DISCLAIMER:  IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN "INCEPTION" YET, PLEASE DO NOT GO FURTHER.  YOU WILL ONLY SPOIL YOURSELF OF A TRUE CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE.

So I just came back from having seen one of the best movies ever and easily this year's top film in terms of story, tempo, acting, visuals, etc.  For the fellow SS&R's who have seen the movie, I want to put this thread so everyone who has seen it can discuss a lot of the movie's interesting possibilities the audience was left with in the end.  I want to hear from the fellow, witty, intelligent and eloquent fans and writers from SS&R about their opinions and interpretations (esp. the ending).

Okay, if you haven't seen it and you're still reading this, do not continue as the ending is mentioned below, and you wouldn't want to ruin it for yourself.

Continue reading this post »

I was only 5 years old when he bolted out of Orlando to head to LA so I wasn't aware of how big the Shaquisition (let alone Shaq or the NBA) was back then.  We all know how great (MVP, scoring title, 3-peat, 3 finals MVPs) and bad (conditioning, 03-04 finals, break-up) that turned out to be.  Having just read Dex's fantastic "what if" article, it was meant to be for him to be shipped out.  Anyhow, going back on point.

I went on to do some research and found that in his 4 year career in Orlando, Shaq posted averages of 27.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 4.2 ORPG, 2.8 BPG, 0.581 FG%.

Courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com, on Orlando's All-Time List, Shaq is:

• 1st in Blocks Per Game with 2.8.  Dwight after SIX seasons is at 2.1.
• 2nd in Points Per Game  with 27.2
• 2nd in Rebounds Per Game with 12.5
• 2nd in Total Blocks with 824.
• 2nd in Field Goal % at 0.581%
• 2nd in Field Goals Made with 3208
• 2nd in Total Offensive Rebounds with 1236
• 3rd in Total Defensive Rebounds with 2455

His career averages and numbers in Orlando are shown in the tables below:

As you can see from those spectacular numbers, he was pretty damn good for a 24 year old just about to hit free agency.  I'm not sure of the exact nuances as to why he left Orlando (front office management issues, not liking the city of Orlando, better roster in LA vs. bad roster in Orlando, or the irresistible allure of Los Angeles), but he left Orlando, and it didn't go well for the people and the team back in Orlando.  Maybe you guys who've been around longer than I have can fill in the blanks here.

He signed in LA for a 7-year, $126 million contract.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that was the most expensive contract signed in the NBA back then.  Did Orlando have more money to offer? (Again, please fill in the blanks and discuss).

Now let's look at this year's crème de la crème of the free agents in LeBron Raymone James.  In a matter of hours, he'll soon have all the attention of the teams who are courting him.  I know here at SS&R, he's not the most-liked person for various reasons.  I'm not a big fan of him either but I can't deny that he's a phenomenal player nonetheless.  (Kobe still reigns supreme in the league...) 

His career averages and numbers below:

Remember that LeBron had more years b/c he went straight from high school, whereas Shaq spent 3 years at LSU.  The statistics are there to tell a lot, but not everything. Those are all impressive numbers that we can't deny.  An Oscar Robertson-lite if you will.

Anyways, my point is that there are a lot of parallels between Shaq and LeBron.  In their careers leading up to their respective free agencies (FA), both have done the following:

• Both are former Rookie of the Years
• Both have a scoring title
  
• Both have led their teams to the Finals (and failed - swept for both of them). 
  
• Both are around the same age when hitting free agency (Shaq - 24 to LBJ - 25).
  
• Although LeBron has won back-to-back MVP awards, Shaq was the youngest player (only 4 year career + 24 years old ) to be named to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time List, which was named after the '95-'96 season.  To get mentioned on that list is incredible.  He made it over the likes of Dominique Wilkins, who was more than just dunking the shit out of the rim and on people, mind you.

At such young stages in their careers leading up to free agency, both have had phenomenal careers, and I see many parallels between the two.  I can also envision what can happen if LeBron leaves Cleveland and how crushed that city and team would be.  The repercussions of LeBron leaving are countless.  So I'll leave it up to you whether you guys see the parallels as much as I do or not, plus a possible picture of what can happen...

To become the biggest douche in all of Cleveland.

First and foremost, we're all bitter about tonight's loss.  I'm not going to give any game recap here.
I'm just here to bring an optimistic and positive atmosphere back in SS&R.

We should realize that the series is not over yet.

A few interesting and reassuring thoughts to mention out there.

• Last time I checked, we are still the defending champs.  We just haven't played like ones lately, but I believe we'll pull through.
• It's highly unlikely that the Celtics are going to shoot 56% from the field again.
• The Celtics bench seems more effective when at home.  Back in LA, I don't think they'll be as effective.
• Pau is bound to respond back in the home court.
• Pierce won't explode again like he did tonight.  Garnett and Ray have had their share.  Containing Rondo will be the key.
• The Celtics in this year's postseason went up 3-0 against the Magic.  They went on to lose 2 in a row before closing it out at HOME.  Celtics now have the opportunity to close out the Lakers, but I believe that if the Magic can win 2 in a row when faced with elimination, why can't we?
• Of the 25 previous times the series was tied 2-2 (in the 2-3-2 format), the winner of game 5 won the championship 19 times.  6 have rallied down from the 3-2 deficit, proving that it's not impossible.
• Of those 6 times who rallied, 2 of them had Home Court Advantage in Games 6 and 7:  Our 1988 Lakers against the Pistons and the 1994 Rockets against the New York Knicks.  The 1988 Lakers won their title that year to repeat.
• Phil Jackson's stat that is on the line but still relieving: 47-0 in winning a series after winning game 1.  I still believe that zero will be intact.
  
• The Winner of Game 3 stat:  Tied at 1-1, the previous winners of Game 3 were 10-0 in winning the championship.  Again, the 1988 Lakers were tied 1-1 and won Game 3 on the road and they eventually fell down 3-2, but still rallied to win it in 7.  So it can be done!

If there are any other positive things you guys can think about, please feel free to discuss below.  We need to ride the storm and be positive.  We need to rep our fanhood and BELIEVE in our LAKERS!  LET'S GO LA!

Yes game 2 was very disappointing on many levels.  The offense was terrible overall.  The bench was nowhere to be seen. Lamar is still chillen' hard.  Kobe had foul troubles.  The whole game and game 1 were both disrupted in terms of flow because of all the fouls being called.  The officiating in tonight's game was pretty bad, esp. with the replay incident when Gar knocked it out.

Despite all the shortcomings, I don't think we should start panicking because we lost our home court advantage.  Honestly, i'm not surprised that the series is tied 1-1; the Celtics are a terrific road team.  I believe that the Lakers will show up on the road for the next 3 games with the same mentalities displayed in the closeout games of the previous series.

Why the Celtics won can be solely attributed to Walter Ray Allen.  The man displayed his shooting brilliance, and it was bound to happen in one of the games in the series.  At least his 3 pt explosion is out of the way.  I expect him to be consistent but not hit 8 threes again; he'll prob hit 3-5 per game but not at such an efficient rate and also not left uncontested; we've clearly learned our lesson to not go off him to help out on Perkins (I'm talking about you Shannon Brown).  I think part of Ray's effectiveness from the start had to do with the Lakers realizing that Ray Allen was actually playing in the game and not in foul trouble (while our own SG Kobe had his own foul issues).  Ray was a complete non-factor in game 1.

Rondo's finally figured out to run the floor quicker to hit guys in transition.  I'm sure from watching video in the following days, the Lakers can make adjustments against him.  Oh and also to stick to Ray like glue at all times.  I'm confident the Lakers will make the proper adjustments heading into Boston.  Phil will motivate his players as always.

Some reassuring facts that we should point to:

• With the exception of the two Celtics mentioned above, everyone else in the past two games has been inefficient.  KG has clearly lost his explosiveness and effectiveness at both ends.  The man is still useful but nowhere near the monster he was in '08.  Pau got him into foul trouble early.
• Paul Pierce has been bothered by Ron's terrific defense and imposing physical presence, though Ron had a forgettable offensive night.  I really do believe Ron is doing a great job on Pierce.  The man will get to the line but his effectiveness has decreased and he's nowhere near producing like he did in '08 when Vlad-Rad was covering him.
• Boston's bench is not really that impressive.  The only positive sign I've noticed has been Nate Robinson of all people.  He's provided good energy and boost during his playing time.  Tony Allen cannot shut down Kobe.  Rasheed has been subpar.  Though Glen Davis was good tonight, he had a lot of his stuff blocked down low; he's just too short, but still a fatass.
• The beast inside Lamar Odom has yet to be awakened.  I'm pretty sure he's hearing it from the fans and media now since he's been pretty much absent the past two games.  I'm expecting him to step up big time in Boston and get inside KG's grill.
• Pau and Drew had fantastic games.  It's a shame that their valiant efforts (esp. Drew's) were wasted.  We learn from tonight that Bynum's presence is just all the difference.  I don't think Drew will have this good a game again in the series, but he'll still control the paint effectively with Pau.
• It's a shame Kobe didn't go to Pau down the stretch with some pick and roll plays.  Hopefully, Kobe and Pau can exploit this strength in the following games and esp. down the closing minutes.
  
• I'm still a fan of Kobe guarding Rondo.  However, Kobe should be more careful when backing Rondo down cause Rondo can easily pick his pocket.  Again, adjustments will be made.
• Lastly, the Celtics haven't been that consistent a home team.  We'll need to open game 3 with a bang and silence the boston mob.

From the points above, I really don't think it should be that much of a state of panic in Lakers Nation.
The NBA, where adjustments happen.

The pieces are set.  Players will rest.  Fans are ready.  The media will be salivating.  The most historic rivalry in the NBA (not Sasha vs Goran, mind you) featuring our beloved Lakers vs the Boston Celtics will once again take centerstage in the month of June.  This series will be one of many compelling stories:  will Kobe get his 5th (which will tie him with Magic and Kareem) and get banner no. 16 for LA?  will Boston once again prove doubters wrong and win #18 or will their age take its toll on them at this late in the postseason?

All of us are aware that this year is the one for "revenge."  We just knocked off the Suns, props to Alvin Gentry, Steve Nash (I admire them as respectable individuals).  No props to Amar'''''''''''''e Stoudemire who showed LeBron-esque class by walking off the court without any congratulatory acknowledgment. I don't know about you guys but I think Alvin Gentry is a fantastic coach for what he did with that team.

Moving on, the next one for revenge are the Celtics.  The Celtics are fully aware of this and will not just die and roll over and hand us our 16th.  This will be obviously a much tougher series.  Although we have Home Court Advantage, the Celtics have won the past two series not having that luxury by being an excellent road team.  We must protect our home floor like never before.  Celebrities must be deported (besides Jack) and true Lakers fans donning Lakers gear and jersey and all kinds of Lakers paraphernalia should be sitting courtside and screaming on top of their lungs.  We must also become the formidable road team that showed the killer instinct in Game 6's closeouts (in both OKC and PHX).

The Celtics defense is much better than Suns (which we struggled to figure out for some wackass reason in Games 3 and 4), but not the same as their insanely suffocating one of '08.  KG is no longer that defensive player of the year but still looks healthier now than he has all year.  Perkins can hold his ground in the post.  Rondo is the All-Defensive 1st Team guard with Kobe.  Tony Allen is their best perimeter defender off the bench and he's improved somewhat from that time I would say (but not James Posey-status).

From the PHX series, we outshot the Suns from downtown.  It shows we might have gotten the touch back though I would not rely on it.  Artest looks like he broke out of the funk, but I would hope he concern himself by holding Paul Pierce down [insert wheelchair joke, "i'm the best player in the world", or "i'm one of the best shooters in NBA history" references here].

Elaborating further on this, Ron Artest, the former DPoY, and 2-time All-Defensive 1st team member, must rise up to the occasion for what we signed him for.  Artest did a phenomenal job holding Kevin Durant way below his normal shooting percentages.  Sure, Durant is the better player now, but Pierce isn't stupid and has more experience than Durant.  Artest, just do your thing on D here and make the occasional 3 pointer.  Your entry into the Lakers club was validated with your gamewinning tip in Game 5, but to get into the VIP section, we want to read headlines on how you shut down Paul Pierce which led us to our 16th.

Rondo.  This kid has some grit and flair to his game.  He's a creative playmaker and tenacious perimeter defender.  We would probably want to gouge out our eyes if Mr. Intangibles Fisher were to be guarding him throughout.  We'll probably see Kobe guard Rondo from time to time if Rondo is going ape shit.  His mid-range has somewhat gotten better but only slightly.  We should still give him tons of space when guarding him.  Ray Allen is enough of a menace running through those screens and to cover from downtown.

Pau Gasol.  The Spaniard.  The Spanish Fly.  Boom Boom Pau.  Umm did you have some of the same stuff Alvin Gentry had before Game 5 when you were playing in Game 6 earlier tonight?  Your play was ATROCIOUS.  I had to use that picture above because for the past few games, you have been Ama'''''''''''''e's BITCH.  What happened to the 2-time All-NBA 3rd Teamer, the most-skilled post player in the league?  You were so dominant in these playoffs and drastically cooled off after Game 2.  Game 6's performance was an epic fail on your part.  You need to come out and go HARD at the basket instead of giving us your primal screams near the hoop.  Where are the hook shots, the spins, the face-up jumper and the fakes and crisp passes?  If you keep delivering stink bombs like the past few performances, the soft label will be bestowed upon you forever since you already failed against the C's in '08.  Last year's Finals was a minor redemption.  It's time to step up, PAU! and I know you will :D

This time around we have Bynum's presence (notice how I didn't say a healthy Bynum since it looks like we'll never have one in the Playoffs...just kidding, hopefully he can be durable in the future), and LO coming off the bench to greatly bolster our mind-boggling 2nd unit.  The Celts don't have much depth either.  Sheed's been very inconsistent to the point of making LO look consistent.  Nate was sparsely used until Game 6 and I doubt that he'll erupt again.  Tony Allen is just a defender, though he's got more offensive game that Thabo.  Having Bynum will be good for us. Pau will hopefully figure his way out against KG in this second coming.  The analysis goes on...

We could go on and on about what this means to Kobe.  Obviously, it's a big deal.  Kobe's possible 5th, tying him with Magic.  Debates will rage whether he's the GLOAT.  One less than MJ.  His possible 2nd Finals MVP.  Back to back for the Lakers.  Phil getting his 11th to seriously put away that ridiculous argument if he's the greatest coach ever for all you stupid doubters.  Yeah the man had MJ, Kobe, and Shaq, but those amazing players didn't win jack shit until he arrived.  Phil will most likely return and end the outlandish speculation of teaming up with that dude who pads his stats and dances around and chokes in the playoffs. If the Lakers lose, then the speculation about PJ's future will go on; also, what moves in the offseason will we make?  Even if we win we need to strengthen our bench and find a shooter and a PG that is smart enough to learn the triangle.  If boston wins, the Big Three's legacy will be boosted...don't want to elaborate on this crap.

So all in all, whatever happens after this finals is a big fucking deal.  More than that over-hyped free agency media bullshit.

Look who really thinks he's the hot stuff now.

4.20.10 Daily Dime

"They call me The Closer every time I come in in the fourth quarter,'' said James, who made 16 of 23 shots. "That's my time to put the game away or do what I do best, and that's just try to close the game the right way. Am I always successful? Not all the time, but it makes me stronger when I'm not always successful. I know how to react the next time I'm in that situation. So it's great to actually live up to what those guys now are starting to call me, The Closer.'' - LeBron James

I know he can take over a game, but does he seriously believe he's a closer and of likenesses of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Jerry West, and even Mariano Rivera?

I respect LeBron and think he's a great player.  I just hate his fans and the media for so ignorantly falling in love with him and following every little aspect of what he does.  I can keep going but this is a Lakers blog.

Just wanted to bring it up because it's somehow related to our beloved Black Mamba.

What are your thoughts on LeBron's new declaration?

My takes on the recipients for the major end of the year awards.

MVP:  LeBron James

Defensive Player of the Year:  Dwight Howard

Rookie of the Year:  Tyreke Evans

Sixth Man of the Year:  Jamal Crawford

Most Improved Player:  Aaron Brooks

Coach of the Year:  Nate McMillan

All-NBA 1st Team:

G Kobe Bryant

G Dwyane Wade

F Kevin Durant

F LeBron James

C Dwight Howard

All-NBA 2nd Team:

G Steve Nash

G Deron Williams

F Carmelo Anthony

F Dirk Nowitzki

C Amar'e Stoudemire (listed at C for All-Star game)

All-NBA 3rd Team:

G Chauncey Billups

G Joe Johnson

F Pau Gasol

F Tim Duncan

C Andrew Bogut

All-Defensive 1st Team:

G Kobe Bryant

G Rajon Rondo

F LeBron James

F Josh Smith

C Dwight Howard

All-Defensive 2nd Team:

G Dwyane Wade

G Thabo Sefolosha

F Gerald Wallace

F Ron Artest

C Andrew Bogut

What do you guys think? My list isn't probably the same as yours.

So this recent road trip was a complete disaster going 2-3.  Phil had said before the trip that 4-1 would be good but that's not what champions aspire for.  Clearly still this team hasn't woken up.  As mentioned in numerous previous posts, at this point of the season it's not that they haven't woken up.  Our Lakers, as much as we get antsy rooting for them when they're not playing 100%, have struggled offensively.  People have said things like the addition of Artest, bench struggles, Pau's inconsistency (and missing a lot of games), and the overall health of the team.  Injuries have wreaked havoc starting from our superstar.

Everyone knows Kobe has dropped off from his MVP status in the first half of the season before the injury.  All things considered, people were saying that Kobe was the clear-cut MVP with his game winners and the Lakers playing great ball before Christmas.  I'm not sure the exact record post-xmas but I know that it's been a little above avg to Lakers' standards.

I just watched the fanshot that shaqfor3 posted.  I miss that team with the swagger and killer instinct; the offense would click on all cylinders, it just looked like they had FUN playing ball, ya know?  Those teams (or should I say last year's team) it seems to me were on a mission dedicated from the start of the season and being consistent.  Everyone was focused in proving something and was playing with a chip on their shoulder. 

This scene with Kobe and Pau on the bench in the 4th quarter in blowouts has rarely been seen.  (did we even have one this year? lol)

Now this year, it's the season to repeat and defend.  I clearly think some of these players are way too complacent with just taking it all last year.  With the exception of Kobe, Pau, and LO, I don't see consistent signs from the other guys on a nightly basis saying that we want to win every time.  Why don't these other dudes have any incentives to keep wanting to win and win and win and not get sick of it.  One title is not enough; you have Kobe friggin Bryant on the team.  The hunger is everlasting.

This team just seems way too satisfied with last year's title.  Yeah, the Lakers of 00-01 had an 11-game dropoff (56-26) from the first team of the 3peat who went 67-15.  Maybe history shows us how consistency can be hard to maintain.  In general, repeating a championship is so difficult in all of professional sports, but those that do manage to do so stand out from the other champs.  Spurs winning 3 titles in alternating years from '03 to '07 obviously doesn't have the same ring to it as the 3 peat champs.  I would say even back-to-back titles are remembered more than alternating. 

So that's my rant of this Lakers team.  I want to focus this article on Kobe and his legacy.  Kobe is 31.  He came straight out of high school, already has a lot of mileage on him and already in his 14th season.  As we have seen in this season, the prominent prep-to-pros (Garnett, McGrady, and Jermaine, though Jermaine's kinda sucked since he left Indy) have aged as if 30 was the new 40.  Kobe clearly knows this as he has also fallen victim of a myriad of injuries.  He's playing through them.  This is what separates him from KG and T-Mac.  Kobe's mentality is unparalleled and his love for the game transcends all. 

Part of me says he's playing through them because of his love and another part because he would know how the media would be quick to judge how he (being the prep-to-pros) has fallen to the dreadful list of those who have quickly aged.  However, I do know that KG and Tracy have gone down because their knees no longer exist and Kobe has not had a severe knee injury (knock on wood).  He's dealt with injuries from that index finger and the other fingers he's opted NOT to do surgery on, his back, ankle, etc, but if he took an extended period of time off (like 15+ games), the media would be all over him and then of course immediately put LeBron on that pedestal in being the alpha dog saying that Kobe is too "old" and other bs. 

Ever since the Colorado incident, Kobe has done so much to rebuild his image and cement his legacy as one of the top 15 greatest players ever (or top 10 depending on your POV):  1 MVP, 1 finals mvp and championship, 2 scoring titles, 81 pt game, 62 in 3 quarters, 4 straight 50+ games, garnering more all-nba and all-defensive honors, etc.  He has been the alpha dog (and still is today) since I would say the 02-03 season.  Remember in this year's all-star game, Kobe not LBJ got the loudest ovation from the fans. 

Just imagine how the general fan would view Kobe once the media would be all over his nuts saying that Kobe's too old and cannot play due to his injuries, etc. and that he's on his decline.  To me it would be devastating.  Kobe, being the incredibly smart person he is, knows the possibilities.  As mentioned before, his killer instinct and love for the game drive him on.  I know Kobe is FAR from being done.  He'll need to rest big time after this year regardless of what happens (championship or not) and then show everyone that the healthy Black Mamba reigns supreme over this league.

Kobe's legacy will be strengthened with more championships.  One more, and he ties our beloved Magic.  Two more, and ties Air.  Three more and the debates will become fiery and chaotic over who the greatest 2-guard is; some will say 7 (or more) rings triumphs the 6 as the main basis for their argument (since people having been saying MJ 6 to Kobe's 4) though I still think regardless His Airness will be the greatest ever.  What MJ did for the game of basketball was revolutionary.  That's a whole different argument that I will not go into.  I'll leave it in a poll.

Anyways, I just hope as C.A. said in that the Lakers will get that luck back along with waking up.  It's a new season in the playoffs and the more important one.  Hopefully the Lakers will return and tear shit up and repeat or 1-up what the 00-01 lakers did by going 16-0.  Who knows, anything is possible.

Bleh, this is my first FanPost so I'm sorry if you feel I'm all over the place, but cut me some slack. :]