Well, I think we all heard the rumors about Rudy Fernandez. I also heard that Donnie Walsh refused to give up Anthony Randolph for Rudy Fernandez. So my question to you, would you want to trade Randolph for Rudy? 

Personally I would not trade Anthony.  If we were to get Rudy, trade someone else, not a big man.  Try to get rid of Curry and possibly Douglas.  To me Turiaf, Gallo, Chandler and Randolph should not be traded!

To be honest, I haven't been this excited for a Knicks roster in a long time! This feels great! We added great pieces and have money to sign another great player. To this point the roster stands like this. 

Raymond Felton

Kelenna Azubuike
Wilson Chandler
Eddy Curry
Toney Douglas
Landry Fields
Danilo Gallinari
Jerome Jordan
Anthony Randolph
Andy Rautins
Amar'e Stoudemire
Ronny Turiaf
Bill Walker

Aside from Eddy Curry, who shouldn't be mentioned :). This roster is pretty good! I really liked Earl Barron from last year and I think we should re-sign him. In my opinion, this team can make it to the playoffs as a top-five team. Trying to put my Knick love aside, I think the Knicks can make a push next season.

So guys, how good can this Knick team be? 

The Lakers entered Game 4 of the NBA Finals with supreme confidence after they capped off their first Finals win in Boston since 1987.  Thursday night’s game was perhaps the most important game of the Lakers’ season, as they had an opportunity to take a 3-1 series lead. The Los Angeles Lakers were focused on the task on hand and knew that a victory would put them one step closer to revenge.

1st Quarter

The Lakers opened up Game 4 playing sloppy basketball and were trying to beat the Celtics by playing them one-on-one.  However, thanks to the Celtics’ incapability to capitalize on the offensive end and Kobe’s shot-making ability, the Lakers had a 12-11 lead with 5:30 left in the quarter.  Pau was just as effective as Kobe on the offensive end, as he had an early 6 points on 3-for-4 shooting.  Although the two Laker stars opened the game on a high note, the same could not have been said for the rest of the Lakers or even the rest of the Celtics.  The first quarter had a very slow-tempo and neither team had great success on the offensive end.  Both teams were missing open shots and were committing “silly” mistakes; the score after one was 19-16, Boston with the advantage.  Gasol was the Lakers’ leading scorer with 6 points and Bryant had 4 points on 2-4 shooting.  The Lakers held the Celtics to only 36% shooting from the field, however they went 35% themselves.

2nd Quarter

The second quarter opened up with both coaches subbing in their bench players, and because of that the game turned into a track meet.  The high-tempo style benefitted both teams and they fell out of their shooting slumps.   The Lakers’ backcourt, consisting of Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar, provided the Lakers with immediate offense.  However, their problems occurred on the defensive end as they could not control Nate Robinson.  Nate and the other Boston reserves entered the game and gave their team a spark.  With 8:10 left in the game, the Celtics were clinging to a 29-28 lead.  Reminiscent to Game 2, Glen Davis came off the bench and provided the Celtics with great hustle plays.   Four minutes into the second quarter Davis poured in 5 points, while Brown had 5 and Farmar had 3.  Thinking his team got their groove back, Phil reinserted his veterans and it paid off.  Kobe hit three consecutive shots, Lamar converted on an and-one, and the Lakers took a 39-33 lead with 3:12 left in the half.    The momentum seemed to shift once the stars were subbed in, and the Lakers ended the half on a 17-12 run to take a 45-42 lead.  At the break the Lakers shot 48% from the field and their leading scorer was Pau Gasol, who had 13 points and 3 rebounds.

3rd Quarter

The beginning of the third quarter featured tough and physical basketball.  The players were making their shots and the style of play was very entertaining to watch.  The players became “feisty” and flashbacks of the old Lakers-Celtics rivalry began to come back.  With 8:24 left in the third, the Lakers led 53-48 and the momentum began to shift toward Los Angeles.   However, just as it looked like the Lakers would pull away, the Celtics put up a run.  With 4:59 left in the quarter, the Celtics rallied back and took the lead, 54-53.  The teams went back and forth and eventually Kobe hit back-to-back threes and gave the Lakers a four point lead.   The quarter ended with the Lakers leading 62-60; entering the fourth quarter Bryant had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 three point field goals made.

4th Quarter

In the final period of Game 4, the Lakers had Kobe Bryant on the floor along with several bench players.  The opening minutes of the fourth quarter featured a Celtics team that was out-hustling the Lakers.  The Lakers had no answer for the effort shown by the Celtics’ bench and especially Glen Davis.  With 8:22 left in the quarter, the Celtics opened up a 71-64 lead.  The momentum shifted to the Celtics and they expanded their lead to 8 with fewer than 8 minutes left.  The Celtics’ bench was carrying the load, while their starters were resting on the bench.  The Lakers began to score the ball, but could not get stops on the other end.  The game was beginning to heat up and the players knew what was at stake.  With about 5:30 left in the game the Celtics were still clinging to a 7 point lead, 79-72.   The Lakers made a late push, but because of costly turnovers by Kobe and Pau, the Lakers never reclaimed the lead.  The final score was 96-89 and the Celtics tied the NBA Finals at 2-2.  Kobe put up 33 points, but his efforts were not good enough and the Lakers lost the game.  Instead of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Lakers are now going to play a pivotal Game 5 on Sunday in Boston.

Finals Thoughts

The Lakers could not match the Celtics’ effort and because of that, they lost the game.  During the final stretch, the Lakers were unable to hold on to the ball, and the two turnovers by Kobe and Pau cost them the game.

Game 5 is going to be the game that will decide the series; the Lakers will either go back to LA looking for one more win, or down 2-3.

Many people are saying the Celtics dominated in Game 2.  However, I can guarantee that Ray will never hit 8 threes again, that was a "lucky" game.  The Lakers had a great chance to win the game, despite Ray's "historical game"  We lost the game because the refs called a horrible game, 3 whistles  on Kobe were WRONG!   Due to that, Kobe was not aggressive in the end of the game and wasn't the same him. 

So my question is, what will it take to win Game 3 in Boston. FYI the memories of Game 6 of '08 is still in Kobe's mind! 

Hey everybody, 

Tonight is Game 2 of The Finals, so give me your predictions to the game.

I got the Lakers winning by 7 points and Kobe having 30+ points.

The Lakers have to be prepared to see a different Celtics team and believe it or not, have to play better than they did in Game 1.

Going into Boston up 2-0 sets us up perfectly to win the series and complete our revenge! 

The X-Factor?

Ramneet Singh

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are obviously the Lakers’ MVPs and are arguably the best one-two punch in the NBA.  Bryant has been carrying the Lakers in the past few games, by either taking up the scoring load or assuring the Lakers a victory.   Pau has been huge for the Lakers ever since he put on a purple and gold jersey. However, which player on the Lakers besides Kobe and Pau, has to step up and be the X-Factor?  Some argue that it is Lamar, Andrew, Ron or even Derek. But one thing is understood, there is no clear-cut choice.

                The first candidate is a 6 -10, 10-year veteran from Rhode Island, Lamar Odom.  Lamar is the first man off the bench for the Lakers and has averaged 11.3 ppg and 8.2 rpg.  When Lamar started for the Lakers, he averaged 12.2 points per game and 11.6 boards per game. The numbers may not be as flashy as Pau’s, but Lamar’s presence is definitely felt.  During the first two rounds, Lamar has made key plays down the stretch, and without that one rebound or that one tip-in the Lakers would most likely have lost.  With Odom in the lineup, the opponent has a hard time adjusting to the size, and if Lamar plays the small forward position, the Lakers are unstoppable.  Throughout the season Lamar has been consistent and the Lakers can count on him to put up big numbers. Odom has put up 11 ppg and 10 rpg in the games won and the in the games lost, Lamar has put up 10 points and 9 rebounds.  

            The next candidate is a four-year, 7 foot center from St. Joseph HS (NJ), Andrew Bynum.  This year, Bynum has faced many injuries, and has never truly given 100%.  In the 09-10 regular season Andrew Bynum averaged 15 ppg and 8.3 rpg. Similar to Lamar Odom, his numbers are not amazing, but the presence of Bynum is very important.  Although Andrew only averaged 1.4 blocks, he altered many shots and challenged everyone who came down the lane. Both Andrew and his partner, Pau Gasol, are carrying the Lakers on the defensive end.  Andrew Bynum is someone who can really help the Lakers when he is going, but could also ruin the Lakers if he plays at sub-par level.

            The next candidate is a 10-year forward from St. Johns, number 37 Ron Artest.  This is the first year Ron Ron has played for the Lakers, and he has been very streaky.  In certain stretches, Ron has gone cold from the field, and could not guard his player.  During other nights, Ron is lights-out from the field and essentially shuts down the opponent’s main man.  During the regular season, Artest averaged 11 points, 3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.  Artest was brought in to work his magic in the playoffs, and so far he has done a so-so job.  In the first round of the playoffs, Ron made Kevin Durant work for every shot.  Durant would score 20 points, but because of Ron Artest, he would get it on 20 shots.  However, Ron has also committed costly mistakes and missed important shots down the stretch in certain games.  I am not sure that a “star” is someone who harms his team in the way Artest does.

            The final candidate is a 13-year veteran from Arkansas-Little Rock, Derek Fisher.  Fisher is someone who does not put up great numbers, but he makes the big shot or the big play.  This postseason Derek has averaged 10.3 points per game and has hit huge shots down the stretch in all three rounds.  Although Derek may go 0-7 from the field, he is never afraid to take the final shot. “But that’s Derek, though,” Bryant said. “He just has supreme confidence. And I think those shots at the end of the game are actually easier for him than the other ones.”

Derek Fisher has been an important figure in Lakers’ history and is someone who has won many games for the Lakers during his time.

            It may be difficult to choose the X-Factor but you can’t go wrong picking the versatile Lamar Odom, the up-and-coming dominant center Andrew Bynum, the lock-down Ron Artest or even the savvy Derek Fisher.  Although they all can be considered the main X-Factor, we can only have one winner, who is it?

First of all  I am very happy that Ron made that shot, and am very glad that we are going into Phoenix up 3-2.  However, we did blow that big lead and it seemed as though we lost our focus.  So the question I am asking you is, how confident are you guys in the Lakers after blowing that big lead?  

In my eyes, the Lakers should be a little concerned but not worried.  We have to maintain that defensive pressure and not fall in love with that 3 point shot. 

Western Conference Finals Game 4 Recap

By: Ramneet Singh

All elite teams know the importance of a Game Four and coming into tonight’s game, the Lake Show understood this was a must win.  The Lakers did not want to relive another 2-2 series and had to play with strong effort and a sense of urgency in order to win at the U.S Airways Center.

                        1st Quarter

The first quarter was not the most well played period, as the teams struggled on both sides of the court.  Defense was non-existent and every player seemed to be effected by the Channing Frye curse.  The up-tempo style of play made the first half enjoyable to watch despite the turnovers and incapability to score.  Although the Lakers went on a 15-11 run, they still ended the quarter tied at 23.  The Lakers shot 50% from the field while the Suns shot only 38% from the field.  The Lakers had a problem keeping the ball secure, as the committed two turnovers and five fouls.  Kobe had yet to score a point and Ron was surprisingly the Lakers leading scorer.  The Lakers had to get their star involved in the game, or else the Suns would open up a big lead

                        2nd Quarter

The second quarter started off great—for the Suns.  The Lakers’ defense was not very effective and this led to Phoenix opening up the second period on fire. The Suns’ bench gave the team a much needed spark and they opened up a ten point lead. The Lakers committed bad fouls, lost every 50/50 ball, and continued their offensive struggles. The Lakers missed 6 of their first 8 shots and lost all their momentum.  The crowd was roaring and the “Beat LA” chants came out much earlier than expected.   The Phoenix zone was present in Game 4, but this time the threes fell down for LA.  Kobe was hitting three after three, and Channing Frye finally broke out of his slump with some threes of his own.  The latter half of the second quarter was a high scoring, high-octane period which turned into a three point shooting contest. The first half ended with the Lakers trailing 64-55 and shooting 52% from the field.  The Suns had a much better quarter, thanks to the play of their bench, who scored 34 points.  Kobe stepped up his game as he scored 15 points, but the Lakers were in dire need of an inspirational Phil Jackson speech in order to stage a comeback.

                        3rd Quarter

The third quarter featured the best, and the worst of the Lakers.  Kobe started the half on fire and brought his team back within two points with 7:40 left to go.  However, the Laker “bigs” were getting abused by Amare, and Andrew Bynum looked like an old man out there.  He was unable to keep up with Amare; Andrew constantly made head-scratching plays and was very limited when it came to mobility.  As the quarter progressed, Kobe put the team on his shoulders and it seemed as though he scored on every possession.  Bryant finished the third quarter with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 three point field goals made.  The Lakers took their first lead, 84-83, with 56.7 seconds left, but it quickly vanished and the Suns ended the quarter up 85-84.  The fourth quarter looked as though it would be a very intense and exciting; entering the final period, I strongly believed that the game would be decided in the final seconds.

                        4th Quarter

The Suns started off the final quarter with their bench, while the Lakers had two starters, Kobe and Andrew on the floor.   Just as expected, the bench played with energy and maintained the lead.  The reserves were lights-out from behind the arc, and the Lakers could not close out on them.  With 6:47 left in the game, the Suns’ 2nd unit opened up a 98-89 lead.   The Lakers’ struggles continued and their shots were not falling down.  A typical possession for the Lakers consisted of poor ball movement and a three at the end of the shot clock.  The Suns expanded their lead to thirteen with fewer than 4 minutes left; the Lakers did not execute on the offensive end and settled with outside shots.  Kobe tried to carry his team to victory but Phoenix hit big shot after big shot and sealed the game.   The Suns forced the ball out of Kobe’s hands and made Artest and Odom shoot jumpers.  The final score was Suns 115, Lakers 106.  Kobe was the Lakers leading scorer with 38 points, but the Lakers lost the game and were going back to Staples Center tied 2-2.

                        Final Thoughts

The Lakers were obviously troubled by the Suns’ zone; it hurt them in Game 3 and also in Game 4.  The Lakers did not drive into the paint, but instead they threw up 28 threes and only made 9.

Also, the Lakers’ bench was once again a non-factor as the scored 20 points, while the Suns’ bench scored 54.

The Lakers have to find a way to solve the zone and regain their focus, in order to beat the Phoenix Suns. 

Fighting through the adversity

Ramneet Singh

“Adversity is a fact of life. It can't be controlled, but what we can control is how we react to it.”

            The 09-10 season for the Los Angeles Lakers has been a roller-coaster, with both ups and downs.  At certain points the Lakers will play at a sub-par level, while at other times they look as though they can not be beaten. 

            The regular season featured a Lakers team that finished at a surprising 57-25 record, with losses against teams like the Clippers, Rockets, Raptors and Hornets.

             Entering the 2010 playoffs, the Lakers lost 6 of their last 10 games and many Laker fans were unsure as to how their team would perform against the young Oklahoma City Thunder.

            “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.”  The Lakers got an early wake- up call during the first round of the 2010 playoffs, when they were tied, 2-2, against the 8th seeded Thunder.  The speculations grew and most people were in shock by the Thunder’s ability to stand up to the Lakers.  The Lakers were in the same situation as the ’07 Mavericks; both top seeded teams were tied up at 2-2 and faced adversity much earlier than expected.  However, unlike the Mavs who were unable to overcome the adversity and beat the Warriors, the Lakers refocused and put away the Thunder.

             All of the Lakers’ doubts and uncertainties quickly vanished when they beat the Thunder in 6 and won the clincher in the hectic Ford Center.  The media and the fans went from questioning the Lakers’ ability, to considering them the team to beat again.

            As the Lakers were gearing up to face the Utah Jazz, many people believed that the series would be an easy one for Los Angeles.  But there were still people who “hated” on the team and particularly their star Kobe Bryant, for being too “old.”   From the avid fans across the world to the NBA analysts, people considered Kobe Bryant as someone who lost that “step.”  Charles Barkley believed that King Bryant could no longer take over games or be that dominant player that we have come to love.  From the early stages of his career, Kobe Bryant has fought through adversity and every time he has answered the call and kept the “haters” quiet. 

            Game 3 of the second round was proof that Number 24 still had that superstar ability. Bryant absolutely took over the game and led his team to a commanding 3-0 series lead.  Many naysayers would say, “He had one good game, so what?”  Well just in case they didn’t know, Kobe has been consistent all postseason long.  In Game 4, Kobe put up another brilliant show, pouring in 32 points. Not bad for an “old man” huh?

            Fighting through adversity has become a habit for the Lakers.  The Lake Show had to prove to the world last year that they were capable of winning a ring.  Pau Gasol always has to deal with the tag “soft” and Kobe has been fighting all throughout his career.

            In the next round, the Lakers will meet up with the Phoenix Suns and as usual, the haters are hating --again.  Despite the fact that the Lakers dominated in Game 1 and Kobe dropped 40 points, the critics still didn’t give the Lakers the credit they deserved.  Suns’ forward Amare Stoudmire called Lamar’s 19 and 19 a “lucky performance.”  In that case, Lamar has had many “lucky” games in his career.   

            However, we have to ignore those comments, and believe in our Lakers to silence the critics and raise that 16th trophy.  We know Kobe will fight, we know Pau will fight, we know the Lakers will fight, and as the Lakers Nation we must always fight!