Little late to the thread here, sorry...busy moving this weekend. Well, the series is all wrapped up now, and I didn't like Minny's chances in LA anyways. That was a game they could (and probably would) have won, if Rush hadn't shot out of his mind last night. I can stomach it a little better, since Rush is about the only player on the Lakers that I like at all really. Kobe I think has been pretty respectful lately (in the playoffs), so he hasn't been bothering me quite as much lately either. Shaq...well, he still rams, so that's still a problem. Anyways, I'll give a congrats to the Lakers fans, since we're all friends here
. I do think a Detroit - LA Finals matchup could be interesting though. We'll see if the 'Stons can finish off the Pacers tonight now.
You know, last night was another example (and Lakers fans like Matt have even said this) that Phil Jackson is a terribly over-rated coach. Sure, we hear all the time how he "massages egos", which is true and I give him credit for that...but leaving Shaq in to get his fourth foul (and Kobe with 3) was yet another example of poor coaching I think. Granted, when its all said and done, he will probably have the most coaching titles...but he's done a great job putting himself in the right places for that...a credit to him I guess. I also have a problem with Payton and Malone "tagging along" for their ring. I mean sure, everyone gives them so much credit for "playing for peanuts", which is still much more money than we have, even though they have both had HUGE contracts throughout their playing careers. I guess its just kind of sad that "we couldn't beat Mike and the Bulls, so we'll join the best team now so we can win". Like Matt said, they really haven't added much to this team...and I think too much will be made of their "contributions" if/when they win the title this year. I think LA was capable of doing it anyways, with maybe adding one key free agent last year. Fisher outplayed Payton at the point anyways, Malone was often in foul trouble and getting in fights (or trying too...come on, this guy is 40 and he isn't more mature than that?).
Well, with the Lakers moving on (and a favorite for their fourth title), what does everyone think will happen to the team in the offseason? With his 10th title, it is possible that Phil Jackson will ride into the sunset. Kobe has his legal troubles, although I think he will eventually get out of this (at least not to jail), but we'll see. Gary seemed to be frustrated with this team/season, and will have his ring so it is possible he could leave. Karl Malone should give consideration to retirement if he gets his ring as well. Anyways, any thoughts to what will happen with this team? I kind of would like to see Kobe go elsewhere, and see how Shaq and Kobe do when seperated from each other, having their "own" teams.
