't win any champion anymore. Because of Kobe and Laker strong??? NO
KOBE is not much help for Lakers.

I really like SHAQ :)

I like turtles

Out of millions Kobe-Haters out there you would be in the top 10. Houston to game 7 was a joke, that was intentional if you believe. They want to win it in L.A. Lebron is no where close to Kobe yet. Without a ring he is just another Tracy McGraddy. Wait until he accomplish what Kobe has with the Lakers (with or without Shaq) then we can compare. StartX5, you must be kidding me or you haven't watched NBA that long. "KOBE is not much help for the Lakers?' , take him out and you have a highschool basketball team. And how are they not consistent? Prove it. They went to the Finals last year and this year they are playing the West Finals and might be back in the Finals too. Is that consistent? they won 65 games, is that consistent? Lakers and Kobe haters just can't swallow the fact that they are that good and they can beat your team any day of the week. Take out K.G Boston is a joke.

Put Ron Artest or Shane Battier in place of Kobe, you will like the Lakers even more. Now its apples and oranges. They build the team around him for gods sake. He is NBA darling, imagine NBA lost him, that would cost them a lot.

Kobe is no where close to the amount of hangnails Lebron has chewed off.

jaba, if only this were not the NBA playoffs thread i think your last 2 comments are brilliant. after double checked the thread title, i thought you really "took" your time to write them.

Don't get me wrong, I just wasn't too gungho about going into a heated debate like yourself. The lakers have drained the living s*** out of me emotionally this whole series with Houston.

So many debatable points you raise...and it seems perhaps you and i are watching a different era and parallel universe of pro basketball. Perhaps you know Kobe Bryant personally, perhaps he rubbed you the wrong way back at Temple...as i mentioned, if i don't know someone personally, in particular a celebrity, i will not pass judgement nor assume until i witness for myself. You'd be surprised how many other ballplayers, including the ones you just mentioned, past and present are really no different from Kobe, both on and off the court.

And M. Jackson was "not the only one for Pop music at that time".,.but that's a whole other topic...it was an analogy.

Kobe is a great basketball player. Lakers trying to build a team around him, but Lakers did not win championship with only Kobe [as key player and star]. They won championship few time before (vs. Sixer, Spur) when they got Shaq as a big center player and mastermind Phil Jackson.
It is true, I just don't like his personality.

With Shaq they won 3 straight championship from 1999-2002 seasons.
Without Shaq [only Kobe] they NEVER WON ANY CHAMPIONSHIP after 2002.

7 years in the row i think it's too much time to build a team around a player like Kobe
[as sport life time player]

In short, Kobe can't compare with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Dr. J etc.
Under my eyes, he's around level of Tim Duncan, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, Iverson, Tracy McGraddy, Vince Carter etc.

Then what? See Kobe's cockiness. He is just another good player in NBA.

Let's see Jame Lebron, if the Cavs make it championship this year. Lebron is another great and huge player.

Is he really just another good player in the NBA? You should research the opinion of all the players you listed (Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Dr. J) and see what their opinion is of Kobe Bryant. Players don't bite their tongue about who got game on the court.

If you believe the man has a level of cockiness thats one thing. Lot's
of players have that going on.:D

Finally I'm not sure what you mean by "Let's see Jame Lebron, if the Cavs make it championship this year. Lebron is another great and huge player"
Perhaps you could clarify.....:confused:

The thing that separates Kobe from LeBron, Magic, Jordan and Bird is that Kobe's play makes the team look better than it is. LeBron, Magic, Jordan and Bird make their teammates better players. Seriously, Who would Pippen be without Jordan, Divac without Magic... Scott without Bird... Mo Williams without LeBron?

Kobe is an awesome individual player, but he fails to make an equally awesome team player.

Krimson, you have exactly point for Kobe. That's why it's hard to build basketball team around those type of players. Personalities reflect the result in basketball. Same to Iverson and you can tell me, how Iverson today? I am Sixer fan, Iverson used to player championship again Lakers, both these players gave me a feeling that they are cockiness player and very very selfish players.

So Kobe's cocky right? So what does that make Lebron,
or any other NBA player for that matter?
I think its rediculous when people try to hate Kobe or
any other player for being what they perceive to be cocky.

Watch any of the games and those players who have skills
all demonstrate swager.

Watch the Cavs games and watch lebron posing
everytime he makes some points. What about the Celtics, KG, Pierce, House?
ALL players demonstrate a certain level of confidence especially
when they have developed their skills and what it takes to get that Championship.

Remember basketball is also a phycological game.
If you can get you opponent to understand how much better
you are than they are, then you have a mental advantage
on the court. When the game is being played nobody has
friends on the basketball court. It's a game of wills
and determination and players are not concerned if someone
likes them or not.

Off the court is another matter entirely. I don't know
any of the players personally so in my mind It would
make no logical sense for me to make a determination
weather I like this person or not without having met them
and had ample time to access their personality.

Until that time arrives I believe I will stick to my analysis
of their skills on the basketball court.

Quicksilver, sorry bro whenever Lakers lost, i know how it feels for each player but not Kobe. LOL

You are just another Kobe hater like millions out there. Its the game of Basketball, whoever dominates skills wins. A lot of people hate Kobe for no reason. People jump on Lebron James bandwagon. He is too new to the NBA. He is going the same direction as other stars go, that is "FADING OUT". Shaq, Tim Duncan, Iverson, K.G everbody FADED OUT. Lebron hype will last for another couple of years and will fade out too. When comparing Kobe experience and Lebron, you are talking about a VETERAN (Kobe) and a NOOB (Lebron). All stars come and go, the KING is just another one. For the time being, KOBE still the best on court, period. Lebron needs to win championships (doesn't matter with whom) to get there.

Who is Shaq without Kobe? Who is Lamar Odom without Kobe? Who is Pau Gasol without Kobe? Take Kobe off the Lakers Dynasty equations you got no rings. Shaq was on Orlando for 4 years without a championships. He only got his first 3 rings when he joined KOBE. The argument is the same with Shaq in Miami, who is SHAQ without DWade? Its a team basketball, everybody needs everybody. Micheal wouldn't have won anything without his supporting cast. Throw in a whole bunch of highschool BB players and make Jordan win a championship, that would take him a lifetime to do. And please dont rank LEBRON in the same level of Bird, Magic Johnson, and Mike he is 3 million miles from their ranks. He is just another NBA tool to marketing. He is young, new, and energetic. But dont compare him to the NBA Greats, he needs another 10 years to do that. Stop praising him like he is a NBA god. After 3 years with L.A Kobe started winning championships 3 times straight and what is the KING doing right now after almost 5 years in the League? He is searching for his soul. Where is the RING? Or should the CAVS buy TIM DUNCAN, K.G, KOBE and RAY ALLEN too in order to win RINGS for Lebron?

NOVA you say lebron doesn't even compare with Kobe because he's got no rings?? thats a joke...look at how much James has done for Cleveland...that should be enough to put him head to head with Bryant end of story...

If you take both these 2 players out...i'd say LA would win over the cavs...so you might want to take into consideration Lebron's team mates the first 2-3 seasons he was at CAVS...because they were half as good as the ones Kobe worked with...

You complain too much about how people like james and hate jobe for no reason...u are the reversed angle to that m8...

He hasn't done anything for CAVs except sell for ticket. Thats the facts. Get them a championship, now thats something. Karl Malone and Stockton had a good run for Utah but never brought home a championship. Thats sad. Lebron hasn't accomplished anything. The ultimate goal for a NBA player is GETTING A RING. Not POPULARITY. They will get traded in their career, so RING counts, nothing else. RING, RING, RING. Nothing else counts. 2 or 3 years later he get traded all you remember him is "the championships he won" not what he did for the CAVs. After 5 seasons and nothing. After 6 seasons KOBE got 3, thats THREE, RINGS. You are just into the THE KING HYPE, thats all. Remember Mike Bibby was ALMOST famous after Lakers and Kings Rivalry Playoffs games? Michael Jordan, RINGS. Larry Bird, RINGS. Magic Johnson, RINGS. Hakeem Ohlajuwan, RINGS. Tim Duncan, RINGs, Shaq, RINGs, Kobe, RINGS. Lebron James, HIGHSCHOOL Dunk Champion. 5 Seasons man, 5 seasons. He better wins one this year. You see and hear about Lebron everyday because He is NBA tool to marketing thats it. He is no where close to the likes of Kobe and the NBA Great, thats the fact.

I would take 3 Rings over High school Dunk Champion any day.

Novax5, didn't you watch basketball recently? Without Koke, Shad had won another championship with WW in Miami.
What Kobe got for Lakers after Shaq? Veteran Kobe? It's true becuase people waste money (hundreds millions $$$)
and time (7,8 years) to build a team around a selfish man like Kobe, what do they get?
If Lebron can't bring ring for the Cavs this year yet, it's understandable reason. Next few years you will see. But what Kobe [building a team around him] get nothing!
Again, Shaq gonna upsets if he reads your reply [LOL], you defense Kobe and trying to low Shaq down. Remind you that he won a championship with the Heat WITHOUT Kobe LOL

When i reply this thread, the Nuggest lead Lakers 76-74. Homegame usually a must win.
If Lakers lost this WCF series, he should call Iverson to follow retirement procedures
and fillout all necessary paperworks for 'retirement career' [LOL] and Kobe is another
worthless.
If they win, good luck to the Lakers and the Co. in NBA final [Orlando or Cleveland]

I would say it is pointless to argue with you...if you can't see or appreciate that Cleveland is where it is because of James...but anyhow I guess your on the Kobe hype yourself...

I hope it will be a Lakers and Cavs final...then no matter what happens there won't be any excuses on either kobe or jame's side...

Not sure what your talking about my friend.
I have no love affair with any team or any player.
I enjoy watching them demonstrate their skills.
Thats all that matters to me.

I will say though that being from the west coast makes
me partial at this stage of the game for the lakers.

But a real blast from the past is "THE WORM"
I would make sure I watched the game no
matter who he played for. He was worth the
price of admission to any game....:thumbup:

QS, my point is Kobe is not and value player as many Lakers' fan think he is.
By the way, 6:30 minutes left and Nuggets lead Laker 91-85.
Enjoy basketball my friends LOL

more foul calls on the lakers than the total number of tattoos on the players of the nuggets roster

If the fans believe he's valuable and you say "Kobe is not and value player as many Lakers' fan think he is"
then who is it that believes he's valuable and why does the team continue to play him? Give me some specific evidence to support your argument.

QS, StartX5's arguments are as good as Chuck Hayes, freethrow. I haven't seen a single post where he took the time to thoroughly explain or support his argument. He's simply a hater with his blinders on.

I do appreciate what Lebron has done for the Cavs but he has a long way to go in terms of matching the accomplishments Kobe has done regardless of whoever superstar, allstar, scrub etc he has played with. Fact of the matter is, Kobe has three rings while Lebron only has an eastern conference Championship. One can say that he could have never won anything without Shaq but that argument does not hold water since Shaq hasn't won a championship either without playing with another superstar (D. Wade).

Kobe is where he's at right now because of the team he's playing for and because of his dedication and love for the sport. In my opinion he is currently the basketball player with the greatest skill set with a killer instinct comparable to MJ while Lebron James being not too far behind him.

HEY StartX5

Any argument you had about Kobe's
value to the team and the fans
just went down the toilet........:D

I rest my case..............:nanana:

Lakers 105......... Bryant 40 points
Denver 103 .......Anthony 39 points

Quicksilver touched on a very important point that many so-called enthusiasts fail to recognize. It annoys me when people mention that a pro athlete is "cocky" without even really knowing the player or have never even played that particular sport. Having personally played basketball up to collegiate-level...all the camps, training and practice...there's a factor that's incredibly necessary for each individual player that will affect the team, ultimately. That factor is mental toughness...this comes off to many as "cockiness". Call it what you wish...but mental toughness is taught starting in the peewee leagues. You hear coaches like Doc Rivers mentioning the importance of mental toughness in the post-season. Every pro-arena athlete must have this component in his/her arsenal.

Most people only see the physical game before them...but there's a mental aspect to the game as well. If only the players were wired, perhaps it would be more obvious. This cockiness...i.e. mental toughness is what Melo and Denver exhibited in game 1 but Kobe maintained while some team8's froze. It's the most necessary tool a teams star and the entire team must possess especially when playing in an opponents home-court. If the team does not exhibit this mental toughness, their star must...in basketball, often times, if a star player maintains mental toughness and catches fire, some team-mates awake from their slumber and follow lead.

It just annoys me when people mention that players are cocky...well maybe some don't know how to turn off the mental toughness off-court but they're doing exactly as they were trained. Imagine coming into the pro-circuit straight out of high school...all the anxiety that you may experience disappears the moment you exhibit mental toughness and your opponents will take note. Some of you who don't even play the sport won't have a clue what i'm talking about....

Let me also add that i'm neutral as i no longer follow teams...free agency killed that for me when i was a teenager. I now follow individual players and root for them anytime they make good, smart plays on the court. Their lives off-court is none of my damn business.

By the way...i often moonlight as a technical director for on/off broadway shows in NYC...(the fella that controls the boards). Dr. J himself comes to see several shows i've worked on as he's an avid follower of theater...that and he's "friends" with some of the gals in the productions. Long story long...i've had several b-ball conversations with him and he's acknowledged that he believes the best basketball player currently in the world is Kobe. He made a very valid point, not to compare him with Jordan but something to take note of. He mentioned that there were several players that were able to effectively defend Jordan in his prime...players like Joe Dumars, Mitch Ritchmond, Clyde Drexler ...however, there isn't a single player, currently, that can effectively guard Kobe. And if there is, in a particular game or series, Kobe seems to make adjustments to control the matchup with an assassin-like mentality.

This was from the Dr. himself...and i couldn't argue as it's a valid point. Several other past players have reverberated the same, that Kobe is currently the best player in the world, including one of my all time favorite Tar Heel point guards, Kenny Smith, who played alongside Jordan.

Jerry West feels otherwise but he raises some good points as Lebron may edge Kobe in distributing the ball within offensive and scoring execution (assists). If Miami Heat were in the post-season, i assume D. Wade would be in similar debates.

There are great points in this thread but, StartX5, i believe most of your points are base-less and fueled by a dis-like of Kobe. If you feel otherwise, you need to expound on your statements. I suggest you join a neighborhood YMCA basketball league or tournament for just one season...then circle back with your thoughts...I guarantee there will be a different perspective.

damn i'm praying stepen curry falls to the knicks!!!!

please...

he's gonna be the biggest sleeper in this wack ass draft.

Sure, Kobe is cocky, but so is LeBron and so was Jordan. No player was ever as cocky as Jordan (shooting freethrows with his eyes closed, tounge wagging). Cockiness is not the point. I like Kobe's skill and will not deny that he one of the best the league, the best in his position. The point of my argument is that what makes champions is a leader who leads. LeBron leads the Cavs players, and he enjoys playing with them.

I myself grew up a Golden State Fan during the "Run TMC" era... when the NBA was all about team ball, not individual standouts. Since then I have not had any strong allegiance towards any team. I am more of a player fan now.

The game is 48 mins long. Comments only apply when you see the letter F on the score board meaning Final. Kobe carried his team, Melo 39 is down the drain experience counts. Lakers steals game one for sure but that proves experience wins. Oh Hatred, How can i get over it. You just can't wait until they lose huh? I am rooting for Orlando tonight. All i know of Lebron is a High School Dunk Champion, where is his RING man? Wait, he is not married. Shaq won one in Miami that because of the young and athletic Dwade. I like Shaq the way he was with the Lakers, but there is no way 2 super stars coexist in one team, heard the word salary cap?. I wouln't keep Shaq because he is aging faster than he thinks. Look at him now. Money, its all about the money, they want someone exciting like Kobe stays with the team, not the aging Shaq, so that they could sell tickets and merchandise. Guess what? Kobe jerseys sell the most for the NBA. He is the NBA darling. Hate all you want, but the fact is he is far more valueable for the NBA than you think.

Watch more basketball and football you will see how fast the score changes the end of the game. That sure will shut up a lot of people when the comment a little too soon. Add some dough on the spread, your heart would be dancing to new wave techno.

Novax5, you knew that i don't like Kobe period! Now thinking about WCF series, i am sure this is a great series. Last night game was great and it's Conf. Final game. I want to see Nuggests win the Conf. final. Of course, you, QS and Kobe's fans love to see Lakers win.
Will see.

StartX5 and Dannyell -

Adding to Chilliwilli and Quicksilver's comments, I'll take it to different perspective. I've been a basketball junkie my entire life. I played organized basketball for 30 years, and when I wasn't playing in a league game, I was looking for a game at the local park or at the gym. IMHO, the best basketball is played on the street. Some of the best basketball players ever to play the game never made it to college. They didn't get the opportunity to play pro ball. But they owned the bragging rights because these guys could bring it against all comers, including NBA players.

Do you want to see the best basketball played on the face of the earth? Go down to the Cage in Greenwich or Rucker Park in Harlem. But be prepared to deal with the trash-talking and arrogance to go along with it, because it isn't the same game as the watered down basketball for the masses you watch on TV. The name of the game on the street is defile your opponent in any way possible, including talking shit about his mama while you're taking him to the hole.

Let's talk about arrogance and Kobe, or more specifically, why Kobe is singled out in this discussion. Kobe is no different than any other great player who can talk the talk and walk the walk.

Let's start off with the white guy in the greatest ever discussion. After Larry Bird made four straight baskets with Rodman guarding him, he ran over to Chuck Daly and asked "who's guarding me, Chuck? Is anyone guarding me? You better get someone on me or I'm gonna go for 60." Is that not arrogance?

Or is your beef with Kobe (no pun intended) when he complained about the personnel make up of the Lakers in 2006 and threatened to sit out the season? Did it happen? Nope. Was he posturing? Yup. Did it work? The Lakers got Paul Gasol and reached the Finals.

Hmmm... Didn't Magic do the same thing in 1981? Except he took it one step further. It was either him or the coach, Paul Westhead. Result: A immediate world championship with Riley and 3 more shortly after.

What about Jordan whose will to win led him to do very questionable things? Like be seen in Atlantic City at the crap table the night before a playoff game against the Knicks? Or bet and lose $1.25 million on a round of golf? And to quit on his team to go play baseball? He seriously thought he would be a great baseball player because, after all, he is Michael Jordan. That is the epitome of arrogance.

Or perhaps you have an issue with Kobe's alleged rape incident in Eagle, Colorado, which from every indication was an adultery that went bad. Do we perhaps think that Mssrs. Bird, Jordan, and Johnson have lived the lives of saints? Heck, the greatest of all time, Wilt Chamberlain, slept with 10,000 women.

The message is "Don't hate the playa, hate the game."

By the way, LeBron had better win the Championship this year. With a $91.5 million payroll, that's a lot of coin for a small market team and LeBron isn't even maxed out yet. He's only making $14M this year, compared to Garnet at $24M. It takes 3 superstars on a team to create a dynasty. Cleveland might be able to land a Chris Bosh as rumored for 2010-2011, but that isn't going to be enough. If you look back, the Laker, Celtic, and Bull dynasties were anchored by 3 or more HOF level players. LeBron is a damn good player, but he can't do it by himself.

Well put. Good analysis!

I never said anything negative about Kobe...nor any other basketball player..

I am just replying to people saying that Lebron makes no difference to CAVS..and that he is 'far behind' Kobe...Stupid to say such a thing...

I apologize if I got it wrong.

LeBron is a difference maker and has a greater impact on the outcome of a game than any other player in the league, even more so than Kobe because Cleveland's offense runs through LeBron whereas play is initiated through the high post in the Laker's triangle offense. If there were a touch count in the NBA like in the NFL, LeBron would easily lead the league in touches.

LeBron is every bit as good as Kobe, but in different ways. DWade is every bit as good as both of them, but in different ways as well. They are different players, each with different strengths and weaknesses.

But for anyone to think that Kobe is not a top-tier player is incredibly short-sighted or simply not very knowledgeable about the game of basketball. In fact, for anyone to not include Tim Duncan as not a top-tier player is just plain wrong. 4 NBA rings, 2 MVP's, 1 ROY, 3 time NBA Finals MVP, 12 All-NBA teams, and 12 All Defensive Teams tells me that Tim Duncan has been one of the best basketball players of all time, in the same breath as Russell, Wilt, and Kareem. Kobe's hardware collection is right behind Tim's.

We can all agree that LeBron has helped turn a franchise around, but you have to give credit to Danny Ferry for bringing in players that complement LeBron and Mike Brown for putting a system that maximizes the benefits of LeBron's many skills. The Cavs have played great during the playoffs. But had KG been healthy, I gotta think that it would have been a Celtics - Cavs conference final and I have to think the Celtics would have won it. LeBron could have gone off for a triple-double 50 every night, but if you hold the rest of the team down to 40 points, the Cavs are definitely beatable.

Thats exactly what happened. He is going down with the Cavs. He is a high school dunk champion, remember? Not a Finals material. I rank him the same level with Tracy McGraddy, Vince Carter. Thats max. Not sure about the rest of the series though, but they look weak playing Orlando. Orlando owned them today, on their homecourt. If Lebron doesn't make it to the Finals and win the whole thing for the next few years, he is done. Probably get traded to the Knicks and stuck there with a whole bunch of NBA-D leaguers. You never know. Remember Jayson William? He got drafted behind Yao, He was the most talented guard at the time coming out from Duke, guess what? Motocycle accident ended his career, you never know what happens, so you better win RINGS now. Kobe has already accomplised that he wanted that is 3 RINGS with the Lakers. He doesn't need to prove anything. All he has to do is try to win another one, or keep the Lakers in Playoffs and Finals to sell more ticket and merchandise. Lebron is shown too much on TV thats about it. How soon you forget about Lakers Dynasty just recently. It will take Lebron another 5 or more years to be at Kobe's level. Anyway, ORL 1 - CAV 0.

And.............In other interesting news

TOTALLY RANDOM Jerry West leans in direction of LeBron James over Kobe Bryant
Jerry West leans in direction of LeBron James over Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Times

:rofl::rofl::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Dannyell
ORL 1 - CAV 0.
Watch the game or read the news. You are in denial. Now I see your are from OHIO, It's understandable how you come up with all the Lebron stuff. They played like D-league team at the end. Those smileys you have there dont bring them an "W". I saw how they frowned at the end of the game. I am rooting for ORL Game 2 again just like I did on Game 1. Oh, yes ORL owned the CAVs today, enough to get them a W and handed the CAVs their first Playoff loss. Detroit is a bottom of Playoffs team, Atlanta is just happy to be there in second round. Now you got a more Powerful ORL coming to town. Better get ready for some beating. To be honest with you, I have no idea you would come out of this series a winner, but the way the CAVs play at the end, they should be playing D-league in summer. How the heck did you let a team came from double digit down and beat you on your homecourt in Finals?
And looked your KING get a beating today, you better hope he stays in the next game for your Championship dream. Do this comparison.
3 RINGS > NO RING
81 points > Uhmm how many points does Lebron best? I dont even care.
61 points at MSG > Everyone at MSG
L.A > Cleveland (budget wise and sizewise)
Lebron > Tracy McGraddy, Vin Carter, Paul Pierce and who else? Mike Bibby. Well at least he ranks highest in that category.

Come one let's give LaBron some credit.......
It's enjoyable to watch him play........:thumbup:

Well, sorry but I can't root for both teams that play each others. Just like how hard it is to make me cheer for Melo in Game 2 in L.A. I would never predict the outcome of a series, only comments on each game that had just been played. Every team is beatable on any given night. Some look bad, some look really bad like the CAVs did today. CAVs won 67 games this season because the fact that they are in a lowly East Conference. The West Conference is brutal, with 2 games left and the seedings were not set until the last game played. Behind Lakers all 7 teams are very close. Unlike on the East, the number 1 seed is a mile from the 4 to 8. I am not predicting anything, but the only REAL LOSS the CAV lost at home is to L.A, the second loss didnt count because the took out the starters in the last game of season. And again, i enjoy NBA playoffs games as they are being played. No predictions.

:thumbup:

NOVA me being from OH does not have anything to who I like...You think LeBron is my favorite player?? why? because I reply to your negative comments about him?? ...

If ur gonna tell members here to get off the Lebron Hype...then do yourself a favor, follow you own advice and get off that negative hype...LeBron is a great player...rings or not

You have no basis to make such statements...Cavs did not get owned as much as you want to use that word...and the game was pretty enjoyable from where I was standing...yes tough result...but I enjoyed the game last night...

They were up 16, and lost.

They got owned.

:dunno:

Jerry sums it up pretty nicely. He doesn't take anything away from Kobe, but acknowledges that the true "Air Apparent" is LeBron.

LeBron is a mix between Magic and Jordan -- ridiculous player with extraordinary talent. A good point was made this morning listening to ESPN radio that Cleveland's bench players are there to give LeBron a rest when he needs it -- Orlando's bench actually has players that provide offense...better team IMO is Orlando, but I would love to see the Cavs play the Lakers in the finals if it turns out that way.

On another note, how come no one has mentioned that LeBron's head has grown to immense proportions and his muscle mass from last year has ballooned as well?? I seem to remember MLB players being indicted for the same problems the past few years...Not accusing anyone, just sayin' -- Juice time in the NBA ??:dunno:

Juice time in the NBA ?? :dunno:
Hmmmm, never thought of that.

Anything is possible but this is interesting
YouTube - Dwight Howard Workout
YouTube - Orlando Magic Dwight Howard Shows How To Bench Press

I thought the same thing last night when he made that baseline dunk (powerful and amazing). He is too talented and has too much invested to get mixed up in roids. Then again, look at A-Roids.

Dude is a beast! A man-child, I tell you!

I guess you have a different interpretation of 'owned'...

So what if they were up and lost?? If the whole game would have been within 3 points would you still say they got owned??? Look at the final score...

Yeah...Orlando would have owned the cavs if they would have led the entire game by 15....

Stopped cold, stunned, owned it's all the same.
I believe the fact that they we're ahead by 16,
at home, and they lost. That's is the point.

The NBA drug testing policy is no where near as stringent as the policies set by the NFL, MLB, and other sports organizations around the world.

The NBA only tests players randomly during the preseason. Rookies are tested randomly 3 times during the regular season while veterans escape any scrutiny. The league has the authority to issue a random drug test on any player during the season with probable cause.

In the NFL, 10 players from each team are randomly chosen to be tested every week of the regular season and post-season.

In MLB, each player is tested once between spring training and the regular season. The league reserves the right to administer additional random tests at any time.

In the NBA, there are 32 banned steriod substances. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and other related growth hormones are NOT specifically stated on the banned substance list. In the NFL, there are approximately 80-90 banned Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) ranging from steriods, hormones, masking agents, and other compounds. In MLB, there are 46 banned PEDs including HGH. The NBA is seriously behind in maintaining its banned substance list.

HGH can only be accurately detected through a blood test and within 48 hours of its use. Urine tests cannot conclusively detect HGH. What's interesting about the MLB and the number of suspensions that have taken place, most of these suspensions were not for HGH, but for other banned substances including items commonly purchased at the local drug or health foods store (Sudafed, Actifed, Ma Huang, etc.). In the case of Manny Ramirez's infraction, he did not fail any drug tests but instead was popped because he provided MLB a copy of a prescription of a banned substance. He inadvertantly turned himself in.

So is the NBA dirty when it comes to PEDs? Hell yeah.

David Stern said in 2005 that NBA players don't need PED's because their skill set is different than those required in other sports. That's a bunch of crap. Performance Enhancing Drugs has shown up in every major organized sport where there the athletes earn money for their performances. If the sport requires strength and/or recovery, then PED's will provide an advantage.

NBA drug testing is somewhat like NBA's officiating - it's a joke.

I would not be surprised if the new generation of NBA players were taking PED's (especially HGH) in high school where there is ZERO TESTING.

As I said before, if you give LeBron a 50 point triple double and hold the rest of the team down, the Cavs can be beaten.

LeBron had 49. The rest of the team scored 47. 5 points from the bench. Brown's lineup and rotations need to be changed. He's been to the finals, but he coached like a rookie. Delonte West 47 minutes for 11 points? Feel free to stick in Daniel Gibson when West goes cold. Gibson played only 3 minutes and Pavlovic never got off the bench.

Can we proclaim Ben Wallace as officially done? He looks like he's got absolutely nothing left in the tank.

Please provide Documented proof....:dunno:

I dont see how you still defend your point of the CAVs getting owned. It is clear that the got owned. You were up 16 points on your homecourt in a Finals and you lose the game. How is that not ownage? Remember the game is 48 mins, it doesn't matter how good you do the first 3 quarters, you blew the game and let other team OWN you at the end, the result is the final say. Thats OWNAGE. ORL OWNED the CAV in the last 4 minutes of the games, and came out with a W. The other 44 mins dont mean anything if you can't hang on for another 4 mins. They look like a whole bunch of D-leaguer at the end. Stood around and waited for their best player make play. Thats not NBA Finals. Yeah, the final score maybe only 3 points but, it DOESN'T MATTER. You got beat by 1 or by 50 is the same. This is the best of 7 series, not the best of "who score more".

Game btw Lakers and Nuggests was awesome! Seeing Kobe upset and Lakers lost to Denver that makes me feel great (sorry Lakers' fans!). Kobe Bryan is just another good player in any NBA team.
See how he upset that teamates didn't give me the ball when o'clock show 4.3 second to go.
My co-worker told me this morning that "not only us hate Kobe, his teamates don't like him either" hahaha

Watching WCF series, Denver will beat Lakers and play final with either Orland or Clev. As of today, Lakers should trade Kobe and rebuild team in order to persuit NBA ring.

:loco: :jackoff:

Kobe, come here [US] and see Kobe :) JK - Not easy for Lakers with Kobe to win NBA Champ bro, that's the fact.

I was just joking with you!!! :D
but we will see!
Lakers 4-2 Denver
Cavs 2-4 Orlando

Lakers 4-2 Orlando
:thumbup:

Good game yesterday. It came down to one or two plays down the stretch just like the previous one. This series is/will be a lot of fun.

Though I think that the Nuggets could win their series, I think the Lakers are in better shape than the Cavs whom I think will win theirs. The key is that Cavs looked impotent down the stretch. LeBron looked AWESOME but the rest of the team looked as if they hoping that he could deliver for them. Not being able to score is one thing, but not being able to defend is another. The Cavs did not lose because they couldn't score, they lost because they allowed the magic to score at well. The 3 pointer by Lewis was unacceptable!! You were up by two and only a three could beat you... You should defend the three. It’s a classic road team approach; take a three to win over a two to tie!!

As to the Lebron/Kobe discussion that is taking place, I knew it will eventually happen. IMHO Lebron is better and more complete player than Kobe... Look at the rosters and you'll see why!

Saying Lebron is better does not diminish Kobe... It's just like saying Jordan is better than any player of his time... say Magic or Hakim. They were all great!!

I am not a Kobe hater, but it is unfair to put the three rings in the comparison. He had them when he had the big Diesel!!!! and If recall correctly Shaq was the finals MVP in all of them. At that time he was the Robin not the Batman of that team!!

Let me rephrase that.

"IMO, hell, yeah!"

The league's drug testing policy is inadequate, hence there is no overwhelming proof.

The NBA has the highest average salary of all major sports. You don't think there's an incentive to being the fastest, strongest, and quickest to recover?

Is that a blue X5 in your avatar? That explains everything.

Your guess is a good as mine.
I have no clue. I just watch
the games and enjoy the action.

I must have missed it though
Did we arrive at a consensus?
Will we have a champion from
the East or the West......:dunno:

Yes, we will have a champion from the West or East. I'll even call it a lock. :D

I totally agree with Ohio brother JGQ, 3 rings for Lakers that contributed by the MVP big foot SHAQ! Without SHAQ, Kobe can not make any better for Lakers. Compare team around Kobe today vs. Team with Kobe and Shaq [same Phil Jackson], [1999-2003] that team was huge and played greatest basketball.

FYI - I love SHAQ :) Can't wait to see Shaq, join TNT half-time gossip. :)

Yep you do have a KOBE issue don't you?.....:nanana:

QS, why do I? Wanna tell you guys the fact and the true value of Kobe beside his personality or regardless his personality -

He has no background. In 2001 he promised to give 200 tickets for his highschool friends, teachers when Lakers played in Philly for final series. That's official statement, however until his ex classmates came to Wachovia building, his speakman said that if you get free tickets you have to wear Lakers fans shirt and support for all Lakers while in Sixers' house. Of course they didn't want that and they was so upset. They said it's better to buy ticket and it's much better to tell them ahead that way.

Future investigations, Kobe just want to impress media how "great background" he is but never confirm with his management.

Don't upset Kobe, your teamates know you better than us that's why they didn't share ball with you last night.
And QS, don't upset because Kobe doesn't give you any penny when you try to opposite whoever don't like him JK :D

Soooo.... No comments on LeBron's last second heroics? Gut wrenching!!! In any event, the ECF is turning into a great series.

That's what MVP's do....:thumbup:

Great Game and awesome shot!!

Cavs need to learn how to defend the three otherwise the Magic will always have a chance to win no matter how much behind they get. The Cavs blew a 23 point lead... unacceptable!

What in the world are you talking about:dunno:
Can you please translate that into english...?

This year has the best West and East Finals ever. LA 2 - DEN 1. These will be long series before anybody could get some rest. Man, The Lakers drain my energy with their ups and downs. Kobe is the best CLOSER and everyone knows it. To be honest the argument KOBE v.s LeBron is kinda wrong because Kobe came in the league way before Lebron. People really forget how good he was when Lakers winning Championships. Lebron is the new tool for NBA, so he must be on networks all the time. Kobe jerseys still sell the most for the NBA, Lebron is 2nd. But right now Kobe is the best Closer in the NBA. Fish's shot was a result of Phil call Kobe running decoy. StartX5's comment on how his teammates hate him and not share the ball on the last play is really a comment from a person without NBA knowledge. I guessed he just follow the trend. He must be into Griffin when he becomes a No.1 pick to Clippers. Tomorrow ORL-CLE game 3 at ORL, that will be fun. These series are so fun, i wouln't miss a min. CLE has a tendency of losing a large lead every game, thats not a good sign when they play in ORL. I am rooting for ORL tomorrow. Trevor Ariza is a dangerous stealer, I think he steals better than our dealerships.

If he is, I am with him. As a fan, I have been on Griffin's jock since the McDonald's All American game. He should be the No. 1 pick. Blake could have an immediate impact on the Clippers. I like players that are not afraid to bang and take it hard to the hoop. I am also looking forward to see where Curry and Thabeet land.

Just saw this on SportsCenter...I thought it was pretty funny. I guess they're not used to things going their way.
YouTube - Cleveland Sports Reporter Goes Crazy Cavs Win

BINGO!!! :thumbup:

keep repeating....:rofl::rofl:

If you can't get your students to understand the new material, keep repeating until it carve onto their brains. Brainwash them. That's my point. Hard to take isn't? CAV 1- ORL 1 Game 3. Lets go.

Sorry professor but this isn't kindergarten...

Novax and QS, I just came back from long weekend and seeing you guys annoying here to defense Kobe :) Who doesn't have basketball knowledge?

I am not the same with you guys, i loved Sixers basketball team but i didn't like Iversion even he try to play hard for Sixers. I was about thinking that Sixers should trade him. And now you see how Iversion.

Upon returning to Kobe, he got 3 championship ring in early 2000s because of:

Shaq and Robert Horry (3-point keyplayer)

Without these two great players, Kobe doesn't have any rings since then. He is another selfish player that cause failure in any sports.

Novax, you compare Kobe vs. Lebron Jame, think about 7 (SEVEN) years what Kobe makes for Lakers that without Shaq and others good players?

Long time serve in NBA [Kobe] is not a reason to say Kobe is a great player than LeBron Jame, that is an idiot comparison.

Novax, you should remember this, any sport player has his/her own time that perform the best. Kobe best performance time was over and he did not get anything much for Lakers for last 7-8 years.

You guys just don't accept the facts but gossip around to find a way to defense for Kobe.

Another good Nuggest-lakers game yesterday... this thing looks like it is going to go the distance. We'll see if the Cavs could get one on the road today to make it a series!!

By the way, did you guys notice how exhausted Kobe looked yesterday; the same could be said about LeBron in other games.... These guys are SOOO competitive and willing to do anything to win, which is why they are so much respected!!
I am not a Kobe fan, but I respect his competitive nature.

I really thought the Lakers have a better supporting cast around Kobe than James and I still do, but the effort yesterday from the Lakers was shameful. Just look at Kobe and how hard he is playing while you see half of his teammates sleep walking!

LeBron's supporting cast may be less talented, but you can't blame them for lack of effort.

Oh I forgot,
the Nuggets looked scary yesterday. All the damage they inflected was without the contributions of Melo....

kobe wants to give you a hug, fact.

I knew the Lakers were going to lose last night but I didn't expect that kind of ass whoopin. I was so sure that I bet on Nuggets. There is a lot of $$ to be made in this series especially when outcomes are pretty much predictable. My turn to cash in.

:thumbup::thumbup:

JGQ, it's all about team player feature of Kobe. You are a NBA player, you want to contribute and get the same recognize as others player in a team. There were times that Lakers players didn't want to share ball or assist Kobe to score. Why? They responsed to what Kobe has done.

Iverson was the same, looked exhausted, mad, upset just like Kobe... and Sixers didn't reach to anywhere beside wining ECF series in 2001.

Kobe and Iversion will really good if their career is boxing! One on One!!! :)

19 points lost in Conference final was an ashamed result that applies to any NBA team. And it's happened for Laker with a super star like Kobe.

Anyway, 2-2 series tie is great WCF. If Nuggests win tomorrow game, it's over. Lakers have more opportunity to win this series, they have home court advance.

You are really funny whenever you refer to Kobe winning championships and you add the SHAQ tag on the trophy. Unless you really want to play KOBE vs. 5 then or 5 KOBE vs. 5. Then you got it right. Every championship is won with 5 Players. Even Michael Jordan won with 5 players, Bird won with 5 players, Magic won with 5 players. There is no team win with 1 player. Everyone in the team play as hard as another. That confirms you are just biased, with the hatred inside of you towards KOBE, you can't accept anything that he accomplished. Until Lebron accomplished something in the leauge he is still a Noob when compared to the Greats of NBA such as Jordan, Magic, Shaq, Kobe, Bird, ect. As of current, he is selling more tickets and more jerseys, more shoes for the NBA. Other than that, he hasn't done anything to deserve a comparison to other super stars. I would want to see him winning championships but right now i gotta say he is not at that level just yet. And you forgot something, THERE IS NO 1 vs 5 game in NBA. Its always 5 vs. 5. You mention about A.I, he is old thats all. He will get traded around until he retires. Thats what happens to most NBA players when the get old. Look at Karl Malone, he was Jazz franchise player, but still got traded to Lakers. Look at Gary Payton, he was S.S franchise player but got traded to Lakers, Heat and somewhere else. Look at Shaq, he was a Lakers franchise players and got traded to Heat, Phoenix and right now is nursing his ailing knees, ankles, and his fat belly. You just dont have enough NBA knowledge to get your point acrossed.

Jaba,
You are right about cashing in in this series. It is so predictable that the spread doesn't change your thinking. Tonight, ORL +1.5 and tomorrow LAL -6. Public opinion thinks CAVs will comeback and win (60% on CAVs -1.5) But i think otherwise. I think ORL will take a 3-1 lead going to Cleveland. CAVs hardy competed in Game 3 with Lebron scoring all his points. The same with KoBe, with his teammates failing to make plays, Nuggets bench just ate them alive in game 4. I am looking for ORL take game 4 with +1.5 and LAL blow out game 5 with -6 at home. ORL are LAL are just another teams at home. We'll see.

Quit schooling the poor chap. I can imagine what kind of reaction he'd get on a real basketball purist forum with posts like his.:rofl:

It is called "when your team sucks, you take the game in your own hands". Look at the game he scores 81 points when his team trailing 20 points vs. Toronto. All of them failed to make plays thats when SHOW TIME is on. Switch is on and he won the game all by himself. Thats why he got paid 10 times more than his teammates. Thats why he is the captain of the team, he calls plays just like the Quarterback. He runs the SHOW in L.A and he deserves it. Thats what he does to get paid as much as he is today. You sounds like all of the sudden his teammates dont want to give him the balls. Have you ever heard of coaching? You can't go against your coach decision or you will get benched. If the coach sees the need of making his teammates get more involved in the game without Kobe has to carry the full load, then he doesn't get the ball as often as he does. I can imagine what kind of responses you would get with you post your opinion on the real sport forum. You have no idea what you are talking about.

Novax5,

True that. Betting on the Lakers and Nuggets series is seriously a no brainer. When I found out Spooner and Salvatore where the refs for game 4, I was certain Denver was going to win it.

Now what? Phil calls out the refs for inconsistent calls that dictate the result of the game (e.g. Denver 49 free throw attempts, lakers called for touch fouls for breathing on the Nuggets, Lakers aren't allowed to play physical, supposed flagrant on Dhantay Jones, etc)

Consequently, the league will take notice since their integrity is placed in the spotlight and make adjustments by assigning refs that statistically call in favor of the home team or at least call the games fairly to make up for game 4. It is expected that lakers should and would come out with the W for game 5 considering the circumstances.

As far as bets are concerned, I'm going with the Lakers with that spread for game 5. I'm not betting as much as I did with Game 4 since I was extremely confident that the nuggets would come out with the W for that game. If Lakers win tomorrow, I'm not betting on Game 6 regardless of the odds. If the series goes to game 7, you know where my money is going at.

With the Cavs however, you never know what could happen so I'm not to confident on placing money on that series. I painfully lost a significant amount of money during the 2006 finals. Had I known that D. wade (the poster boy of the nba during that time) was going to get MJ treatment and get sent to the free throw line to get his championship (26 free throws in the finals, I forgot which game) then I would've thought twice about betting on the series. Still, in a way, Miami Heat did earn the championship since the Mavs literally laid an egg in each of the 4 games after their first 2 wins.

Here is the catch in ORL-CAV series. CAVs favoured large on ORL at home -9 both games. And ORL still came out with both ATS wins. When they returned home CAVS went down south the spread with each game they favoured less than 2 points. Public opinion bite each times, more than 65% each game 3 and 4. Public opinion is wrong each and everytime in this series. I suspect it is wrong again tonight with 60% on CAVs -1.5. This seires is hurting the public. You might want to look into that. With the reverse on LAL series, Nuggets cashed in 3 out of 4 times. So it seems to me that public will tend to take DEN and CAVs both games coming up. That leads me to think with public won most of the games already going against the public opinion is the right choice.

You are right and I've already looked at the statistics. Problem is, even though I'd put my money on Orlando I am more confident on the Lakers for Game 5. Orlando just posts too much of a risk for me. I'd rather be up with game 5 of the Lakers Nuggets series rather than doubling or losing what I earned in another series.

I only start betting mid series when there is some statistical data to work with. I've almost always ended up regretting putting money down on the first game of a series. Either way, I still believe it's going to be a Lakers-Cavs Finals. Especially in this time, the league, networks, teams etc need to generate as much cash flow as possible. Those two teams and two superstars would rake in the most money. After all, the NBA is a business.

Ahh...what a finish !!!!!!!!!! :)

jaba,
i dont want to say i told you so. ORL takes 3-1 going to cleveland. public opinion got crushed again in this series. 65% and above on CLE on all 4 games. I knew that -1.5 was a bait and again they bite. look at the matchups ORL owns CLE in every way, ignore the Lebron hype. They will favour big in game 5 in cleveland and public will bite on CLE again. So far ORL is 4-0 ATS against CLE. Public will thing it swing back to CLE to even out the losses. Wrong, Matchups prove CLE doesn't stand a chance against ORL. ORL is a more complete team to place your doughs on.

Yup, you were spot on with your prediction. I won't argue with you on that. The public must be hurting right now. Either way, I really wouldn't have been comfortable betting on that game. Again, Nuggets-Lakers is a different story.

It was a really good game... as a fan, but it must be really frustrating if you were a Cavs player or a coach. They dominated Orlando in every major category, but wind up losing... That three point line is killing the Cavs and would kill any other team.

Everyone keeps talking about Cavs supporting cast to step up and help LeBron and score some points. The way I see it (And I said it before) if they want help lebron, they need to defend the 3 point line!!! They blew a 17 and 23 points leads in the first two games by giving up easy threes…. They were not even running at the shooter yesterday on some of the shots. They made Rafer Allston look like Jordan yesterday!!

I keep hearing that Orlando dominated the CAVS... that is nonsense. As far as I'm concerned this series could have easily been Cavs 3: Orl 1. Reshard Lewis won two games for them on a last min shot!

Finally, I think the Cavs bench is Garbage, and the Cavs coach is not very impressive. The story line yesterday was the same in games 1 and 2!! He should call Popavich and ask for advice. Why in the Hell did he put LeBron on Rafer??? While having a 6”3’ (delante) defending a 6”10’ (Hedo sp?)…. I don’t get it!!


Ok, Now I got this out my system, I can try and get some work done.

Two words to describe game 4 of the ECF... RAFER ALSTON.

Exactly!

Low chance that Cavs will get passed Magic...maybe James can still put on a show in Cleveland...but I would expect ORL to finish them off on their turf...

Yes he single handedly brought the Magic back in the game in the second half. However, in a game where it comes down to the last shot, you can have your pick of things that factored into the outcome, be it Rafer's play, Allowing Howard all these dunks in overtime, lack of Cavs bench scoring... etc.

The overall theme of series has been the Cavs inability to defend the 3 point shot.

Game one: They allowed the Magic to come back from a 17 point deficit and allowed Reshard Lewis to take a game wining 3.

Game two: They allowed the Magic to come from a 23 point deficit mainly by not defending the 3 point shot.

Game 4: Same story not defending the 3 shot. Including the last Magic shot in regulation that put them up by two. For Heaven’s sake, they had Wallace defending Lewis on that shot!

Yesterday it was Allston, but it could have been anyone. What I’m saying is that when you have a repeat problem, usually it on the coach to figure it out… and his lack of meaningful adjustment is what doomed the Cavs yesterday.

In most cases I would agree, but the manner of how they lost these games, I would say that the Cavs still have a chance to turn it around. They need to take it one game at a time. I'm not ready to bury them yet!

I dont see how you guys are still defending CLE losses. If it wasn't for that desperation three by Lebron, the CAVs would be done 0-4 by now. ORL owns CLE any every way. Howard owns their centers, that opens up the perimeter shootings. The game isn't about who is hot at a certain point, the game is about matchups. Since Howard dominate inside (look at what he did in OT) the game is open for ORL outside shooters. You can have Lebron score all his points and still lose the game because CLE doesn't match up well with ORL. They have 2 big guys who could shoot 3 any time (Rashad Lewis and Hedo) that means they could run small and big offense with same guys on the floor while CLE has to look deep into the bench rotation to defend it. There is no what if, could have, would have in NBA playoffs. And there is no CLE could have played different ways and take 3-1 lead. ORL responded every time CLE make adjustment and make them pay. Public opinion look at the games differently, Vegas knows how the game rolls out they make the public pays for the wrong thinking, ORL is 4-0 ATS against CLE. Thats why people should ignore the Lebron Hype and look carefully at matchups. When you analyzing games, you dont put your heart, emotions on a team.

I agree with most of that...but I still think u should lay off James...if he had better team mates than it would have been a different story...

Again Cleveland would not be here if not for Lebron...so really the way u talk about him is very underrated...:dunno:

You contracdict yourself in your own words. " if he had better teammates " you kidding right? with the same teammates they won 67 games in regular season. They won home court advantage through out playoffs because of his teammates. What else? They dont match up well with ORL thats the point. Its not about his teammates, its not about him either. Remember CLE is overrated thats what kills public.

0-4 if it wasn't for the desperation 3? The same could be said about Lewis's threes in games 1 and 4. These statements don't change the outcome, however they explain GREAT LeBron is.
I agree with you on the following: ORL owns CLE any every way (expet Lebron). On apaper, the Cavs are overmatched in the center position, and cant match up with both Hedo and Lewis. In the series so far, even Orlando's smalls dominated Clevland's smalls. All of this could be documented by the states, and the way the games went.
Now I ask you, why the Cavs had three games decided by one shot in which they only won one?

It is the Phenominal play of LeBron! and you are calling it hype... I really don't get it.

Here you go. Make sure you follow the posts a little carefully. Let me give you a in depth analysis.
CLE -9 at home game 1: ATS LOSS. 70% on CLE
CLE -9 at home game 2: ATS LOSS. 75% on CLE
CLE -2 away game 3: ATS LOSS. 65% on CLE
CLE -1.5 away game 4: ATS LOSS 65% on CLE

People meaning the public jump on Lebron Hype train and Vegas make them pay. When you analyze games, the only and best way to do it is looking at matchups. ORL owns matchups against CLE. I dont have to say it again. Public again meaning people like you think CLE has Lebron and he could take them all the way easily. Wrong thinking. Vegas is laughing all the way to the bank.

You get it right. I wish I am from OH so I could ride the Hype train with you.

NOVAX5: You seem to know your stuff and I'll give you that. I think you called it 3-1 Orlando before hand and I'll give you that to. You speak of matchup issues and that is correct and everyone knows it.

However, let me say that there is no hype when it comes to Lebron. He is the best player in the NBA and he is single handedly carrying the team. There is no denying that either.
I don't like Kobe for a lot of reasons, I am not going to into right now. However, I don't have a problem acknowledging his talent and competitive nature. Calling Lebron's talent as hype is like not seeing the sun!!

As to the media hype and Vegas making money. I never bet on sports. I am just your regular fan who enjoys the game. With or without Lebron I would be watching these games.

Back to the issue at hand: I still think it is coaching issue... they have not figured out how to defend the 3 point shot and that why they are losing. Boston did and Cleveland can't!

Hmmmmm JGQ

Lebron. He is the best player in the NBA??:dunno:
Let's keep things in perspective.
He's "ONE" of the best players.......:cool:

:thumbup::thumbup:


NOVA stay on your own hype :P

I am not going to argue here... You think he is one of the best and that is your opinion and most will agree. I tend to think he is the best...
Opinions like these are just opinions, hard to quantify, you could only argue. Others may argue that it is Kobe or Wade... it is all fun. Heck, After yesterday's game, I've heard some calls for Alston for MVP... Sorry, I'm still hurting!

I understand that this in not a forum about who is the best player, but that statement came in the natural flow of my response to the supposed LeBron's hype.

money

oh jaba jaba, my analysis is money.

Can you analyze the powerball or megalotto numbers when the jackpot hits at least $200mil. I'll give you half:D

OK you Basketball experts. Put all your opinions
to the side and tell me who's gonna play for the
championship.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Lakers
and Orlando.........

That is not exactly going on a limb ;)

I still have faith in the Cavs, and I would says Cavs and Lakers!

This is going to be my last post for a couple of days. I am off to San Francisco for a job interview... wish me luck guys :).

I hope I don't find that the Cavs had been eliminated upon arrival tonight!

Yeah. That limb is pretty sturdy!

What in the world is wrong with Kennyon Martin grabbing and
holding someone's foot so they cant go down the court?
I mean that was crazy.

Lakers 83
Nuggets 67

End of 3rd quarter

Thug life

They wanted to get back to the Finals that bad. Denver got schooled on their home court. ORL-CAV game 6. I want ORL to close out the series.

I still stay Lakers/Cavs Finals. Those kobe-lebron commercials are there for a purpose.

jaba, that looks like a perfect match up but sometimes dream dont come true. ORL is dangerous at home. DEN was -6, that was ridiculous. I expect you see the same type of game tomorrow at ORL like you see today. ORL doesn't want a game 7, they got 3 tries to close out the series, if they can't do that. They should fire a lot of staff, coach, front of office, players.

And there are people still argue Lebron is better than Kobe. They must be on drug. He is the best closer until someone takes that title away from him. Lebron needs at least couple of years to get where Kobe is today. He is more experienced, more seasoned, a better leader than Lebron. Period.

Hey StartX5

Any questions..........:nanana:

Actually "NOT"

Desperation is a better description.

but Lebron makes his teammates better! :nanana:

Sasha 's face is a better description.