NBA Finals- Who wins it all?

[the70srule]

Lakers are falling apart? They are 14-3 in the last 17 games. Kobe is on fire. I've seen Jordan make many spectacular shots - but never 2 3s like Kobe did the other night. Shaq has a point to prove against Yao. The glove is motivated for a ring. Malone - with the 2nd highest career point total in NBA history - is the 4th option in the offense. Oh, and they have the greatest NBA coach in modern times (only 9 rings).

Yes, going against the Lakers is a GREAT bet. Can you sense my sarcasm?

The only chance the Spurs, Wolves, or Mavs have is if the Lakers have players go down to injury like last year.

My big struggle is who to pick from the east for my prop bets. Miami is hot, Detroit is loaded, and Indy has home court. But Jersey simply has owned the East in the playoffs.

 

[ShinySuitMan]

Doc,

Thanks for your post. Gl with your lakers, I hope they do well for you.

Greatest coach in the modern times? I'm sure that Stu Jackson could have a pretty good record to that of Phil Jacksons if he had players of the ability of Mike, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe. Hell my coaching record would look pretty good too!?

Kobe hitting a couple of prayers against a team that isn't even in the playoffs means little to me. I don't doubt their talent, it's my opinion after all. I guess we will see soon enough about the lakers. And don't come back in here after a win in game 1 against Houston, cause they ain't shit!

For all the players the Lakers have they should be blitzing teams night in night out according to your statistics. Fact is they don't. Why? Cause games ain't played on paper, if they were none of these other 15 teams would have a look in to win.

Im also sick of this injury excuse as well. Shaq, Kobe, Malone, Payton are all there. So if Shaq starts complaining of a sore pinky toe bleep that. They are all out there just remember that. Another one will be Kobe in the court room. Bleep that too. Sorry but if he wants to bang silly hoe's in his spare time thats really got nothing to do with if the lakers lose. I will hear these excuses i know i will. It's reality.

 

[the70srule]

Solid points. For the record I'd love to see the Mavs-Lakers in a 7 gamer for the finals. I had season tix with the Mavs when I was interning in Dallas. It was great Cuban just purchased the team and was running in the stands with the fans.

Several other coaches had Shaq, MJ, and Pippen - yet I don't see rings on their fingers.

Did you notice Kobe's winning shot - didn't even hit the rim.

I really like the matchups in the first round much better than if the Kings would have had the 2 seed. Shaq-Yao, Francis-GP, Mobley-Kobe. Should be interesting. I'd like to see a bench player like Slava explode for 25 or so.

The injury issue isn't an excuse. The Spurs beat the Lakers 8 times last year. Injuries are part of the game and make Vegas a bit more exciting. I believe it would have been a better series with Fox last year, so I hope he'll be good to go this year, esp since now we have 4 scorers - somebody has to play defense and be a role player.

I'm a fan - but not the type to come on after every single game.

The only reason I came on strong is after the comment that the Lakers are falling apart. 14-3 and a division title seems pretty put together to me. Now let's see if GP and Malone step up to the plate and grab their rings.

Good luck to your teams.

 

[ShinySuitMan]

Doc,

Cheers. I made the comment falling apart after reports of Kobe spitting the dummy in a timeout during the kings game where he only took 8 shots. Some of his teammates were questioning that, especially Payton. This is the reason he only took 8 shots. When i say falling apart i should have said, there is a strong chance the lakers could fall apart in the playoffs. I really don't question their run in. My bad. Should have used a different choice of words. It's just my opinion. I have been wrong before.

Phil Jackson has been very good with his timing of taking over teams. Being in the right place at the right time. Other coaches have had these players to use yes. But Phil Jackson has never really been in a situation where he go's in and builds a team from scratch. It's all been done for him. Just how much coaching would you have to do to have a winning record? He is more a people person and peace keeper to the ego's that are on his teams. I don't question the fact of 9 rings, cause that is real. What i question is just how god a record would he have in a different situation and compare that to another coach who has been with the team while they stunk and lost for a few years.

I agree with you about role players. Every team needs them. You can have 10 all stars on your team and still lose. You need guys to set picks, grab offensive rebounds and play solid defense. Fox/George/Slava/Fisher all key guys. Just as important as Shaq/Kobe/Malone/Glove. Role players help stars hold up that trophey in the end. They proberly don't like to admit it tho.

I'm looking forward to all the playoff series throughout and I am happy the way it worked out.Mavs really benifited with Kobe's 3's and play a team they matchup well with. Lakers can win it all. I'm not saying they can't. It's really annoying tho when excuses are used.

Enjoy the playoffs gl

 

[the70srule]

Well Shiney,

I promised I would be back win or lose. The Pistons looked unreal. I have never seen a team play with such chemistry since showtime in the 80s. Lots of mixed emotions about the Shaq trade here in LA. Looks like Miami has a great shot now - but I still think Detroit will be difficult to beat in the East. Unreal. Looks like Larry Brown has certainly earned his spot among the greatest coaches ever. But you have to admit - simply taking the Clippers to the playoffs should be an automatic in for the hall of fame for coaches.