FIRST (GAME) LAP   

LAKERS STALL

In the opening round of these conference finals, the Lakers slept walked through the first two and a half quarters.  Bryant made a valiant effort to get his teammates going forgoing drives for passes and missing almost all the shots he did take.  As a result the of the lethargic play of the starters the Lakers fell behind early.

Jackson pulled all but Odom and replace the other starters with his bench players when the Lakers fell behind by nine.  The energy of Sasha, Farmar, Walton and Turiaf  not only brought about better  shot selection, but a nagging defense that seemed to fast for  San Antonio and the unit brought the score even at 31.  Then a strange thing happened, Jackson brought back the first unit again and the deficit quickly started to grow.  With Bryant handling the ball more then usual he basically made fisher a non-factor, No Fisher bringing the ball down meant no Fisher involvement and  and went into halftime down by eight.

LAKERS GRINDING INTO THIRD

Laker fans weren't worried, they figure they would press at the beginning of the third quarter and take the lead.  Only it was the spurs who worked the Lakers and continued to build the lead to 20!.  The Lakers did make mini runs but were quickly answered by the spurs.  With half the third quarter gone Jackson went with a quicker unit, Playing Gasol, Odom, Bryant at small forward, Sasha and Fisher.

Suddenly the Lakers started to whittle away bit by bit into that and suddenly it was 15, then 10 and finally by the end of the third quarter it was 7.  Though the lead was only 1 point less then the half time score the Spurs started to buckle.  Suddenly after establishing himself in the latter part of the third quarter Bryant led the Lakers into the Fourth with a surge that set the pace alot quicker then the Spurs could handle.  Passes were picked off, shots were hurried against the clock thanks to the defensive pressure and turn overs were cause.

 SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR

Very quickly the Lakers took control of the game in every facet.  The Spurs still lead by 3 but suddenly looked more then beatable.  The speed of the game favored the Lakers and be it age or the lack of sleep the Spurs legs abandoned them.  Parker who was brillant in the first half became a non factor in the fourth.  Gino was harrass all game long by Sasha and looked dead on his feet.  Duncan tried to rally his troops, but the Lakers were in over drive and the Spurs were stuck in second.  The Spurs did all they could as the Lakers built their biggest lead of the game 4 points, to claw back and tie the score.  Once the Lakers grabbed  a two point lead with only  a dozen or so seconds left the Spurs after a timeout worked the ball to Parker who drove hard into the lane passing Fisher, but came to a waiting Gasol with outstretched arms and with position he kicked the ball to a waiting Gino along the baseline who missed a go ahead 3 pointer.  After a man scramble for the ball that sent three players to the floor Sasha grabbed the loose ball and began to drive unopposed to the basket, but was grabbed from behind and fouled.  The second second year Laker cooly stepped to the line a sunk both free throws basically cementing the victory with the Spurs left with 7 seconds to score 4 points.  It didn't happen and the Lakers strutted out with the victory, Leaving the Spurs and their coach Popovich with a look of "What happen".

SECOND (GAME) LAP

LAKERS POP CLUTCH START INTO SECOND

In the second game the Lakers and Bryant came out aggresive and grabbed the lead quickly.  Though it fluxurated between 2 and 5 points all the Lakers pushed the ball.  Fisher returned to bring the ball up and quickly established himself as a scorer as well.  Bryant who scored only 4 points in the first half doubled that in the first quarter in game two.  Gasol got into early foul trouble that help the Spurs stay close as Duncan continue to pressure Gasol trying to force him into a third foul.

LAKERS CRUISING, THEN SPEED SHIFT INTO THIRD

Gasol survived the onslaught by Duncan but had only scored two points himself on a lob pass from Walton for a Dunk.  Then with just over two minutes left the  the Spurs had tied the score.  Then it struck-CLOSE OUT MODE!  On the a break after the tie  Farmar sunk a three.  On the next possesion the Spurs Parker shot a wide open air ball that resulted in a drive and kick to Sasha for three, Gino jumped out and Sasha pulled the ball back down took a one bounce dribble toward the basket and watched Gino depart on a unschedule flight toward the seats, and calmly sunk the 18 footer, ending the half 3 for 3.  The Spurs were within 5 as Parker took off on a breakaway for a layup only to have Farmar blocked the shot from behind this led to a drive by Kobe who handed off to Gasol for a easy put in.  On the next Spurs possesion a missed shot by Gino resulted in a breakaway for Fisher and a easy layup for the final points of the half.   Duncan was foul just before the half but missed not only both free throws, going 0-4 for the half but got the rebound and missed the put back as well. The nine point lead was especially impressive considering the Lakers hadn't pulled down one offensive rebound in the half.

LAKERS SHIFT INTO 4TH GEAR AGAIN

Both teams came out aggresively in the third, only the Lakers were hitting their shots making 8 of their first 10 and quickly building the lead to 15. Gasol, Odom and Kobe seemed to be everywhere and dropping shots like shooting fish in a bucket.  Though         the quarter brlonged to Odom who scored 11 points while controlling the boards, but he wasn't alone the other of the big three for the Lakers were at it as while.  Kobe scored 7 and Gasol 6 with the bench helping keep the Spurs at bay.  Ending the Quarter up by 17 and the rout was on!  The Lakers were firing on all cylinders both offensively and defensively.  Shooting 65% for the quarter and raising the game percentage to 58%.  People have to often not given the Laker the respect defensively that they deserve but the Lakers held the defending Champs to 38% from the field in the third quarter which actually raised their overall percentage to 36% for the game at that time.

FIFTH GEAR? WHO KNEW

Popovich started the quarter with his regulars, but as the Lakers emptied their benchas   so to did the Spurs.  The defending champs looked more then beatable, they looked "done" with a big fork sticking in there gut.  Only during the fourth quarter when the lead reached 26 did the Spurs bench make it somewhat respectable, but they to fell back to the Lakers bench finishing the feeble attemp and losing by 30.  In the fourth the crowd gave a nice applause for the return of Trevor Ariza when he entered with just over 4 minutes left and when wild when he buried his first shot attempt.  The Lakers finished shooting 55% while holding the Spurs to 35 percent for the game!  The bench chipped in for 34 point Lead by Farmar with 14 and Sasha and Walton each with seven.  Turiaf, Ariaza, and Mbenga each scored a bucket. 

NOW THE LEADER IS PUTTING SOME DISTANCE BETWEEN  THEIRSELVES............

AND PULLING AWAY!.............

From the way the Lakers have dominated the second half of both games Laker fans thoughout the coutry can already hear the fat lady humming.  The Spurs meanwhile head back to the drawing board and the oxygen tent and will try to figure on a way to slow these Lakers down.  As of now the only way team can stop them is to ground their plane so they can't show up and win by forfiet.  Another victory in game three  at San Antonio will not only ensure the probability of a sweep, or at worst a short series.  It sends a message to the Western Team of just how good these Lakers will be once Bynum returns next year.  Can you say...........Drivers start your engines, ...................Green flag is up, ......................Dynasty!

     Through all the boo's and angst that was bestowed upon the Supersonics by their fans, and for all their fraility the past two years the rooster is about to Croo.

     The NBA will hold the draft June 20th or there abouts and the one thing that is obvious to all the GMs and Team Presidents is the coupe that Seattle can come away with this year.  Through trades that were mocked and frowned upon, and players who were sent packing with no rhyme or reason at the time, has now come to pass as a genius move.  This years draft will bare the fruits of those moves like no other in the Sonics history.   This year they no only control the draft but have enough first round picks to put together a very formiable team for years to come.

     With six picks (that's 6!) in the first round out of the first 58 Seattle has a chance to build a winner from a also-ran quicker then any other club.  Besides having two first team All-Rookie players already on the roster in Durant and Green.  With a up and coming point gaurd in Earl Watson, Seattle gets not only the Second Pick, which could end up as either Rose or Beasley, but also the 24th, 32nd, 43rd, 50th and 56th picks.

     With a need at power forward Beasley seems the natual choice here.  The twenty Fourth pick can get them a center to help bring along Sene.  Then it gets interesting for they can then dictate the draft with trades or swaps all to benenfit themselves for this year or even next year if they feel the talent is thin.  Few other teams have this flexiability in this draft.

     The City of Seattle should be crying foul, they have supported this team in thick and thin, that is the true fans, andnow that they are destined to move at a time which will more than likely bring the Sonics back to the forefront of the better teams.

     NBA Draft, I think not, more and more it appeares to be the Seattle Summit.

     It seems like since the beginning of the NBA a star gaurd comes along and transforms the game as we know it.  With either their sharp shooting or there unique passing ability or their size, they change the way opposition had to change their defenses to stop these hardwood demons.  They help coaches of whichever era to not only rethink their offense, but when they were forced to gaurd these mega-stars they had to come up with inventive defenses.  Such as various zones, box and 1, 1-2-2 and so forth. 

     Because of their overall game these guards from the '20's, '30's,'40's'50's, '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's, and 2000 to 2010 Not only stood out but had coaches and general Managers searching for the next one like them. 

     The following are simply my picks for these individual decades.  Enjoy adding your own versions or playmakers.  Though these will be hard to top.

1920-1929: Some of the true pioneers of the position, though the NBA was still just an idea there were many professional league playing around the states Mostly in the Eastern States.  During this time Semi-Pro league sprouted out everywhere and college player were permitted to play in them.

Hery Genert - Was a brillant defender and a scorer, but his defense was known to shut out multiple players thoughout a game.  Love slapping the backboard on his layups - a sort of taunting.  His defense resulted in the term take away (Prior to Steals) of which he was a master of.

Honorable Mention: Joseph (Poison) Brennan- A scorer unmatched in his era who played for various team thoughout any given year.  Said to be one of the first players to make $100 dollars a game.  In one year Won Championships in 4 Seperate league earning MVP twice.

1930-1939: During this time slot offenses were still pretty much sets and passes were thrown into a teams big man. Until these gaurds proved motion and a deft touch from the outside could foil a collapeing zone defense.

Nat Holman - An original Celtic, his play at the pivot help create the motion offense. his ability to score and distribute the ball were uncanny and unmatched in his day.  His play made the early Celtic team almost unbeatable.  His play created a scoring position out of the pivot where previously it was strickly a passing postion.

Honorable mention: Bernard (Bennie) Bogman- Another Defensive minded shooting gaurd.  He was one of the first gaurds  to expose weak dribblers averaging over 8 steals a game!  With a deadly set shot from out side range 18' or so.  Few took shots outside 15'.

1940-1949: The Game is changing due mostly to Holmans passing excellence, every team now searched for the next great ball handler.  Shooting acuratcy was figured as a bonus.

Joe Falks- With team looking for good ball handlers, Joe set the league on it's ear by foresaking the two handed set shot  for a one hand released "jump shot".  His ability to shot over not only opposing gaurds but just about everyone helped speed up the offensive sets.  His shots were seldom blocked and was one of the first to be accredited with a quick release.

Honorable mention: Robert E. (Bob) Davies- The first guard to be given the nickname "Houdini" known by all as "Houdini of Harrisberg" he quickly advanced the passing game in basketball beyond just the bounce pass.  Credited with the drop (leave) pass on breaks to a following teammate.  Helped create todays version of the fast break.

1950-1959: The first true golden age of guards in the NBA.  As hard as it was to try to seperate the stars of this era, I've decided to include two honorable mentions.    These gaurds were not only great passers but excellent shooter leading their teams in scoring something few guards consistantly did. 

Bob Pettit- The first modern day deep threat in the NBA, a pure shooter who was so acurate it was said he not only made a shot blindfolded from the top of the key but made 3 of 4!.  Named as All-Star MVP more times than anyone.  Played his whole career for the Hawks.  Once rumored that Red Aurbach wanted him so bad he would give up 3 starters.

Honorable Mention: Bob Cousy- Known both as the "Wizard" and "The Houdini of the Hardwood" He made the Famous Boston Celtics unstoppable on the break.  One of the true first showman with both behind the back passes and between the leg passes.  Was the only white man ever invited to join the Globetrotters.  Aurbach's loss was also his gain with Cousy blossoming into a bonifide star.

Honorable Mention: Ed Macauley a nice blend of the two guards mentioned above.  A deadly shooter and acurate passer.  His trade from the Celtics was not only for 2 stars but for the rights for the celtics to draft Bill Russell.

1960-1969: The scoring era stikes it big! But an all around game was needed from this position.  The guards from this era not only surpassed almost all bigmen in scoring, but were defensive players as well.  Thought to be the best of the best for their time.

Oscar Robertson- As much as it pains me (being a Laker fan) I give the nod here for a variety of reason, but mostly because of his all round game.  Oscar was the only player in NBA history to average a triple double for the year!!!!  Enough said!

Honorable Mention: Elgin Baylor- One of the original gutbug players.  His game was played above the rim.  A forefather to the Dr. J's and David Thompsons.  It was said he could touch the top of the basketball backboard, few gaurds tried shots with Baylor fronting them.  One of the first to use the floater shot (via Paul and Parker in todays game)

1970-1979: The sixty and seventy had so many outstanding guards I took liberties here in placing these two in the seventys to accomendate the level of great guards in these two eras. Also have placed again two honorable mentions.

Jerry West- Mr. Clutch himself, or as many suspect the logo for the nba.  There may of never been a more pure shooter of the jump shot then Mr. West.  Always an All-Star and even a MVP in a the Championships series which the Lakers lost.  Forever remembered for this 63 foot shot during the finals which was all net.

Honorable Mention: Walt (Clyde) Frazier - The cornerstone of the Knickabockers run during the seventy.  Quick and able to throw up a shot from any angle.  His defense helps place him here over other '70's greats.

Honorable Mention: Pete (Pistol) Marovich - You simply can't have a list of all-star guards without adding the pistol.  The phase "he never met a shot he didn't like" was attributed to him along with the line "His range is anywhere after he enters the arena".  Before the 3pt shot came to be in the NBA, Marovich lived on the outside forcing opposing defenses to extend to up to 25' from the basket.  Talk about speading a defense.

1980-1989: With the league struggleing a star was needed to recapture the fans imagination.  When one did it did it with style and grace but above all he was tall.  Bringing to the NBA a tall point guard which there weren't any effiecient ones at the time.

Irving (Magic) Johnson- Not since Cousy has there been someone who could distribute the ball better.  Magic brought back the no-look pass and was able to thread a pass anywhere at any time during a game.  At 6'9" He brought about the tall gaurd era.  Magic's overall game had teams thinking diffrently when when looking for a point guard.  He help bring Showtime not only to the Lakers, but the NBA as well.  Brought back the triple double.  And created post up plays for guards?!

Isiah Thomas- A quick and swift defender and a fearless shooter.  His overall game may of lacked the showmanship of Magic's, but Thomas could equal the results.  Help bring Detroit back into the limelight with his play.  The leader of the bad boys.

1990-1999: This Era brought about the extreme in the gaurd position.  From posible one of the greatest of all-time to a headly team player and assist artist.

Micheal Jordan-  Their wasn't a more electrifing player to capture the mass audience attention then Mr. Jordan.  His uncanny ability not only to make a shot, but thrived at having the ball in crunch time and seemingly always coming through.  Not only did the Bulls three peat, but after a two year retirement  threepeated again!!!

Honorable Mention: John Stockton- To some mister invisible, Stockton was one part of the most feared give and go tandems in the league (with Karl Mallone).  One of the greatest assist artist in NBA history.  Stockton had a way of quietly turning in double doubles in points and assist, but his results were felt in helping Utah to prominence.

2000-2010:  Though there are still a few years left I can comfortably name these two as the dominate guards of this era.

Kobe Bryant- Far and away probably one of the few best along with Jordan to ever play the game.  Mobile, quick and deadly in creating his own shot.  Being from either beyond the arc or driving the lane.  Almost unstoppable one on one.  He and Jordan will always be 1-2 or 1-1 when mentioning all time gaurds.  Both were All-Defensive selections.

Honorable Mention: Steven Nash-  A great floor leader and clutch shooter.  His heady play and overall basketball I.Q. helps distance himself from others as the next best.  That and his years of service as an all-star and multiple league MVP places him ahead of such players as Wade, Kidd, Parker and Paul.

     When it comes to All-Time lineup for any particular team it give the fams a chance to truely fantasize with the eternal question "If only".  It allows them to cross decades of players and put together a team from anyone who has played for your home team into a All-Time Greatest Line-up.

     It will be interesting to see the various line-ups and I'm sure a few die hard fans can argue each of their teams merits until the "cows come home", "Pigs Fly" or the price of gas falls back to under $2.00.  That being said here are a few lineups the Los Angeles Lakers could throw at you:

FIRST TEAM:

Point Gaurd - Magic Johnson

Shooting Gaurd- Kobe Bryant

Small Foward- Elgin Baylor

Power Foward- Bob McAdoo

Center- Wilt Chamberlain

Sixthman- George Miken

     This lineup would dazzle most All-Time teams, it not only has the scorers but also would be able to distribute the ball around.  With all players being to create their own shots, if needed.  All have numberous triple doubles and Chamberlain once had a Quadriple Double with 12 Blocks!  Miken as the sixth man because in todays game he could play at the 3 thur 5 positions, with the two gaurds we wouldn't need any backup!

SECOND TEAM:

Point Gaurd- Jim Polland

Shooting Gaurd- Jerry West

Small Foward- Vern Mikkelen

Power Foward- Slater Martin

Center- Kareem Adul-Jabbar

Sixthman- Connie Hawkins

     This line-up would be more a half court set all shooters and set shooters.  As quality as this Hall of Fame bunch is they would be in need of stronger rebounding.  Martin and Jabbar would get there share, but Mikkelen, West and Polland would have to crash the boards as well making them susceptible to a fast-breaking team.  Connie Hawkins is sixth man because of his flexibility.  He could spell any of the starters he had excellent ball controll with his hugh hands and distributed the ball quite well throughout his career and was as atheletic a big man as their ever was, think Dr. J mixed with Walt Frazier.

THIRD TEAM-

Point Gaurd- Gail Goodrich

Shooting Gaurd- Clyde Lovellette

Small Foward- James Worthy

Strong Forward- Dennis Rodman

Center- Shaquille O'Niel

Sixthman- Micheal Cooper

     This team would be able to compete with Any all-Time lineup from any team except perhaps thier own listed above.  They would be able to fast break with Worthy on the wing or or power it inside to O'Niel.  They also could spread the defense with Goodrich and Lovellette's shooting.  Bringing in Cooper Would help fill the lanes and there are few finishers as able as Cooper and Worthy on the break.  Far from One dimensional it would cause headaches and few second chance points with Rodman cleaning up the boards.

     So here are just a few the Lakers could put together.  Let's see some of your teams All-time Line up's.  ABA affiliations are exceptable or course as well as teams moves.

     Have it it!!!

     With the NBA wanting to increase the age of a prospective draftee, while not seeming to put a hinderance on his financial future or place a disturbance in the balance of the draft by eliminating possible selections the solution, though a little intricate can be accomplished where it is a win-win-win situation for all.  The third win mentioned includes a third party not always mentioned in regards to this subject, the CBA.

THE SOLUTION

     First the NBA should (with it's revenues from it's vast marketing and television contracts) form a alliance with the CBA and the NBA's Developmental League making them a virtual MINOR LEAGUE to the NBA which it currently tries to be.  This would allow a Team through restructuring of the current players agreement (Benefits will be stated below for the players union) through their union, to be sent for further development if necessary, to any club (Govern though the CBA) to rehab or develop further the skills needed to be productive in the NBA.  The NBA would also give an additional roster spot or two for draftees, only with defined allotments (for time a person can be sent down, and total amount of times a player can be sent down thoughout  any season with a maximum of a two year window). 

     This would give the NBA teams flexibility with their rosters and add insurance in the case of an injury to a draftee.  It also allows the CBA a financial windfall to help stabilize their league and would increase attendance whenever high draft picks are intergraded within, improving their leagues skill level and interest in it as well.

     Second the NBA would have to stucture a first signing formula that would be beneficial to both the teams and the players without causing the PLAYERS UNION to balk.  This would also place flexibility in the Salary Cap within the league and for teams.

     A workable example is as follows:

     First year signings would be for no shorter than four  years, and no longer than six.  This would ensure a player who if he doesn't work out some years of financial security to either return to college or to persue another way of live. 

     Upon signing, what ever the amount the following structure of the contract would be as follows: 

     The amount of the contract would be split in half with the first half being paid out as follows: 

     The NBA would structure a four year payment increments for the amount of the halved contract total with increases from the first to the secord and so on until the end of the fourth year.  Signing bonuses would be paid in full in his first year in addition to the halved contract amount.  Not only would this process insure financial security for the player for a minimum of four years regardless it he is cut or faced with a injury, it also relaxes any animousity  vertern players sometimes have with draftees who make more than they do or as much without ever dribbling a ball on the court yet.

     The remaining Half of the contract would be spilt again (making it quarters from the original contract and would be paid out as follows:

     One quarter would be place upon signing in a type of Taxfree IRA account for the player, this would insure some financial freedom for the player after the initial four years of the contract and assist in his future career or retirement.  This could only assist the PLAYERS UNION in the future as toward the possible assistance these players may need.

      The remaining quarter would be paid out in equal amounts in in the second thru four year of the contract.

     On a six year contract the original halved amount would follow the four year structure with the remaining two years paid in a 40/60 spilt in years five and six.

     After the fourth year any contract could be renegotiated where as the balance of any remaining year beyond the initial four would be paid in full upon the signing of a new contract.

EXAMPLE: 6 year 20 million Dollars, with a 2 millon signing bonus

First year say  $800,000.00 plus the 2,000,000.00 bonus total $2,800,000.00

Second year   $1,200,000.00 plus $1,000,000.00 (Balance of fourht Quarter of contract divided thoughout the second to sixth years) total $2,200,000.00

Third year        $1,600,000.00 plus $1,000,000.00 total $2,600,000.00

Fourth year      $2,000,000.00 plus $1,000,000.00 total $3,000,000.00

Fifth year          $2,160,000.00 (40% of the balance of the remainder of the initial halved contract) plus $1,000,000.00 total  $3,160,000.00

Sixth year         $3,240,000.00 (60% of the balance of the remainder of the initial halved contract) plus $1,000,000.00 total $4,240,000.00

     With the player also having a intrest incurring taxfree IRA started in his first year of $5,000,000.00 at say 13% annual rate would give him 5,650,000,00 toward his retirement or change in career collateral, after 6 years.

     This would give the NBA team flexibility with there roster without hindering themselves if a draftee is injured or needs further development.  When a team feels a draftee needs to develop or keep sharp his skills he can then be sent to the CBA/Developmental league to insure himself getting playing time.  It would help ease the Existing Salary Cap and allow for the existing 30 day signings, while a player is either recovering from a injury or "Sent down" (Draftees only) to get playing time or enhance his skills. 

     This would allow the existing age limit to continue and assist both the player, the NBA, and the CBA to thrive, without player development or financial concerns playing a part in the draft equation.

     A byproduct of this may probably actually keep student atheletes in school longer if they feel that they would more then likely be playing in the CBA then on the bench in the NBA, hence the player would rather hone his skills at their repective Universities.  Of course where financial straights prevail to some students with talent this would be beneficail to ensure financial securety for them regaurdless where they play.