Los Angeles Lakers - 2009 NBA Champions

[detrimental]

That didn't work for LeBron, and the paint will be arguably more stacked now with Gasol and Bynum in the middle as well. Whether or not that will create more space, we're yet to see. Gasol has the ability to bait Dwight outside a little more because of his midrange ability, but if Bynum's in they'll be stuck boxing down low. However Bryant has that infamous gay flail that he does on drives, almost always gets the call, so I don't doubt he'll get his fair share.

Hopefully the series doesn't disappoint. But if one team has the ability to make games a blowout, it's definitely Orlando.

Also: I hope people aren't underestimating Bryant's ability to choke on the Finals platform. You don't have to look back too far at all to get a prime example of what I'm talking about...

[SteveNash3424213421J]

Originally Posted by adypS

If they can get Dwight in foul trouble the Magic would crumble like a stack of cards.

Kobe should try the move LeBron did tonight, commit an over the back foul by jumping into Dwight to get the rebound, then flop to the floor.

[Imagodd99]

Originally Posted by detrimental

That didn't work for LeBron, and the paint will be arguably more stacked now with Gasol and Bynum in the middle as well. Whether or not that will create more space, we're yet to see. Gasol has the ability to bait Dwight outside a little more because of his midrange ability, but if Bynum's in they'll be stuck boxing down low. However Bryant has that infamous gay flail that he does on drives, almost always gets the call, so I don't doubt he'll get his fair share.

Hopefully the series doesn't disappoint. But if one team has the ability to make games a blowout, it's definitely Orlando.

Also: I hope people aren't underestimating Bryant's ability to choke on the Finals platform. You don't have to look back too far at all to get a prime example of what I'm talking about...

Yes it did. LBJ got nearly every call every time he went to the basket. Thank god Dwight is still Dwight and his reputation got some fouls he committed moved to other less notable players on his team.

Gay flail = insta foul. LBJ drive = insta foul.

I'm just saying that would be my main prerogative as Kobe. I think as a team, they can stop Orlando's 3 offensive plays. But it would be easier if Kobe gay flailed around Dwight a ton and got him fouled out.

[detrimental]

Originally Posted by adypS

Yes it did. LBJ got nearly every call every time he went to the basket. Thank god Dwight is still Dwight and his reputation got some fouls he committed moved to other less notable players on his team.

Gay flail = insta foul. LBJ drive = insta foul.

I'm just saying that would be my main prerogative as Kobe. I think as a team, they can stop Orlando's 3 offensive plays. But it would be easier if Kobe gay flailed around Dwight a ton and got him fouled out.

I'm saying LeBron driving never really got Dwight into FT, not that LBJ driving didn't = foul.

The major factor that will play a part in this series is the Lakers length and henceforth ability to rotate and contest on defense better - HOWEVER, their defense is still rather lackadaisical at times and isn't something you can rely on.

[Yankeefan4life]

Originally Posted by detrimental

That didn't work for LeBron, and the paint will be arguably more stacked now with Gasol and Bynum in the middle as well. Whether or not that will create more space, we're yet to see. Gasol has the ability to bait Dwight outside a little more because of his midrange ability, but if Bynum's in they'll be stuck boxing down low. However Bryant has that infamous gay flail that he does on drives, almost always gets the call, so I don't doubt he'll get his fair share.

Hopefully the series doesn't disappoint. But if one team has the ability to make games a blowout, it's definitely Orlando.

Also: I hope people aren't underestimating Bryant's ability to choke on the Finals platform. You don't have to look back too far at all to get a prime example of what I'm talking about...

Possibly vs Detroit in the '04 Finals but last year the Lakers as a team fell apart but thats a great Kobe hater quote....Anyways I take Lakers in 7 and i think it will be a classic 7 The Magic will give the Lakers all they can handle with the matchup problems that they present but with the homecourt advantage and the Lakers experience (and they have Kobe call me a "homer" as some of you white boys like to say) im going with the Lakers...But i wont be shocked if the Magic get the upset just dissapointed. And anyone can quote me on this if Kobe can't lead his team to a championship against this Magic team I'm ready to say Lebron>Kobe. Kobe has a great team and they are not playing against three hall of famers and one of the best defenses of all time..So Kobe better get this done

[BE@ST7]

people say the match ups favor the magics but i beg to differ.
the magic are not going to be shooting lights out in this series i just cant see it happening.
D Howard is not going to have no 40 and 14 on Bynum
and pietrus is not going to outscore the lakers bench

[тояоито яаρтσяѕ]

Magic for the win, didn't want Lakers to get this far at all, now that they are there, Magic are the last team who have a chance to stop them.
Go Orlando!

Originally Posted by BE@ST7

people say the match ups favor the magics but i beg to differ.
the magic are not going to be shooting lights out in this series i just cant see it happening.
D Howard is not going to have no 40 and 14 on Bynum
and pietrus is not going to outscore the lakers bench

Bynum will not be playing much, and when he goes to the bench, there will be a weak Pau Gasol guarding a beast in Howard. No way can Gasol dream of stopping Howard.

[Jemcee]

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[karolkarol]

The key to Orlando's winning it is Rafer Alston. He is the main weakness of this team.
I don't expect good things from him... if he will at least limit his incompetence it will look promising for Orlando.

Though LA will come strong in the finals, motivated and hungry. Mentaly they were there from the begining that's why they played in a dissapointing fashion earlier. No more, they are prepared. I am cheering for Orlando, I think they'll win. I will know wheter I'm right after the first game.

[BE@ST7]

Originally Posted by тояоито яаρтσяѕ

Bynum will not be playing much, and when he goes to the bench, there will be a weak Pau Gasol guarding a beast in Howard. No way can Gasol dream of stopping Howard.

trust me he's going to play and when Howard has to play D on both Pau and Bynum at the same time = foul trouble