The Western Conference’s Best Team: L.A. Lakers or San Antonio Spurs?

[MC KAos]

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES!!!!!!!!

Oh sorry I thought it said worst


Carry on :

Lakers will take out the Spurs in 6.

Fundamental flopping?

I agree.

wow, your on FULL hater mode!!

 

[Route 66]

Nah, Im really not. But doing that nice thing wasnt going well so I figured Id let loose. Rather be cordial but I dont like saying Have a Nice Day and then be insulted the next reply so for now Ill treat it just like "when in Rome..."

:

 

[zrinkill]

wow, your on FULL hater mode!!

Jealousy is an ugly thing.

 

[Nors]

Lakers looking solid since adding Gasol

 

[Yeagermeister]

I agree ..... unless the Lakers show some halfcourt D that they have not shown so far.

I hope they don't expect Gasol to help with that. He will rebound and score but that's it.

 

[zrinkill]

I hope they don't expect Gasol to help with that. He will rebound and score but that's it.

Thats what I think as well.

 

[khiladi]

All they had was Kobe, now they have Gasol and the much improved Bynum...Kobe just puts them at another level.

As I said, fundamental basketball always beats a couple of all-stars. Those match-ups don't change a thing for the Spurs, who just added Kurt Thomas for defense. Gasol and Bynum are still going to have to match up against both Thomas and Tim Duncan who are better defensive players than either of the two. Couple that with Tim Duncan scoring... Tony Parker is gonna get more than Derrick Fisher is consistently... plus, Ginobli is good for a 30 point game on any given day which will essentially off-shoot a lot of the points of Kobe a couple of games... The SPurs are a much better defensive team than the Lakers, plus they have scoring options.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers lose the first round. The West is so tight right now, and every team is good, they could lose first round. I would be shocked if the Spurs lose the first round, precisely because they win consistently in the play-offs no matter their opponents.

Fundamental flopping?

I agree.

No matter how much you hate Ginobli, the guy is an absolute baller.

 

[Route 66]

I really dont hate the guy. He does play well overall but the flopping has gotten old and ridiculous. But yes, hes a good ball player and steps it up.

 

[gazmc_06]

As I said, fundamental basketball always beats a couple of all-stars. Those match-ups don't change a thing for the Spurs, who just added Kurt Thomas for defense. Gasol and Bynum are still going to have to match up against both Thomas and Tim Duncan who are better defensive players than either of the two. Couple that with Tim Duncan scoring... Tony Parker is gonna get more than Derrick Fisher is consistently... plus, Ginobli is good for a 30 point game on any given day which will essentially off-shoot a lot of the points of Kobe a couple of games... The SPurs are a much better defensive team than the Lakers, plus they have scoring options.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers lose the first round. The West is so tight right now, and every team is good, they could lose first round. I would be shocked if the Spurs lose the first round, precisely because they win consistently in the play-offs no matter their opponents.



No matter how much you hate Ginobli, the guy is an absolute baller.

I have to say, you're seriously under-raitng the Lakers here. A fundamental team doesn't always beat stars either, Detroit were an amazing fundamental team last year and lost to one star in Lebron, The Spurs lost a few times to the Shaq-Kobe star duo Lakers....I'd say Duncan beats Bynum and Gasol, but Bynum and Gasol both beat Thomas and Kobe beats Manu.

Not saying the Lakers will win, but they certainly are just as good.

 

[Route 66]

The Lakers are hungrier this year by far than the Spurs.

 

[Biggems]

The Lakers are hungrier this year by far than the Spurs.

and how do u know this.....apparently Pop locks his players up in a kennel for days at a time without food or water.

 

[Route 66]

People have their own ideals about life, sports and other related subjects. If one feels like the Lakers are hungrier, and I most certainly do, then I have that right. Im not going to sweat it that I didnt put in a big old I M O before my post.

Get over it.

 

[khiladi]

I have to say, you're seriously under-raitng the Lakers here. A fundamental team doesn't always beat stars either, Detroit were an amazing fundamental team last year and lost to one star in Lebron, The Spurs lost a few times to the Shaq-Kobe star duo Lakers....I'd say Duncan beats Bynum and Gasol, but Bynum and Gasol both beat Thomas and Kobe beats Manu.

Not saying the Lakers will win, but they certainly are just as good.

Of course there are exceptions. But the fact is, Detroit is always competing for the championship because they are fundamentally sound. A Cleveland may get through occasionally, but Detroit will always be there.

Further, how can you say the Lakers are just as good based upon a little more than half season? The Spurs have a tendency to turn it on after the all-star break, and they play their best basketball in the play-offs. We have no way of predicting how the Lakers may act in the play-offs, while we do have some historical trends regarding the Spurs.

 

[Danny White]

Tim Legler of ESPN projects Western Conference playoff matchups... has Spurs and Lakers meeting in Finals.

Here's a look at how the Western Conference playoffs would shape up, based on Monday's standings. Plenty of room for teams to move up and down here -- Phoenix elevated to No. 5 after these were written -- and we can expect changes in the projected pairings on almost a daily basis.

FIRST ROUND

No. 1. San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Golden State Warriors The Spurs have too much discipline for the Warriors. San Antonio, as usual, is playing its best basketball as the playoffs approach and Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili have not played heavy minutes all season. They also have more depth than ever with the acquisitions of Kurt Thomas and Damon Stoudamire, plus the addition of Ime Udoka to the rotation. They will force the tempo to slow down and their half-court defense will force Golden State into an array of forced shots. (Spurs in 5)

No. 2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks

The Lakers now have the most complete offensive team in basketball. As Sunday proved when Kobe Bryant lit up Dallas for 52 points, the Mavs have no answer for Bryant defensively now that Kobe has Pau Gasol's versatility for teams to deal with. If Andrew Bynum returns to the rotation in time for the playoffs, the Lakers size will dominate the Mavs front line. (Lakers In 6)

No. 3 New Orleans Hornets vs No. 6 Phoenix Suns

It is no fluke that the Hornets swept the Suns in four games this season. Chris Paul's eyes light up when he sees the Suns, especially now that Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire are the primary pick-and-roll defenders to help Steve Nash try to keep Paul out of the lane.

The Suns have lost their ability to run teams off the floor and they miss Shawn Marion's rebounding, athleticism and defense more than they ever imagined. (Hornets in 6)

No. 4 Utah Jazz vs No. 5 Houston Rockets

This would be very competitive series, despite Yao Ming's absence. The Jazz are 26-3 at home and that will mean a lot in this series. Deron Williams took it to another level in the postseason last spring and is poised for another run.

Houston defends (fourth in points allowed), takes care of the ball (fourth fewest turnovers), and rebounds (second overall), but Tracy McGrady will need more scoring help than this team can provide. (Jazz in 7)

SECOND ROUND

San Antonio vs. Utah Jazz

A rematch of the West finals from a year ago, these teams are mirror images of each other. They both have outstanding point guards in Parker and Deron Williams, dominant big men in Tim Duncan and Carlos Boozer, and a deep complement of role players and shooters. The difference in the series would be Ginobili. He has returned to the form that made him a legit Finals MVP candidate in 2005 and gives the Spurs the additional playmaker down the stretch that Utah lacks. (Spurs in 6)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets

This is all about matchups. The Lakers' ability to negate the size up front of Tyson Chandler and David West with Bynum and Gasol takes away a big part of the Hornets' advantage. The one thing the Hornets lack is a big, athletic wing defender to use on Bryant.

He will put up big numbers.Paul is special but at least the Lakers have two solid defenders in Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar to chase Paul around all night. Finally, the biggest problem for N.O. Will be Lamar Odom in the post and off the dribble against Peja Stojakovic. Hornets aren't quite ready for this kind of leap. (Lakers in 6)

WEST FINALS

San Antonio vs. Los Angeles Lakers

It is awfully difficult to pick against the Spurs with a Finals appearance on the line, but it's Kobe's year in the West. For much of the same reasons that they match up well with the Hornets, the Lakers have an answer at every position to combat the Spurs' balance offensively.

Ultimately, it will hinge on which team makes plays down the stretch and Kobe Bryant is unmatched in crunch-time situations. Gasol's addition was the piece that put the Lakers over the top. Duncan won't be able to rest against the likes of Kwame Brown or Chris Mihm. He will have to work. As will Ginobili against Kobe. The Lakers finally break through without Shaq, and Phil Jackson gets a shot at his tenth ring. (Lakers in 7)

FWIW, I can't see the Lakers winning a Game 7 IN San Antonio.

 

[gazmc_06]

Of course there are exceptions. But the fact is, Detroit is always competing for the championship because they are fundamentally sound. A Cleveland may get through occasionally, but Detroit will always be there.

Further, how can you say the Lakers are just as good based upon a little more than half season? The Spurs have a tendency to turn it on after the all-star break, and they play their best basketball in the play-offs. We have no way of predicting how the Lakers may act in the play-offs, while we do have some historical trends regarding the Spurs.

What you've done in previous years doesn't mean it will happen again this year, a new season is a new season for everybody. The Pistons really showed up and won for the first time in 2004, a dynasty has to start somewhere. We'll see what happens, I'm confident in the Lakers though.

 

[kev8822]

I have to go with the Spurs this year. I hope my Lakers pull it off, but I think inexperience, and injuries will do them in. I just hope them make the WCF and get some exp. I really want to see the lineup of Bynum, Gasol, and Odom. I don't know how well Odom will fit in.

FWIW Vegas odd makers are saying the Lakers will be the favorite next year.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

If Bynum comes back strong, then I think it's the Lakers. I don't even really think it will be close. Spurs, IMO, will have a very tough time matching up against the Lakers front court. In the past, Duncan has been able to give help defensively in the post when playing teams with strong Centers. Because Gasol has a perimiter game that allows him to shoot the 3 effectively, I don't think Duncan is going to be able to help a lot with interior defense. I expect he will probably have to play Gasol strait up. If you cheat on Gasol, he will spot up and make the three or cut to the basket and dunk on you. Duncan may be able to nutralize Gasol but I don't think he will be able to stop Bynum. I don't believe that you have anybody on your roster who matches up well with Bynum, other then Duncan. If you match him up with Bynum in the post, then Gasol is going to kill you. You don't have anybody, IMO, who can play big on Gasol, other then Duncan. Gasol will shoot right over anybody else or out quick then to the basket. That's how I see it.

 

[zrinkill]

If Bynum comes back strong, then I think it's the Lakers. I don't even really think it will be close. Spurs, IMO, will have a very tough time matching up against the Lakers front court. In the past, Duncan has been able to give help defensively in the post when playing teams with strong Centers. Because Gasol has a perimiter game that allows him to shoot the 3 effectively, I don't think Duncan is going to be able to help a lot with interior defense. I expect he will probably have to play Gasol strait up. If you cheat on Gasol, he will spot up and make the three or cut to the basket and dunk on you. Duncan may be able to nutralize Gasol but I don't think he will be able to stop Bynum. I don't believe that you have anybody on your roster who matches up well with Bynum, other then Duncan. If you match him up with Bynum in the post, then Gasol is going to kill you. You don't have anybody, IMO, who can play big on Gasol, other then Duncan. Gasol will shoot right over anybody else or out quick then to the basket. That's how I see it.

I think you underestimate Kurt Thomas's defensive ability.

 

[MC KAos]

If Bynum comes back strong, then I think it's the Lakers. I don't even really think it will be close. Spurs, IMO, will have a very tough time matching up against the Lakers front court. In the past, Duncan has been able to give help defensively in the post when playing teams with strong Centers. Because Gasol has a perimiter game that allows him to shoot the 3 effectively, I don't think Duncan is going to be able to help a lot with interior defense. I expect he will probably have to play Gasol strait up. If you cheat on Gasol, he will spot up and make the three or cut to the basket and dunk on you. Duncan may be able to nutralize Gasol but I don't think he will be able to stop Bynum. I don't believe that you have anybody on your roster who matches up well with Bynum, other then Duncan. If you match him up with Bynum in the post, then Gasol is going to kill you. You don't have anybody, IMO, who can play big on Gasol, other then Duncan. Gasol will shoot right over anybody else or out quick then to the basket. That's how I see it.

haha, i would LOVE for gasol to stay out of the paint and just shoot jump shots, if he does that the lakers have NO chance. Duncan is not gonna chase him around either, duncan will be guarding/abusing bynum, who people are putting WAY too much stock in, he was good, but i mean, come on, and he is coming off a serious injury, its not like he is gonna come back this year and be as good as he was earlier, and that even wasnt that great to warrant people to think if he comes back the lakers are unstoppable. Bynum is good and gasol is great but like dirk, has always messed up in the spotlight. Its all about Kobe Bryant, plain and simple. And it wont be easy for them, plus, since when does gasol shoot threes? you sure your not thinking of dirk?

 

[kev8822]

^^^^

Up until his injury he was the 3rd best center in the NBA behind Dwight, and Yao.