The Los Angeles Lakers have just lost to the Boston Celtics. You can pick a year when they have met and but for a couple of times the heading would hold true. The only difference is that this years Lakers squad arrive a year early and saw what they lacked to be champions. Mainly a defensive inside presence and a better defense up front.
Yes the Celtic took the championship, but not in a sweep which many that outside of Laker fans, but in 6 games. The Lakers fought valently, but lack an intimadator in the middle. Next year Bynum will be back and will continue his personal growth which saw him averageing double figures in points and rebounds beside blocking and forcing opponents to change their initial shot.
Rumors are the Baron Davis would like to play for another team but stay on the west coast, and for a team with a chance at the Championship. ergo=Lakers. He is a big fan of Kobe Bryant and Bringing him in would solve almost all problems this last Championship series presented the Lakers.
First off the Lakers would have an established scorer at point, which would free Bryant from double teams out side the key. Second Iitwould also give the Lakers perhaps the best defensive front court. Third it would bring an experience ball handler. Fisher than could lead the second unit with Turiaf, Ariza, Farmar (Sasha) and who ever may be left that isn't traded or released or who came in on the draft.
The starting Lineup of Bryant, Davis, Odom, Gasol, and Bynum would be hard to match by anyone. And to have Fisher leading the second unit would help cut down on the bad plays. I would go so far as to Trade Radmonovich to Toronto whose seeking a power forward for Kopono in the event we lose Sasha to continue to have a 3 pt. threat.
With this one signing and one trade along with the release of various players would enable the Lakers to not only win the Championship, but insure the championship of a home for years to come.
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 SpursParker 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.
Los Angeles Lakers biggest worry going into round two should of been the concern of the long layoff while their next opponent would be fair ready to play. With the report and talk of Bryant being named MVP though premature could of taken some of the consentration away from what the Lakers needed to address.
Phil Jackson had the Lakers preparing to face Utah and if it were to of been Houston they would of adjusted in mid-game. As it turned out Utah was the opponent, and though the Lakers haven't played in some time they handled business in game 1 or the second round here at Staples Center.
The long lay-off did show in the Lakers legs when it came to rebounding, being constantly beaten to the ball letting Utah come away with 25 offensive rebounds. Though they were beaten to the ball they continued to stay with the opposition forceing more times then not to pass back out and restart their offensive plays. Without this determination easy put back may have resulted in a totally diffrent outcome.
Where the Lakers shooters were a bit off initially they continued to be aggresive on their driving and passing. The Lakers second unit probably had it the hardest, it's bad enough to come off the bench but a long lay-off truely set you back for a game or so. The Lakers starters made this a moot point with their shooting, as a group they hit for nealy 50% of their shots, while holding Utah to 37% from the field. Surely at time it looked as if Utah was the team who had a six day lay-off more than the Lakers.
From the outside the Lakers continued their resent marksmanship from the 3pt line again hitting 50% from the arc nailing 5 of 10. The Lakers perimeter defense should also by holding Utah a 3pt happy shooting team to 21% on 4-19.
In game two the Lakers second unit we undoubtably be back in form. There were some open looks the second unit saw, but their shooting was a bit erratic, Though Sasha Vujacic did contribute a playoff high of 15 pts while going 4-6 from the field and perfect in 5 attempts from the line. He was also Perfect from beyond the arc nailing both attempts he took. And though Turiaf and Farmar showed there rust as far as shooting, expect them to be back by next game.
Utah blocked 9 shots, as we all knew they had the potential to do with Millsap and Kirilenko. The Lakers though have become a shot blocking team as well. Last round they displayed this new weapon to their defensive arsenal and in game 1 or thesecond round against Utah they had 8 blocks. With others which appeared clean, but were called as fouls.
The Lakers showed their own form of Showtime in the second quarter where they extended a one point lead to 15. They had a large as a 18 point lead but as they have early in the first round they enabled the Jazz to close to within four. WORRY TIME! Only for those who haven't follow the Lakers since the Gasol trade. These Lakers have too many weapons and Bryant is no longer afraid to let them help him to a championship. All team continue to consentrate on Bryant when he receives the ball from either Fisher or Gasol in the high post, but unlike years past Bryant in his MVP form now trust his teammates to finish plays. A trend opposeing teams refuse to except. This allows Bryant to find and open Gasol going to the bucket for an easy two, or a wide open Vujacic when he penetrates and kicks out.
It was only last year when all us Laker fans would of thought the same as the opposition does now. And though Bryant did take four shots in the last three minutes -all misses- I switched to feeding his teammates in the end. Utah forced to foul to try to get close had this part of the game plan go array as the Lakers shot 83% from the line led by Bryants 21-23 of which he hit his first 17 in a row.
The main reason for this confidence in the Lakers are the big three match ups. Where the LakersBryant/Gasol/Odom Shot 21 for 41over 50% from the field, 29 for 36 from the line and 1 of 2 from beyond the arc for a total of 72 points, 25 rebounds and 15 assist with four blocks.
Utahs big three of Boozer/Williams/Okur shot 18 for 51 at 36% from the field, 13-16 from the line and 1 of 11 from the arc for a total of 50 points, 42 rebounds and 16 assist with no blocks. Williams in having to gaurd Bryant is having his offensive side of his game suffer. And once the rebounding is corrected Okur and Boozer will be limited to their second chance points.
Kirilenko was suppose to cause a matchup problem but Radmonovic did quite well while defending him holding him to 5 of 11 shooting from the field and 0 for3 from beyond the arc and finishing with just 11 points. Radmonovic meanwhile showed he too has a effecient part in the Lakers offense and hit half his shots from both the field and beyond the arc finishing with 10 points.
The rest of the bench may not of scored much, but they to play there role with Walton and Turiaf absorbing some of the fouls from the foul happy Jazz which saw both Boozer and Kirilenko foul out.
As hard as it is to play in Utah and as good as Utah is as a home team we've won there already this season and if we go in up 2-0 look for Kobe and the Lakers to Come away with at least one of the games, and then finishing it up here for the fans!!
Lakers in Five. Now the bad news, Our starting center isn't even playing and our main 3 pt. threat is out. This bad news is for the league that hasn't even experienced the total Laker package yet. So even though we only have a draft pick in the fifties in the first round we are already set for next year.
Welcome Laker fans for the next chapter of the best the NBA will have to offer for the next few years!!!!
In the year of the big name trades every contender tried it's hand, while other stood pat and prayed. With more big names switching team then in recent history, most of the main contenders played one up with the rest of the trade frenzy playoff teams. The following is a breakdown of who was helped and who will be left behind. For those team who basically stood pat, my guess is there will be changes come the of there playoff runs. Others who traded wildly may be at it again if their playoff runs come to an early end.
First the teams that stood pat. For the life of me I'll never understand the reasoning for this when help was only a phone call away. San Antonio with it's banners still fresh decided they had enough to continue their hold on the throne, BIG MISTAKE! As the playoff go on, their lack of a solid 3rd and 4th option will show. Detroit who has been on top in the east for so long will also fall to this sernario. Denver also stood pat, but had there finger on the trigger but failed to make a trade. Toronto made their moves before the season picking up gaurds Kapono and Delfino and also failed to added any additional fire power. Washington who also stayed pat but their lack of defense would of been helped if they would of picked up a solid inside defender. As it is look for them to be one and done in this years playoffs. The last of the six teams who thought their teams were good enough are the 76'ers Though they picked up Miller last year and added pre-season acquisition Reggie Evans they too will be one and done in the playoffs this year.
Though San Antonio and Detroit may last till the finals in their respective divisions, but will fall.
Orlando picked up Rashard Lewis in the pre-season and added Maurice Evans in one of the most lopsided trades in recent history. The outlook doesn't look pretty for the Magic but Toronto isn't exaltly a power but will be good enough. Look for Toronto in seven.
The Lakers added 3pt specialist Ariza and in the biggest move added Pau Gasol. Giving themselves four good offensive weapons, with Bryant, Gasol, Odom, Bynum. Though Bynum is likely out for the playoffs Fisher still has enough spark to be a fourth option. Lakers in a sweep over Denver.
The Celtics who it can be said started this trade frenzy when they came to terms with Allen and Garnett to team with Pierce, also sensed additional moves needed to be made and brought in Cassell and Posey to help bolster their offense. Celtics in a sweep.
New Orleans who formed most of their current team last year signed Peterson in the pre-season and later signed Bonzi Wells to help their inside game. With Paul coming into his own look for the Hornets tochallenge for the top spot in the west. The Hornets in six over the Dallas.
The Hawks picked up Bibby hoping for some direction, but his days are more then likely behind him and can be closed down with an aggresive defensive scheme. Which won't help Atlanta in it's hopes for advancing. Celtics in a sweep over the Hawks
Likewise the Dallas Mavericks with the addition of Jason Kidd have looked more lost then usual and may of picked up the wrong point gaurd for their team. As good as Kidd is his supporting cast still would rather play one on one then as a team. I look for them to be upset in the first round by New Orleans in six.
Phoenix fans are banking on O'Niel to get them over the hump, along with pre-season acquisition Giricek, but the long and short of it is that Shaq is good only for limited stretches though he will open up things for Stoudamire his fatigue factor will show as the Suns try to get by the Spurs in their first round. I like the Spurs in 6.
The Jazz picked up Price in the preseason, but added Korver for a little insurance in case the shots stop falling for their stars. Their team is young but there moves will only get them past the first round. Utah in six over Houston.
Houston decided they only needed Bobby Jackson, but with Ming down and McGrady having to carry the team they just don't have enough fire power to get by Utah. As they will most likely fall in six.
Which brings up to the wholesale team of the playoffs the Caverliers. Obviously trying to help out their star James, Cleveland went bananas in the trade market. Bringing in three starters and a couple role players hoping they had the right mix to try to advance beyond the second round. They started by Adding Wally Szczerbiak, Lalonte West and Devin Brown then followed up with Joe Smith and Ben Wallace. The team has the talent but can they play together and jell in such a short time. Cleveland still has to show it can win on the road but should win the first round against Washington in seven.
In the other game not mentioned look for Detroit over the 76'ers in 6.
This year look for a change to the old ways with the Lakers and Celtics playing for the Championship. No matter what the outcome. The Lakers had the early jump on next year with Bynum and Ariza waiting in the wings. If the Lakers manage to win the Championship look for another frenzy of trades both in the pre-season and during the next season to try to play catchup to the Lakers.
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.
I am a graduate of UCLA, though I attended AU for one year on a baseball scholarship. Served my active duty time in the Air Force mainly overseas in Turkey and the Philippines. Upon my honorable discharge I remained in the Areospace field as a sub-contracto r in Fixture Stuct., which allowed me to travel and work on projects such as the Stealth and the C-17. After losing most our aerospace contracts to oversea's competitor Aerobus, I returned to California (Orange County) and now oversee my remodeling company.
I'm a avid fan of all Los Angeles Sport teams and have knowledge through my father of the teams history from his moving From South Dakota, to Cleveland, to New York and Finally to Los Angeles. Brings the Clev. Rams, Minn. Lakers, and Dodgers with him, to hear him tell it.
