don't be like everybody else and underestimate the lakers! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

high_jinx · 10-11-2004, 03:10 AM

i'm highly looking forward to them at least in the 2nd round of the playoffs! i think their front line is fine if a bit creaky w/ vlade who although is hurt now has only missed a handful of games the last six years, brian grant: a solid defender, and frickin lamar odom who was one of the only bright spots of the olympics and has beautiful scotty pippen magic wingman potential written all over him! also w/ odom, we can use him to back grant and medvedenko or slide him over to point guard if chucky's not workin out! anyway, i don't care about how good the west has gotten, because i just think back to kobe's streak of 40 plus point games and his stats when shaq didn't play and smile.

Lockjaw · 10-11-2004, 04:40 AM

They will get to the first round and get bumped off. The West HAS gotten a lot better and the Lakers have gotten a lot worse.
Sorry man but when you lose the most dominate big man in the league your team just ain't gonna be as good.

magnum_xxxl · 10-11-2004, 06:22 AM

They won't make the playoffs. San Antonio, Dallas, Sacramento, Denver, Minnesota, Utah, Houston, Memphis, & maybe even Portland & Golden State will be ahead of the Lakers this year. I'm not trying to hate, I just think that they will need a season or two to take all the new puzzle peices & make them fit together right.

espi · 10-11-2004, 03:16 PM

I've already posted my thoughts about the Lakers (and the rest of the Western Conference) here. But, my basic summary is not enough at the 1 or 5 positions, which are the most important positions in today's league. I think LA finishes no higher than 5th in the West, probably loosing in the first round.

Oh, and believe me, I've been watching Golden State enough for the past four years to know that no matter how they look on paper at the beginning of the season, they'll find a way to eff it up. Don't count on them winning more than 30-32 games this year. Especially with a rookie coach instilling a whole new defensive and offensive scheme, and new pieces at PG and Center. (Okay, Foyle isn't a new piece, but he barely played last year).

hawktro · 10-12-2004, 05:39 PM

trust me......the lakers will not win 40 games....too hard in the west

high_jinx · 10-13-2004, 02:59 AM

i just hope this thread is still up when they're going into game 3 of the 2nd round of the playoffs. y'all are forgetting kobe.

espi · 10-13-2004, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by high_jinx

y'all are forgetting kobe.

You're forgetting Shaq. Part of the reason Kobe is consistently in the top 3 in scoring averages is because he's always had Shaq to draw defenders into the paint, leaving Kobe relatively free for a midrange to deep shot. Vlade and Brian Grant certainly aren't going to attract that kind of attention, leaving defenders free to help out on Kobe. If the Lakers play Odom at the 4, he'll certainly draw defenders, but I don't think Odom can consistently play the 4 out West. (Of course, I thought the same thing about Andrei Kirilenko last year).

That being said, I still think Kobe is going to have a huge year, and will probably have higher averages than ever before. But, only because he doesn't have to defer to Shaq in the triangle. After Kobe and Odom, whose gonna score on that squad?

Lockjaw · 10-13-2004, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by high_jinx

i just hope this thread is still up when they're going into game 3 of the 2nd round of the playoffs. y'all are forgetting kobe.

I'm not forgeting him. I'm just not bowing down in worship of him thinking he's the next Jordan and he's not. Again the Lakers lost THE most dominate player in THE most important position in the game. And in case you didn't remember they Lakers STILL lost with him you think they will repeat or improve upon that performane without him?

lightsey · 10-13-2004, 02:21 PM

agreed. lakers lack frontcourt size to compete in the west, and are thin in terms of backcourt depth. will have to battle either memphis or utah for the 8th spot...and i doubt the lakers could edge out either of them.

Chemical Smoo · 10-13-2004, 03:07 PM

The West is still to strong for them IMO. Vlade is washed up, Grant is a defender, but a defender in the East is entirely different then in the West.

Jesus Malverde · 10-13-2004, 05:17 PM

Bottom Line: almost everyone in the West reloaded this offseason, and the Lakers let go of the most dominating center in the NBA so that Kobe could stop feeling "tired of being a sidekick."

They don't have the depth, and they most definitely don't have the leadership now.

high_jinx · 10-13-2004, 10:27 PM

i love not havin one single person agree w/ me... don't worry, they're putting this kind of stuff up on the chalkboard and getting fired up! they'll be throwing chairs before long! bring it on! everbody loves a comeback!

Nimbletoe · 10-14-2004, 02:54 AM

Nobody agrees with you because you are wrong.

CityOfAngels · 10-14-2004, 04:40 AM

Y'all are forgetting Chris Mihm!
CHRIS MIHM BABY!

Mojo_PeiPei · 10-14-2004, 05:53 AM

jinx I can't take you or your entire post seriously, Just by the fact you mention Medvedenko by name, or Odom at point guard. You have an outdated front court, and a virgin back court that is largely one dimensional. The biggest think that is missing is Shaq and his presence. Brian Grant is not a legitimate center, he is a midget with a bad weave, and Vlade is the fucking tinman. Every night the Lake Show will get crushed on the boards. And then there's Kobe. Give him the ball, oh please give him the ball. I hope that the playoffs weren't a just a one time thing, the ego on this man... he thinks he is god's gift to basketball, him and his ego is the reason why the lakers didn't win it this year, anyone remember his pull up left handed 20 foot fade away???

tom12 · 10-15-2004, 01:23 PM

they're old. kobe is their only player still in his prime and dominant and he couldnt even do it with shaq so i really dont think he can do it by himself

walkerboh4269 · 10-15-2004, 02:07 PM

I don't think you could find a bigger Laker fan than me and even I know the Lakers are going nowhere this year. No Shaq No Ring.

I just hope that the Heat knock the pistons on their rears.

zynyxx · 10-15-2004, 02:49 PM

Even with all the talent they had last year the Lakers couldn't win a championship because they had no teamwork. Their talent pool has dwindled to just Kobe this year.. and while they might be able to squeak into the playoffs, they won't be able to play as a team so.. again they will lose. (Unless, by some miracle, Kobe learns how to pass)

high_jinx · 10-15-2004, 11:59 PM

kobe's been known to knock out a triple double before... and if i remember correctly, his assist numbers go way up in all the games he's played while shaqless!

Nimbletoe · 10-16-2004, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by high_jinx

kobe's been known to knock out a triple double before... and if i remember correctly, his assist numbers go way up in all the games he's played while shaqless!

Ok. Even if Kobe plays TWICE as well as he did when Shaq was gone, the Lakers will not be even close to the best team in the league. Didn't you learn ANYTHING from the finals last year? Pure talent is not the most important factor in going all the way in basketball. It's teamwork. However, you must also have the talent to go along with said teamwork. Last year, the Lakers showed they did not have it. This year, even if they somehow, in some way manage to play like a team better than anyone, they still will not win it all, or even close. They have no middle presence worth mentioning... I still can't believe you think Kobe + anyone will win a championship.

Anyway, come back when the Lakers either barely squeak into the playoffs and lose in the first round, or don't even make them. Yeah. Then we'll see if you've learned anything.

Nimbletoe · 10-16-2004, 12:23 AM

Not to mention the fact that Kobe does not play team ball. He is in it for himself, and he has shown that time and time again. When his coach told him he was taking too many shots, the baby took only a few in a game. What a pussy. How are the lakers going to pull together as a team, when their supposed leader doesn't care about teamwork? Luke fricking Walton going to lead the team? Give me a break.

high_jinx · 10-16-2004, 01:40 PM

ok, its' obvious they're a real longshot this year for a championship. i said in an earlier post i see them in the 2nd round of the playoffs. thats the average of where i see them landing... unless karl malone comes back to them! but anyway, i see them contending for another championship in 2 or 3 years after they successfully use all the cap space they've cleared up and they replace their creakiest players with more talented ones for the high salaries. i don't understand why you hate the lakes so much, espi... they handed you a championship by disintegrating in front of your eyes!

high_jinx · 10-16-2004, 01:43 PM

Lakers: They still have Kobe. And with the possible exception of Pau Gasol, there probably wasn't a better player in the world this summer than Lamar Odom. -espi in another post.

there you go! i couldn't have said it better myself! also you listed them at 6th going into the playoffs in you're own projection! that puts them not against the wolves or the spurs.... 2nd round baby! here we come!

CheesePizzaMan · 10-16-2004, 02:36 PM

Don't see it happening man... sorry.

Kobe is gonna account for 90% of the lakers points, and it sure won't be enough to get the W's.

Nimbletoe · 10-16-2004, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by high_jinx

Lakers: They still have Kobe. And with the possible exception of Pau Gasol, there probably wasn't a better player in the world this summer than Lamar Odom. -espi in another post.

there you go! i couldn't have said it better myself! also you listed them at 6th going into the playoffs in you're own projection! that puts them not against the wolves or the spurs.... 2nd round baby! here we come!

Wait, so you think they're going to finish 6th in the western conference, but the only teams they cant beat in the playoffs are Minnesota and SA? Heh. This is pointless.

JackBurton · 10-16-2004, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magnum_xxxl

They won't make the playoffs. San Antonio, Dallas, Sacramento, Denver, Minnesota, Utah, Houston, Memphis, & maybe even Portland & Golden State will be ahead of the Lakers this year. I'm not trying to hate, I just think that they will need a season or two to take all the new puzzle peices & make them fit together right.

What about the Suns bro? GS over the Suns?

Like some have said, no enough at the 1, 4 and 5. Vlade is old. LA Just aren't big enough. Who starts at PF for LA? If you guys can get Malone to play some at PF if he wants to come back it's a lil diff. In the East you could get away with Odom playing PF but not in the West.

Should be one of more interesting things to watch for this season. wouldn't it be fun to see the Lakers as the CLipper bitch for once. Now that would be funny.

GO SUNS!

high_jinx · 10-18-2004, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimbletoe

Wait, so you think they're going to finish 6th in the western conference, but the only teams they cant beat in the playoffs are Minnesota and SA? Heh. This is pointless.

I don't think they're finishing sixth... you do, espi... that was your quote. i'm thinkin 5th or even 4th.... which would be even better for the playoff picture.

high_jinx · 10-18-2004, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityOfAngels

Y'all are forgetting Chris Mihm!
CHRIS MIHM BABY!

after watching him in the preseason, those words shall ring ever so true as the season marches on.

keam02 · 10-18-2004, 03:34 PM

no Shaq and no Phil = no championship. I dont think they will be a top four team in the west this year, I think Kobe will hurt more than help, actually.

espi · 10-18-2004, 04:24 PM

LOL...high_jinx, you keep putting words in my mouth. Or at least attributing comments made by others to me. espi != Nimbletoe

In any case, you're right, I did pick Lakers as sixth in the West, but that doesn't necessarily mean I would pick them to beat anyone in the first round. I think the Lakers have an advantage over some of the other middle tier Western Conference teams because they're the Lakers - they have the Aura and Mystique that seems to take away the confidence of some other teams. (Maybe Jack on the sidelines is too intimidating for some).

I was gonna do a Dr. Jack-style breakdown of a playoff matchup between the 04-05 Lakers vs. the 04-05 Mavs (the first round as it matches up in my previous rankings), but I think the Mavs are just too much up in the air for me to make any head-to-head player/position comparisions between the two teams. Especially since I don't know where Rudy T plans on plugging in his pieces.

*If* the Mavs play better defense this year, *if* Jason Terry can pull off the pick and roll, *if* Erick Dampier manages to play 75-82 games this season, *if* Stackhouse can come off the bench and not pout about it, and *if* Dirk Diggler steps up his production this year, they'll be pretty good. Probably too good for the Lakers. But, check back with me around the all star break, and I'll do the breakdown for you.

Nimbletoe · 10-18-2004, 05:46 PM

If you think the Lakers are going to finish 4th, you are going to be one sad, sad lakers fan this season. But hey, you keep thinking what you want. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.

Sensei · 10-18-2004, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nimbletoe

Nobody agrees with you because you are wrong.

I just wanted to applaud this statement. So elegant and precise.

high_jinx · 10-19-2004, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by espi

But, check back with me around the all star break, and I'll do the breakdown for you.

ok there, lil' buddy... you just go ahead and get ahold of me now if you need some help with your little draft cheat seat before our big day on the 30th. if you wait till the all star break it'll be too late.

oh, and oops on the nimbletoe thing. my bad. i've made my mistake for the year.

Nimbletoe · 10-19-2004, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by high_jinx

oh, and oops on the nimbletoe thing. my bad. i've made my mistake for the year.

Yep... you're a Lakers fan.

espi · 10-19-2004, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by high_jinx

...you just go ahead and get ahold of me now if you need some help with your little draft cheat seat before our big day on the 30th...

I don't need help with my draft from someone that actually lists Mendevenko as a legitimate option in the Lakers rotation.

dallascowboy00 · 10-20-2004, 02:35 PM

Hey everyone, I am new to the board and just saw this Lakers thread. I have been a Lakers fan since I was a kid and am probably the least excited about this season as I have been about anyone I can remember. I just don't think they will be very good at all. They might be more fun to watch (if you don't mind watching them lose) but they won't be as good. I really hate that Kobe and Shaq were so selfish that they couldn't get along for the good of the team.

Bliz · 10-20-2004, 08:17 PM

Until somebody knocks off the Pistons, I'll have to be a shameless homer and say it's theirs to lose.

Honestly, I think there are a bunch of very good teams and any one of which could give the Pistons a run for their money. So, I think it'll be a close race the entire season, but I have to go with Detroit.

As for the Lakers, it's a definite 'maybe.' All other things aside, Kobe Bryant is a terrific player and for better or worse it's his team to lead. He might end up carrying them into the playoffs, but they are clearly not the same team that dominated the NBA a few years back.

JackBurton · 10-21-2004, 01:10 AM

What about the Suns people. 4 and 0 in the preseason. 41pt thrashing of the Jazz.

Lakers will struggle.

espi · 10-21-2004, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBurton

41pt thrashing of the Jazz.

We don't speak of this.

Mojo_PeiPei · 10-21-2004, 09:07 AM

I've also been thinking, the Laker's can no longer afford to play grab ass during the regular season. They are going to have to play every game.

10-11-2004, 03:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
high_jinx Psycho Location: venice beach, ca	don't be like everybody else and underestimate the lakers! i'm highly looking forward to them at least in the 2nd round of the playoffs! i think their front line is fine if a bit creaky w/ vlade who although is hurt now has only missed a handful of games the last six years, brian grant: a solid defender, and frickin lamar odom who was one of the only bright spots of the olympics and has beautiful scotty pippen magic wingman potential written all over him! also w/ odom, we can use him to back grant and medvedenko or slide him over to point guard if chucky's not workin out! anyway, i don't care about how good the west has gotten, because i just think back to kobe's streak of 40 plus point games and his stats when shaq didn't play and smile. __________________ -my phobia drowned while i was gettin down.

10-11-2004, 03:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
espi Crazy Location: This is not my beautiful house	I've already posted my thoughts about the Lakers (and the rest of the Western Conference) here. But, my basic summary is not enough at the 1 or 5 positions, which are the most important positions in today's league. I think LA finishes no higher than 5th in the West, probably loosing in the first round. Oh, and believe me, I've been watching Golden State enough for the past four years to know that no matter how they look on paper at the beginning of the season, they'll find a way to eff it up. Don't count on them winning more than 30-32 games this year. Especially with a rookie coach instilling a whole new defensive and offensive scheme, and new pieces at PG and Center. (Okay, Foyle isn't a new piece, but he barely played last year). __________________ If it weren't for my horse, I never would've spent that year in college. Last edited by espi; 10-11-2004 at 03:22 PM.. Reason: fixed my lame vBulletin coding errors, added comment about Golden State

10-13-2004, 02:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
high_jinx Psycho Location: venice beach, ca	i just hope this thread is still up when they're going into game 3 of the 2nd round of the playoffs. y'all are forgetting kobe. __________________ -my phobia drowned while i was gettin down.

10-13-2004, 05:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
Jesus Malverde Psycho Location: Sinaloa, Mexico	Bottom Line: almost everyone in the West reloaded this offseason, and the Lakers let go of the most dominating center in the NBA so that Kobe could stop feeling "tired of being a sidekick." They don't have the depth, and they most definitely don't have the leadership now. __________________ ...I'm that cat by the bar toasting to the good life...

10-13-2004, 10:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
high_jinx Psycho Location: venice beach, ca	i love not havin one single person agree w/ me... don't worry, they're putting this kind of stuff up on the chalkboard and getting fired up! they'll be throwing chairs before long! bring it on! everbody loves a comeback! __________________ -my phobia drowned while i was gettin down.

10-11-2004, 04:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	They will get to the first round and get bumped off. The West HAS gotten a lot better and the Lakers have gotten a lot worse. Sorry man but when you lose the most dominate big man in the league your team just ain't gonna be as good.

10-11-2004, 06:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
magnum_xxxl Tilted	They won't make the playoffs. San Antonio, Dallas, Sacramento, Denver, Minnesota, Utah, Houston, Memphis, & maybe even Portland & Golden State will be ahead of the Lakers this year. I'm not trying to hate, I just think that they will need a season or two to take all the new puzzle peices & make them fit together right.

10-12-2004, 05:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
hawktro Upright Location: utah	trust me......the lakers will not win 40 games....too hard in the west

10-13-2004, 02:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
lightsey Upright	agreed. lakers lack frontcourt size to compete in the west, and are thin in terms of backcourt depth. will have to battle either memphis or utah for the 8th spot...and i doubt the lakers could edge out either of them.

10-13-2004, 03:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
Chemical Smoo Crazy	The West is still to strong for them IMO. Vlade is washed up, Grant is a defender, but a defender in the East is entirely different then in the West.

10-14-2004, 02:54 AM	#13 (permalink)
Nimbletoe Junkie Location: Michigan	Nobody agrees with you because you are wrong. __________________ Go Pistons!

10-14-2004, 05:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
Mojo_PeiPei Kiss of Death Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow	jinx I can't take you or your entire post seriously, Just by the fact you mention Medvedenko by name, or Odom at point guard. You have an outdated front court, and a virgin back court that is largely one dimensional. The biggest think that is missing is Shaq and his presence. Brian Grant is not a legitimate center, he is a midget with a bad weave, and Vlade is the fucking tinman. Every night the Lake Show will get crushed on the boards. And then there's Kobe. Give him the ball, oh please give him the ball. I hope that the playoffs weren't a just a one time thing, the ego on this man... he thinks he is god's gift to basketball, him and his ego is the reason why the lakers didn't win it this year, anyone remember his pull up left handed 20 foot fade away??? __________________ To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition.

10-15-2004, 01:23 PM	#16 (permalink)
tom12 Tilted	they're old. kobe is their only player still in his prime and dominant and he couldnt even do it with shaq so i really dont think he can do it by himself

10-15-2004, 02:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
walkerboh4269 Tilted Location: Apple Valley, CA	I don't think you could find a bigger Laker fan than me and even I know the Lakers are going nowhere this year. No Shaq No Ring. I just hope that the Heat knock the pistons on their rears.

10-15-2004, 02:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
zynyxx Tilted	Even with all the talent they had last year the Lakers couldn't win a championship because they had no teamwork. Their talent pool has dwindled to just Kobe this year.. and while they might be able to squeak into the playoffs, they won't be able to play as a team so.. again they will lose. (Unless, by some miracle, Kobe learns how to pass)

10-15-2004, 11:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
high_jinx Psycho Location: venice beach, ca	kobe's been known to knock out a triple double before... and if i remember correctly, his assist numbers go way up in all the games he's played while shaqless! __________________ -my phobia drowned while i was gettin down.

10-16-2004, 12:23 AM	#21 (permalink)
Nimbletoe Junkie Location: Michigan	Not to mention the fact that Kobe does not play team ball. He is in it for himself, and he has shown that time and time again. When his coach told him he was taking too many shots, the baby took only a few in a game. What a pussy. How are the lakers going to pull together as a team, when their supposed leader doesn't care about teamwork? Luke fricking Walton going to lead the team? Give me a break. __________________ Go Pistons!

10-16-2004, 01:40 PM	#22 (permalink)
high_jinx Psycho Location: venice beach, ca	ok, its' obvious they're a real longshot this year for a championship. i said in an earlier post i see them in the 2nd round of the playoffs. thats the average of where i see them landing... unless karl malone comes back to them! but anyway, i see them contending for another championship in 2 or 3 years after they successfully use all the cap space they've cleared up and they replace their creakiest players with more talented ones for the high salaries. i don't understand why you hate the lakes so much, espi... they handed you a championship by disintegrating in front of your eyes! __________________ -my phobia drowned while i was gettin down.

10-16-2004, 01:43 PM	#23 (permalink)
high_jinx Psycho Location: venice beach, ca	Lakers: They still have Kobe. And with the possible exception of Pau Gasol, there probably wasn't a better player in the world this summer than Lamar Odom. -espi in another post. there you go! i couldn't have said it better myself! also you listed them at 6th going into the playoffs in you're own projection! that puts them not against the wolves or the spurs.... 2nd round baby! here we come! __________________ -my phobia drowned while i was gettin down.

10-16-2004, 02:36 PM	#24 (permalink)
CheesePizzaMan Upright Location: 2 Blocks from the Beach, California	Don't see it happening man... sorry. Kobe is gonna account for 90% of the lakers points, and it sure won't be enough to get the W's.

10-18-2004, 03:34 PM	#29 (permalink)
keam02 Upright	no Shaq and no Phil = no championship. I dont think they will be a top four team in the west this year, I think Kobe will hurt more than help, actually.

10-18-2004, 04:24 PM	#30 (permalink)
espi Crazy Location: This is not my beautiful house	LOL...high_jinx, you keep putting words in my mouth. Or at least attributing comments made by others to me. espi != Nimbletoe In any case, you're right, I did pick Lakers as sixth in the West, but that doesn't necessarily mean I would pick them to beat anyone in the first round. I think the Lakers have an advantage over some of the other middle tier Western Conference teams because they're the Lakers - they have the Aura and Mystique that seems to take away the confidence of some other teams. (Maybe Jack on the sidelines is too intimidating for some). I was gonna do a Dr. Jack-style breakdown of a playoff matchup between the 04-05 Lakers vs. the 04-05 Mavs (the first round as it matches up in my previous rankings), but I think the Mavs are just too much up in the air for me to make any head-to-head player/position comparisions between the two teams. Especially since I don't know where Rudy T plans on plugging in his pieces. If the Mavs play better defense this year, if Jason Terry can pull off the pick and roll, if Erick Dampier manages to play 75-82 games this season, if Stackhouse can come off the bench and not pout about it, and if Dirk Diggler steps up his production this year, they'll be pretty good. Probably too good for the Lakers. But, check back with me around the all star break, and I'll do the breakdown for you. __________________ If it weren't for my horse, I never would've spent that year in college. Last edited by espi; 10-18-2004 at 04:27 PM..

10-18-2004, 05:46 PM	#31 (permalink)
Nimbletoe Junkie Location: Michigan	If you think the Lakers are going to finish 4th, you are going to be one sad, sad lakers fan this season. But hey, you keep thinking what you want. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. __________________ Go Pistons!

10-20-2004, 02:35 PM	#36 (permalink)
dallascowboy00 Upright	Hey everyone, I am new to the board and just saw this Lakers thread. I have been a Lakers fan since I was a kid and am probably the least excited about this season as I have been about anyone I can remember. I just don't think they will be very good at all. They might be more fun to watch (if you don't mind watching them lose) but they won't be as good. I really hate that Kobe and Shaq were so selfish that they couldn't get along for the good of the team.

10-20-2004, 08:17 PM	#37 (permalink)
Bliz Upright	Until somebody knocks off the Pistons, I'll have to be a shameless homer and say it's theirs to lose. Honestly, I think there are a bunch of very good teams and any one of which could give the Pistons a run for their money. So, I think it'll be a close race the entire season, but I have to go with Detroit. As for the Lakers, it's a definite 'maybe.' All other things aside, Kobe Bryant is a terrific player and for better or worse it's his team to lead. He might end up carrying them into the playoffs, but they are clearly not the same team that dominated the NBA a few years back.

10-21-2004, 01:10 AM	#38 (permalink)
JackBurton Upright	What about the Suns people. 4 and 0 in the preseason. 41pt thrashing of the Jazz. Lakers will struggle.

10-21-2004, 09:07 AM	#40 (permalink)
Mojo_PeiPei Kiss of Death Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow	I've also been thinking, the Laker's can no longer afford to play grab ass during the regular season. They are going to have to play every game. __________________ To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition.