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!

     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 to challenge 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.