Polling GSoM: Will the LA Lakers repeat in 2010?
by Atma Brother ONE on Jun 15, 2009 9:05 AM PDT
in Polling GSoM
30 comments
Congratulations to the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic and their SB Nation community Third Quarter Collapse. Aside from Games 1 and 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals, they put up quite a fight. And of course congratulations to the LA Lakers and Silver Screen and Roll for the 2009 crown.
A few final Finals thoughts after the jump.
Final Finals Thoughts
- The Magic do have a great chance to represent the East again in the coming years and even win it all. However, Dwight's going to have to put in a LOT of time into improving his incredibly raw low post game and the Magic are going to have to upgrade their wings. Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis had a nice 2009 Playoffs overall, but I wonder if we've seen the best from both or least their plateau given their age (30 and 29 respectively). Hedo might be playing elsewhere next season as well. You know if Mickael Pietrus could take advantage of all that great athleticism and put it all together, he could be... wait, we said that for years here in the Bay Area.
- Part of me will always wonder if the Lakers only won this year because they didn't have to face either of the top 2 Eastern Conference seeds- the Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Did Kobe finally win his ring minus Shaq because he didn't have to match up against Paul Pierce and see Kevin Garnett intimidate the Laker big men again? Would LeBron have taken out the Lakers if Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkolgu, and Rashard Lewis didn't spoil what Nike was drooling over for months?
- I did enjoy the Orlando Magic's thrashing of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, but was that just short-sighted? Would the 2009 NBA Finals have been much more entertaining and lasted longer than 5 games if the Cavs made it? Those Kobe-Lebron Nike commercials which flooded the TV breaks of the Finals sure would have made a lot more sense.
- Is this another Laker dynasty in the making? There's 2 factors: 1) Can the Lakers retain free agents Lamar Odom and/ or Trevor Ariza? Both would obviously be nice, but if they have to pick one I'd go for Odom. Sure Ariza probably has more years in the tank, but the Lakers are in win-now mode and Odom is far more talented. Kobe has about 2-4 years in his prime. Not taking full advantage of those years is just foolish. I think Mitch Kupchak learned from that foolishness 2 summers ago- and yes, until that Paul Gasol trade he had the Lakers stuck in mediocrity and Kobe had every right to be upset.
- 2) Can Andrew Bynum step up his production like we all thought he would back in 2007? I'm not a big fan of Andris Biedrins' very limited game, but I'd take Biedrins over Bynum right now. At least Biedrins actually plays more than half a season. I doubt Biedrins would manage less than 20 minutes a game in the Finals too. (Or maybe Dwight would foul him out? Trust me, we won't be finding out anytime soon.) The Lakers did not win the finals or even get this far because of Bynum. Kupchak has been fairly delusional about this guy's performance/ upside and handing him that nearly $14 million a year contract is very questionable. They could lose Odom because of the Bynum delusions. Let's see how happy Kobe is about that come December.
- What if Shaq and Kobe never split up? Both players have now won titles without each since their break-up in 2004. Both came very close to winning 2 other titles as well (last year for Kobe and 2005 for Shaq). I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that the Lakers would have had at least 7 rings this decade if they could get these two all-time greats on the same page. It's all over now- the 00's NBA decade and all that "Kobe can't win one without Shaq" talk.
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The one thing the Lakers really seem to have is a professionalism that isn't as prevelant on other teams
This is not meant as an insult or a backhanded comment to the Lakers (maybe to the NBA, but not the Lakers).
They know what needs to be done, what their talents are, and how to work the system. Orlando (mostly Skip and Air France) continually made mistakes, tried to do too much, etc. while the Lakers did what needed to be done and nothing else. When they realized the refs were letting them play, they played a bit more physical, but stayed within the realm of what the refs were calling. Orlando, on the other hand, didn’t really adjust and when they tried to adjust, over compensated and fouled instead of “played physical.” Jackson knows how to work the refs, Kobe knows how to work the refs, Fisher knows how to get those offensive foul calls, same with Gasol. There’s a professionalism to all of this in that they know what needs to be done, they know where the boundaries are and how to go right up to them without going over them, and they don’t make too many dumb mistakes.
Does it leave a dirty taste in my mouth watching Fisher draw a BS offensive foul? Yes. Does it leave a dirty taste in my mouth listening to Phil lobby the refs? Yes. But this is the embodyment of “whatever it takes.” With respect to the Warriors, would you want them to lose “the right way” or win with a little gamesmanship? As I’m getting older, I’m quickly realizing that you’ve got to push the boundaries if you want to get ahead in any walk of life. As much as winning “the right way” is the ideal, it’s just that. You need to be willing to do “whatever needs to be done” if you want to be successful. And the Lakers understand that and are unapologetic about it. I hate Kobe and wish he never got his ring because he’s an insecure, whiny, “look at me, I’m the best” #$#$ (and probably a rapist), but the team he’s on was the best team in the NBA this year, without a doubt.
It would have been nice to see Orlando beat them, but the best team definitely won. And the best team knew how to do “whatever it takes” to win.
You have been DFiBrillated.
by Dubs fan in Boston on Jun 15, 2009 9:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Lakers......enough!!!
I’m tired of seeing all the Laker crap on here. If I wanted to read about the Lakers I would go to thier sight.
by Tripleh07 on Jun 15, 2009 9:49 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
If you wanna talk about something else … why not post a diary on the subject?
We could always use a few more Jennings v. Flynn v. Holliday debates… ;-P
Thing 1
by Sleepy Freud on Jun 15, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the holiday buzz has died down considerably. most of the fanposts are just flynn v. jennings and there are far less “JRUE HOLDAY!!!” posts than before. i don’t know what to do with myself.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
by cap'n hack on Jun 15, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
… by the man who has probably posted the word “Lakers” (or at least “Fakers”) on this site more times than anyone else… ;-)
It’s an NBA blog. The L/Fakers, much as we all hate it, just won the NBA championship. Atma Bro would be remiss not to make note of it.
Thing 1
by Sleepy Freud on Jun 15, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously too much lakers
lets talk about warriors stuff that will never happen!
We USED to Believe...
WE DEMAND IMPROVEMENT!
by RunNdGun on Jun 15, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope this is a one and done deal
It pisses me off how the Fakers started the decade winning the title and are also closing the decade out with the title. Maybe obviously, the Lakers are the team I hate worst in sports. I can’t wait till Kobe and Shaq both leave the game. I hate them both. Oh, and I also hope the Cavs pull off the trade for Shaq. I wanna see Howard $hit on Shaq four times a year.
by Golden Boy on Jun 15, 2009 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
Let’s get Shaq out of the West. I hope Odom and Ariza both leave. We can count on jelly-knees Bynum being out at mid-season again. Eventually, Kobe will be back to the 2004-07 years, the most glorious years in Laker history, for me.
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
by Ed (dfjmed) on Jun 15, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would love to that too
New Superman dunking on Old Superman
49er faithful since July 11, 1985
by J2daZ on Jun 15, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would Cleveland be willing to give up for Shaq? I know, both Phoenix and the Cava have needs. But…can Cleveland afford both Lebronze and Shaq?
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
by Ed (dfjmed) on Jun 15, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hated yesterday
Literally within minutes after the championship and celebration and laker speaches (gag) began, I logged onto my facebook and (since I live in so cal) was forced to read all these annoying “lakers, we are the best!” , “lakers OWN!”, “Kobe, is a god” bleahg bleagh status updates all through out.
So i chimed in with my own “Go Dubs!, well be there next year!”
disgusting.
by meximocha on Jun 15, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No because the portland trailblazers era starts next year. Yeah! lol
No they cant keep all there good players , Kobe is getting old , Pau is getting old . The rockets will be better next year . I just don’t see it happening unless bynum FINALLY does what he is supposed to do.
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 12:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Is he ? huh well then just kobe :D well and Fisher (but who cares)
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got the Warriors in 2015, lol
The Blazers are gonna be really good for the next few years. The Hornets will be ok if Tyson Chandler gets healthy and if they can trade or pick up someone in the draft that can help CP3 and D West with the scoring. The Nuggets will be one of the elites again, and they are the only team in the west who could give the Lakers some trouble. And finally the Warriors… of course I hope they get more then 29 wins, I’m praying that they at least get 35 or even 40.
Prediction: Randolph and Morrow will be in the Rookie-Sophmore game and one of them will win the games MVP, and Morrow will be in the 3 point contest, and he’ll win by a landslide.
We be doin' it CROOKLYN style!!!!!
by LighTz707OuT on Jun 15, 2009 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope so.
I totally dissagree with you about the hornets though . They will never be a true contender. Chris paul needs to go where he can win . Not rotting in new orleans .
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the hornets need one more really good player before we can talk about them as an elite team. west is showing that he’s a pretty weak number 2 option on a contender and cp3 could really use a great wing player to help shoulder some of the offensive burden. if they got a borderline all-star wing, you’d have to call them a contender. the question is whether or not their management will go get someone like that.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
by cap'n hack on Jun 15, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And thats the issue with me.
Management won’t go and do that. They are just about saving money. I think they could have won it all this year if they would have traded up in the draft last year and made some big trades.
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
my guess is that team ends up moving at some point. not sure where, but i’d guess that the team probably gets sold and they move out of new orleans. it’d be sad, because i’d like to see basketball succeed in new orleans, but with the way the management is there, i don’t see the fans staying loyal to a team that makes no effort to build a real contender around chris paul. without that fan support, the team won’t be there for long.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
by cap'n hack on Jun 15, 2009 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
seattle super sonics maybe?
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if any city deserves chris paul (aside from new orleans), it’s got to be seattle. if i’m a seattle sports fan, i’m definitely pulling for my city to land the hornets and not the kings or some other team.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
by cap'n hack on Jun 15, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah no doubt. He would get much love there .
Isn’t gary payton a part of some comitee to bring a franchise back to Seattle ?
And i heard the owners of Sacremento wanted to move the kings to vegas? Isn’t that asking for trouble?
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
After that all-star game in Vegas, I’d imagine David Stern would not be very supportive of that move…
by Missing Barry on Jun 15, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah exactly.
And didn’t beasly and chalmers and some other guys get in trouble during the Rookie orientation there?
Officer:Why did you kill your husband ?
Crazy Woman: Because I love too much!
by YikesItsCameron on Jun 15, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is a one-and-done
I think Phil Jackson is going to retire with a bang, and what better way to retire than on championship #10?
by IQofaWarrior on Jun 15, 2009 1:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He won't
If he knows he has a championship contending ring, he won’t leave. The only reason he left the 1st time is because he knew Shaq was leaving.
by Golden Boy on Jun 15, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Contending team is what i meant
not ring.
by Golden Boy on Jun 15, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lakers will not repeat
but they will get to the finals and lose to the celtics
I'm gametime_gsw, and I approve this message.
by gametime_gsw on Jun 15, 2009 9:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Championships, and multiple ones.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t remember the Spurs, Pistons, Celtics or Bulls ever getting fifteen different Championship related t-shirts printed up for any of their titles. There were probably a few by different companies (most of these are adidas). I realize this is also LA’s fifteenth title, so maybe there is a (not so) hidden meaning there. But fifteen?!
I am, however, sort of happy to see the style labeled “Parade” come back. I always thought they were fun. That’s my Laker rant for the day.
Hi, my name is Ed, and I despise the Lakers.
by Ed (dfjmed) on Jun 16, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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