“Lakers #1” is something a good buddy of mine say to one another whenever the Lakers do well. In recent years that phrase had fallen off quite a bit. We made it a point to got to STAPLES at some point every year, this year we were unable to make that journey as we had loose plans to catch a game near the end of the regular season. Obviously planetary events altered those plans. So, for my friend, for the Laker fans around the globe, and for all of us Lakerholics here I’d like to say it again: LAKERS #1!

1. LeBron James is an incredible talent. You might not have cheered when he became a Laker, you may have had another player that you thought might fit better alongside the Lakers who were on the team at that point in time, but there is little doubt that The King is among the best to ever lace them up. If not the best. His 27th post season triple-double was a gem. 28 points (on 13-20 shooting), 14 boards, 10 assists, with a steal to only a solitary turnover. James trails only Magic Johnson (30) for post-season triple-doubles. Here’s hoping that happens sometime next year. One last thing on James: I have little to no doubt that he was the right man to bring this franchise back to prominence and have felt that way for some time. His everyday quest for greatness isn’t something you can quantify on a stat sheet or shot chart. His gravitas, style and personality both on and off the court allowed the Laker franchise to recede from it’s drama-filled decade of no banners and focus more on just being an NBA team. The drama that surrounded the Lakers this year was generated externally, not internally and I think that went a long way to fostering the winning environment we fans are enjoying today.
2. Anthony Davis and his 100% correct right answer. “I have no idea” is his direct quote in terms of whether he was returning as a Laker or not. Man… I know it’s the job of a journalist and all but, in these times, after what these men and their families went through–what the world is going through still…can we let him have an evening of enjoyment and celebration? Davis was a monster on defense last night and was everything the Lakers could have hoped for when they traded burgeoning All Star Brandon Ingram and host of other complimentary players for him last summer. His cool, jazzy style meshed perfectly with James’ hard-driving power chord attack. The two together bought into coach Vogel’s defense and the rest is now history. He is a Laker Legend no matter what happens. I fully expect him to return and I expect it to be on a large contract. But even if, for whatever reason, he does not…it won’t matter to me as that will be a personal decision that Davis, his family and his agent will make. If you ask me I think it’s a done deal and he was being a young human enjoying something he’s worked extremely hard his entire life for.
3. The Last of the Mohicans (aka Kyle Kuzma). Kyle was once a member of the heralded and well-regarded Laker Youth movement. Caruso wasn’t really a part of that, that’s a different bullet point. I’ll wager that few Laker faithful thought that Kyle would be the last one to be in purple and gold, holding the Larry O’ and soaking in the bubbly. It took a redefinition of his game and embracing a secondary role for him to get to this point but I think he would agree the journey has been worth it. His attention to the defensive end enabled him to overcome his streak shooting. While he has the tools to be a solid one-on-one player he subverted that skill set to a large degree in the playoffs and contented himself to be a decent spot-up shooter and above average defender. Kyle taking on that challenge, and succeeding, is a big reason whey we did as well as we did this year. He learned what it is to be a great teammate which is an entirely different skill set than becoming a great player. In the doing he’s now learned what it feels like to be a champion.
4. Speaking of Alex Caruso… His last start of the 2019-20 season was his best. His ferocity and determination on defense helped hold that end together and allowed us to absorb the loss of Avery Bradley. KCP got more minutes in his role, Rondo got healthy and able to contribute, but the decision to go whole hog on small ball in game 6 and start Caruso over Morris (who could not contain Jimmy Butler and was getting hunted on offense in game 5) was a testament to the coaches faith in him and his hard work. I doubt he’ll ever match his defensive impact on the offensive end and that’s OK. It takes guys like Caruso to make an elite NBA defense work. He never gripes about his role, minutes or shots, he’s a solid teammate and a testament to the Lakers development system. What a journey from “who is that Ernie Johnson look-a-like?” on TNT a couple years back to having one more ring to show off at parties than Charles Barkley.
5. Coach Frank Vogel. I saved the best point for last. We knew of the greatness of James, the impact of Davis and we’re familiar with the stories of the young Lakers. Frank Vogel was approximately zero people’s first choice to coach the Lakers, probably not even in his own mind. In the end, it’s been revealed yet again that what the people say is one thing but it’s what a person does that defines the times. During the game if you were listening to the audio Frank Vogel at one point was telling his team they were in the midst of a defensive masterpiece. That is truth. While the Heat did run the score up on us towards the end of the game to make it look like less of a blow out the fact that we held them to 36 half time points is astounding. Truly a remarkable accomplishment and it was done through hard work, great shot contests and adroit passing lane coverage in the middle of the floor. It almost felt like the Lakers had been laying a trap for Miami throughout the Finals and sprung it in game 6. The Heat had zero answer for the Laker defensive pressure which in turn fueled our transition game and helped us dominate in paint points. Coach Vogel deserves all the credit in the world for being a calm, steadying point amidst all the noise and drama his hiring was surrounded by, the events of the season, COVID and how the team navigated the Bubble. His evolution and ability to adapt to playoff realities and match ups stands in stark contract to coaches that have more name power, flashier styles of play or more experience. You’ve come a long way, Frank, and Laker Nation thanks you for bringing us along.
   

Honestly, I could go on. Bonus point has to go to one Jeannie Buss who just became the first female owner to win a championship…in any sport. There aren’t many female owners (true owners, I’m not talking they have a tiny share, this is Jeannie’s team and she’s made sure everyone knows) and Jeannie has long been the best of the bunch. From taking the reigns after her father’s passing, to moving the team through the twilight of Kobe’s career into the Kobe-less years, ousting Jim and Mitch, not letting Magic’s departure derail anything at all, trusting Rob “could have gotten a thing point too” Pelinka to helping the NBA as an entity as much as she does her franchise Jeannie is an excellent example of what a modern owner should embrace to be successful on and off the court. I know the Lakers have ended huddles with 1-2-3 MAMBA!!! and that is apropos, but in a lot of ways this one was also for Jeannie Buss who, at long last, did her Dad proud to the fullest degree. Congratulations, Jeannie.

Well, that’s it. That’s all I got for today. Couldn’t write this last night, had to watch the game again. It was that fun. I’m in a slight state of disbelief but it is indeed true. I checked ESPN, we’re the champions, again. It feels fitting, as well. To you Lakerholics, old, new, and even those who have moved on I say thank you. Thank you for your time, passion and fandom. The last few years haven’t been easy, nothing is guaranteed and to stay on board the Laker ship during it’s tumultuous voyage to this point hasn’t always been easy. But our faith has been rewarded. Banner #17 will one day hang at STAPLES, there will be some sort of parade at some point, and best of all we’ll begin our defense of this moment sometime next year, hopefully with some if getting to attend those games in STAPLES. So to all of you I say “enjoy this!” because these moments, like a ll good things, are fleeting. Don’t take rings for granted for they are earned not bestowed. Tip of the cap to Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat team and all the folks who are a part of the most excellent organization. If any team was destined to match up against the Lakers this season there are a lot of reasons the Miami Heat were the most apropos. James played there, Riles came from here, Vogel never beat them and so on and so forth. They say it takes a lot of heat to correctly forge steel. That statement has never rung truer.

Go Lakers.

PS: One last tidbit, after this week I’ll be doing a fiver on every current Laker to assess their performance over the course of the season, where they stand in terms of our future and how the team might look when next it’s assembled to defend the title so keep on popping by. Thanks to LakerTom for hosting us all on his awesome site, to magicman for all the fine mojo he brings and again to all you Lakerholics who help fuel the discussion and keep the passion burning. Have a good one and if we don’t see during the off-season, however long that will be, we’ll see you next time.

Well that certainly could have ended better. The biggest problem I had with that game was how very many chances to win we flitted, fumbled and bumbled away. The Lakers still have the edge but it feels like Miami got some mean to ’em and are gaining momentum. No box score stuff tonight, just vibes and notions.

1. Jimmy “fucking” Butler. No need to mince words. The dude is a superstar and Spo’s quote about him slumping over near the end and ‘that’s what a champion looks like before they’re a champion’ or something to that effect, rings true. Butler was superb and when he’s playing one of his nova games, white hot and impossible to contain. The Lakers have to keep him off the foul line and force him to be a jump shooter and not a LeBron/Pippen hybrid like he was tonight. Just have to do a better job containing one aspect of his game and forcing him into shots he doesn’t like. Easier said than done. My hope is that the coaching staff that figured out the riddles of Lillard, Harden and Murray have one more solution in ’em to figure out Butler. But I must say, I have mad respect for Jimmy’s game.
2. Hoping Davis is as healthy as possible for Sunday evening. That foot injury may not have kept him from playing but it certainly hindered his aggression. We need him to do more, especially on defense where he sagged off, stopped guarding Butler as much, and didn’t demand the ball down the stretch. We need him to be the next great Laker on Sunday.
3. LeBron’s most excellent effort. James was a joy to watch tonight, in fact I wish he had taken that last shot and let everyone crash the boards. I don’t want to say James has to do more, too…but…he does. Especially if Davis is hobbled and less aggressive like he was tonight. I just don’t know how much there can be left to /eave out on that court. James and Butler had an epic Jedi Knight light-saber duel in the bowels of Cloud City. He needs Han, Leia, Chewie and the droids to show up and lend some aid.
4. The Laker bench can’t be outplayed by Kendrick Nunn. 14 to 14 was the bench points scoring (I know, I know, I said no box score stuff) the problem was only two Miami players came off the bench and only one of them scored. Both benches had 10 rebounds, again 2 against 4 and Miami played us even. Assists? Lakers won that one, and should considering Rondo comes off the bench but the difference was only +3 (8-5). Our bench had 2 more steals (3-1) and they tied us in blocked shots ( 1 apiece). The Laker bench turned the ball over 7 times, the Heat 1. While we don’t need the bench to save us the 4 of them need to outplay the 2 Heat bench players, and they need to take care of the ball. The bench defense is clutch, the effort is solid, I’m a huge Caruso guy, a longtime Rondo fan and been pulling for Kuzma as the last of the old Laker future in the pre-King era. But here, in the NBA Finals, they need to do more, play harder and play better.
5. Wipe the slate clean. It’s one game, it does not a season make. It only extends the series, gives Miami another shot and provides 36 hours of news fodder about “what the Lakers can blah blah blah”. It’s not rocket science what they need to do: the riddle is how they can accomplish those tasks. Keep Butler off the line by sagging off more, let him shoot 18-20 foot jumpers, that’s a win for the defense. When Nunn comes in, stick Caruso on him and shut him down. AC seemed able to keep Nunn under wraps, especially in the second half. Be aggressive to start not LeBron James teammates. We need to start with some fire, make the Heat fight up a hill for a few quarters, wear them down and finish them on Sunday. No need to hold back, don’t save anything else, lay it out there and play unchained.

Might finally get a prediction right and be able to shave and get a hair cut, got quite the playoff look going. Rock in paradise, Edward, you were as LA as it gets and we could use some of that rocking on Sunday.

Go Lakers.

Just a lil fiver for your day. I am personally super-pumped for tonight and am giddy to be done with work like I haven’t been since March. Let’s do this Lakerholics!!!

1) Hot start. The entire game will be easier if we don’t spend the first quarter searching for rhythm or mojo. Come out with a purpose, hit your open looks and play hard. The rest will come in the flow of the game.

2) Lock in on defense. As if this needed to be said, but it’s the biggest key to a close out. Make life hard, if Dwight plays then make sure you are felt in the paint when Miami drives. No easy, uncontested shots.

3) But also defend without fouling. Especially Jimmy Butler. We need to keep him off the line, stymie Miami’s easy points they accumulate from the stripe. Contest, body up, no easy layups but no flagrant fouls and don’t get into the ref game. Just hoop.

4) Take care of the little things. Make your free throws, cheer from the sidelines if you’re a G-Leaguer, be ready if you’re a rotation guy because you never know when that number you’re wearing will be called. Trends provide narrative and media fodder but the truth is anything can happen tonight. So no injuries, be ready to do your job and be a great teammate.

5) Let LeBron and AD do their thing. One of my off-season topics will be ‘why did we not see more directly linked LBJ/AD action this season. The James/Davis pick and roll has been run maybe a dozen times and it usually results in a pass to a different player, it’s used as much for deception as for production. Nevertheless, both players have shown they can dominate the game when sharing the floor. They need to do that tonight for us to have any kind of shot. Subpar games need not show up today, bring that A game and let’s bring home banner 17 to hang on STAPLES!!!

Go Lakers.

That was a hard fought contest and maybe the best basketball game of the Bubble. A see-saw game that saw big plays from multiple players on both squads. The Heat got Bam back but it wasn’t enough to stymie and multi-pronged Laker attack. Do the Heat have another wrench to throw in the gears?

1. LeBron and AD playing more to form. We’ve said it here on the blog all year (literally, this season has taken a whole dang year almost!) and it’s still true today: we’re only going as far as James and Davis take us. They were both solid and steady all game long making the plays the team needed down the stretch, being tough on the glass (21 rebounds combined) and hitting the big shots down the stretch. Miami has certainly found a way to make the game tougher for LeBron and Anthony. The great ones find a way to rise above and reach a higher plateau and while neither player had a “one for the record books” game they both did the job of leading the team to a win.
2. Starting guards to the rescue! KCP was stellar last night, huge on both ends and the victim of The Mystery of the Missing Whistle in the first half. Danny Green was also solid (for once) and when these guys contribute like this it makes LeBron and Rondo’s job a lot easier. The starting duo combined for 26 points (10-20, 5-14 from three), 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. That’s what we need to have happen on Friday to end the series otherwise we could easily be looking at game 6 on Sunday if they can’t make shots and impact other areas of the game. Pope was instrumental in overcoming a very sluggish start from LeBron.
3. Bench Squad: In COLOR! I’m calling ’em the Bench Squad, a nod to the old Leslie Nielsen TV show, Police Squad (later turned into a cinematic trilogy, The Naked Gun) comedies but there’s nothing funny about these guys. To a man Rondo, Caruso, Morris and Kuzma played really well. With much of Miami’s bench now in the starting line up due to injury (or racking up DNP-coaches decision’s) the pressure our bench creates by playing well is more important than ever. If they can keep pouring in about 20 ppg and doing the things they’re supposed to be doing, especially on defense, it’s going to be hard for Miami to salvage another win. It’ll be interesting to see what happens if Dragic comes back on Friday. One would assume he at least gives it a go which would mean he either comes off the bench (unlikely since the injury might stiffen up after warming up) or pushes Tyler Herro back to a secondary role.
4. Keeping Butler off the free throw line. One of the big keys in any game against the Heat is keeping them, and especially Jimmy Butler, off the free throw line. It looked like we were going to fail in that task early on as the Lakers watched Miami rack up double digit free throw attempts to our 5 in the first half. We cleaned that up in the second half and stayed aggressive, getting ourselves to the line in the process and swinging the game in our favor. LeBron was relentless in attacking the pressure and helped close the free throw gap and AD’s defense on Butler was stellar.
5. The continuing evolution of Frank Vogel. What a ride this team has been on, from going on one heckuva role just before COVID to coming into the Bubble playing in an underwhelming fashion. Frank had a line up that was clicking in the regular season. But it’s been really interesting watching how Frank has embraced, in his own way, the more modern concepts of NBA basketball. Using Morris more at center, using Dwight or JaVale to get AD some time at the 4 and saving him for late game excellence on defense. Unlocking the defense of Kyle Kuzma which has been huge in the playoffs and elevating Caruso to defensive spark plug. There’s certainly more to like about his evolution and growth and we can more into that in the off season. I just wanted to take a second and express my admiration for a coach who came in with a mind set, adapted it to the players he has, and made it work out on the court. Reminds me a lot of Nick Nurse, in that regard. Many coaches would be wise to adopt a similar level of flexibility in their thinking. Sometimes it feels like the philosophy and personnel don’t exactly mesh and that solid talent is relegated to the bench or cast aside in favor of an ideal. Vogel is practical, I admire that a lot.

One win people. One stinking win away from banner #17! It’s an incredible precipice we’re standing on and I am loving every second of these NBA Finals. Bam is back, it won’t be enough if we get solid contributions from the roster and good to great games from Davis and James. Jimmy B. needs to play at a historic, and frankly unsustainable, level in order to elevate Miami to ‘W’ potential. He might have one more of those in him on Friday but if I can go 0-fer on predictions and we get the cookie you can color me happy as a clam.

Go Lakers.

This one hit me hard. Been a fan of Edward’s since I was 10, model my banjo sound after his late 70’s/early 80’s snarl and his music still inspires me to this day. Never stop innovating, never stop growing and for the love of humanity never stop practicing your craft, whatever it may be. Rock In Paradise, Ed. At least you can hang with Hendrix now.

Sounds like he finally went ahead and got that hip procedure he should have done years ago. Hope he can come back and be a force in the Association.

The Laker blueprint for success was laid out early in training camp. The bedrock principle of this team would be defense that would fuel a devastating fast break attack led by LeBron James. AD and LBJ bought in to the defense early, used the transition game expertly and had guys on the team that created enough space for it all to work in the half court. That recipe led us all the way until game 2 of the NBA Finals when something…unexpected happened.

1. “Take what the defense gives you.” This aged sport axiom is casually tossed around often. Last night the Los Angeles Lakers took that to record breaking heights by first establishing a new NBA record for three pointers in a half (27) and then continuing on and breaking the record for threes in an NBA Finals game (47). While we didn’t hit those threes at an absurd level (34.7%) we hit enough to maintain a comfortable lead, create offensive rebounds for easy second chance points and to stall out Miami’s zone defense. This record might last as long as it takes to get to 4 PM (PST) on Sunday when Miami is quite likely to trot that zone out again and the Lakers will take the open shots provided.
2. Nifty post passing. It’s already a trend in the series and it was started in game 1 by Dwight Howard when he had more assist (2) then buckets made (0). Last night saw a plethora of Lakers get behind the zone, get the ball and drop a quick pass into the paint for a hoop. The problem with a zone is it doesn’t account for large areas of the court and there has always been truth that the pass is the quickest way to move the ball. Defense’s can track a pass but when they come in quick succession they can’t keep up. I don’t care how long or fast you are, it’s an impossible task. The Lakers broke the Miami zone by accepting and shooting the open threes and getting easy duck-ins behind the defense.
3. The most dominant pair in the NBA. LeBron and Anthony are reaching Kobe/Shaq heights in terms of Laker lore and overall NBA dominance. Miami has no answer, none, for this version of Anthony Davis and James has long been as unstoppable a force as has existed in the Association. Last night they continued their romp and are putting up video game numbers on the Heat. James barely missed a triple double, Davis is either shooting over or blowing by any of the defenders Miami puts on him and James and Davis out-rebounded the Heat starters (23-22) on their own. It doesn’t feel like there is an adjustment Miami can make at this point. Even if Bam gets healthy and back on the court he alone isn’t enough to contain Davis and nobody has been able to single-handily stop LeBron since he came into the league. The Zone is (was…) Miami’s best chance at an equalizer. It’s not working.
4. The Laker Bench putting in work. The bench of LA was monstrous last night. Everyone who played scored, except for JR Smith, and every one hit at least 2 threes. The Laker bench took the challenge thrown down by Miami (beat us from three) and ran with it. The Laker bench helped corral this win with their three point shot considering that Danny Green (1-8) and KCP (2-11) shot terribly from distance. While we took the three in volume we made our standard amount (34%) and that was due to the bench showing up.
5. Don’t let the wounded animal bite you. Miami looks done, body language signals they’re done. I don’t believe it, while I now have serious doubts about my earlier prediction (6 games but also that was a non-jinx us prediction, I also have a Tom Hanks in Castaway beard and hair style going until we pull this thing out) I feel like Miami could win a game with a Bam boost. I’ll be surprised if Dragic plays again, Foot injuries are nothing to mess with especially being a couple short months away from a likely 2021 season. But a Bam boost could propel Miami to a win and avoid the sweep. There have been 8 total Finals sweeps since the ABA/NBA merger in 1949: 2006-07 (Spurs swept Cleveland), 2001-02 (Lakers swept Nets), 1994-95 (Rockets swept Magic), 1988-89 (Pistons sweep injury-riddled Lakers), 1982-83 (Philly swept LA), 1974-75 (warriors sweep Bullets of Washington), 1970-71 (Bucks sweep Bullets of Baltimore) and 1958-59 Boston sweeps the Lakers of Minneapolis). That’s it. So I still expect this Heat squad to do everything possible to avoid joining that ignominious list. We’ll see if they can.

All in all that was a dominating performance on both ends of the court. Lakers seem to have figured out where the chinks in Miami’s armor are and are hammering away bath those spots without mercy. As they should.

Go Lakers.

That was a lot of fun although I really hate it when guys get injured in the playoffs, leaves a slightly bitter taste in the mouth. But it is what it is so we’ll have to hope Dragic, Butler and Bam are good to go tomorrow night while also expecting the Lakers to bring their A game. I would say we got a B/B+ game from the squad last night and, with the help of injuries to key players and some under-performing on the Heat’s part, brought the first NBA Finals win in a good long while home.

1. Lakers have found their way, the way is defense, and they are putting in work to make it happen. There’s not much you can do when a team defense is as locked in as the Lakers are right now. It’s not like we’re doing anything new, we;re just executing the bedrock principles of Frank Vogel’s schemes with excellence, communicating well on the back line and doing a fantastic job of adjusting or switching schemes or coverage’s on the fly. It’s easier to make this look good when superstars buy in and even easier when those guys are AD and LBJ. Danny Green was also excellent on defense last night. This series will be won on this end, as all of our series have been won up to now.
2. Welcome to the NBA Finals Anthony Davis! His NBA Finals debut in terms of points scored tied for 3rd in Laker Lore (He and Elgin both dropped 34, George Mikan and Shaq are ahead of them). He also blocked 3 shots, had 9 rebounds and 5 assists. AD is a riddle I don’t think Miami has an answer for. They can slot Bam on him but it won’t be enough and it’ll mean you’re playing Kelly Olynyk or another under-sized player is going to have to contain Dwight Howard. Speaking of Dwight, his return trip to the NBA Finals was highlighted by two awesome dishes to AD on drives to the hoop for easy buckets. The Heat basically have to hope for a bad game from Davis, they don’t have a player that can stop him and doubling opens up an evolving passing game.
3. That other good player we have, what’s his name…oh yeah! LeBron James. The King missed another triple-double by one assist. You could tell he was fishing for it a bit at the end but then quickly shut that down by returning to a more aggressive posture and scoring at will. Miami, like the rest of the NBA, doesn’t have much of an answer for ‘Bron. Iggy is up for it but lacks the legs or conditioning to hang with him all game and after that it’s Crowder who is more of a foul risk and lacks the acumen and savvy AI brings. I expect to see Miami double LeBron and force other guys like AD to make plays, the problem being that they can and will. Also, Frank’s got an easy counter to that in subbing Rondo in for either KCP or Green. Then you have to account for off-ball LBJ and we’ve seen how that fares, thus far.
4. Laker Bench did enough. Outside of Caruso and Morris the Laker bench didn’t bring a lot of offense. Miami, when healthy, has the better scoring bench with Tyler Herro, Iggy and the oft-overlooked Kendrick Nunn. If Dragic can’t go I actually expect to see Nunn return to the starting line up. The rookie was on the All NBA rookie team, finished second in Rookie of the Year voting (despite the late surge of Zion). Between Nunn and Herro the Heat have some decent options to replace G=Dragic. I would add at this moment that, before you go writing rookies off in the NBA Finals citing a lack of experience or what-have-you that you take a moment and recall one Earvin “Magic” Johnson who corralled an NBA Finals MVP of his own after a serious ankle injury forced Kareem to sit out against Philly while one Pat Riley sat in the broadcast booth that season calling color alongside Laker legend Chick Hearn. Lotta mystical mojo there. There’s a benefit to being young: you don’t know what you don’t know, coach just tells you to go ball and you’re loose. Not saying that’s what’s coming but cautioning against dissing NBA talent from the comfort of one’s chair.
5. What to expect in game 2. I think we’ll see more of Kelly Olynyk matching up against Dwight and if Bam sits out a game (which I don’t expect but will likely end up being a game time call) we might even see Myers Leonard. While this shouldn’t strike fear into the heart of Laker Nation it does present a slightly different challenge. Kelly-O is a willing three point shooter and under-rated defender. Like everyone on the Heat he plays hard and has no quit in him. Myers and Kelly could bang with Howard and burn fouls on AD, making him work harder than he wants to. I expect Spo to gum up the works of the game. They can’t keep up with us so they need to slow the game down, muck it up, play more like Riles’ Knickerbockers back in the 90’s. Jimmy Butler would have to be killed vampire-style in order not to play, he’s playing. Goran Dragic is a whole other issue. If he’s got a torn plantar I don’t see how he can be effective. That means Miami will either start bigger (maybe have Iggy start) but I think they’ll call on Kendrick and turn him loose while keeping the rest of the playoff rotation that has worked as-is. There aren’t a ton of options. Mainly the Heat need to play more to type, they need to generate more free throws and be more aggressive driving to the rim. It was only one game and the Miami Heat can definitely play better than we saw last night. I still think there’s a series here, even if Dragic can’t go. But they need to play pretty perfect basketball and I don’t see them doing that for 4 of the next 6 games. They can make it competitive, I still don’t see them winning it all.

We’re back where we belong. Since our last NBA Finals ended With Kobe standing atop the scorer table joining the city of Los Angeles in celebration while the team celebrated around him on the court so many things have come and gone in Laker Nation. Luke Walton went from a key contributor on that tree am to the Laker head coach to Sacramento, Pau Gasol has played for 3 different teams, Phil Jackson took a shot at running the Knickerbockers, Lamar Odom almost died partying in Nevada, Kobe and Gigi tragically passed away this year. Through it all Laker Nation never wavered in its support for the team, critique and criticism is not a loss of fandom or submersion of support. All of this just goes to show that it’s a long way to the top of you want to rock and roll.

1. LeBron James putting the nails in the coffin. James turned in a stellar performance to ensure there would be no game 6, to make sure that he and other key Laker vets got the extra rest that can give them an edge against whomever they faced, and most of all to make sure the NBA was put on notice. He joined James Worthy and the as the one if three NBA players to post 35+ points, 15+ rebounds and 10+ assists in a close out playoff game. Historical footnotes aside, LeBron was spectacular. He fed teammates for easy buckets, He had a personal best 16 points in the 4the quarter. The Nuggets has no answer.
2. Anthony Davis and his long journey to the precipice of greatness. Playing in the NBA Finals makes you part of a small group of NBA players. Davis carries the Lakers for stretches in last night’s game and during the regular season. Last night he again didn’t rebound like we’re used to but that can perhaps be forgiven in light if two of his teammates grabbing 25 rebounds on their own (James 16, Howard 9). Where he shined was on defense and scoring the balm efficiently when it was needed to stop Denver runs. His 2 steals were great but his block of a Michael Porter Jr. dunk put a stamp on his defense and this series. He hit 2-4 from 3, 8-16 in general. Anthony looks poised, gritty and ready to beast in the NBA Finals. The extra rest might benefit him the most as it’ll allow him to get extra treatment on that ankle he’s tweaked a couple times in the last 2 games.
3. Laker starters answering the bell. The other Lakers who start shot 7-12 (2-5 from three), grabbed 10 rebounds, had 2 dimes, 4 big blocks, 2 steals and none had a negative +/- (AD was the only starter with a -1, lol. Misleading stat) They all played 26+ minutes aren’t locked in on defense when they played helping contain the Denver attack.
4. The Laker bench. As we entered the playoffs it was largely agreed upon that Kyle Kuzma was the most important player outside of James and Davis. It turns out that the Laker bench is one of our greatest strengths, as it should be for an NBA Finals-bound team. Rondo has returned to a youthful posture and leads the team when James sits or allows him to be an off ball wrecking crew when they share the floor. Markieff Morris has shown versatility, grit and his three point acumen. JaVight McHoward has shown they can start, cone off the bench, sit and cheer or whatever: they’re here to contribute however the team needs. Kyle Kuzma continues to grow, while still streaky with his scoring he’s found some identity on defense and team play. Alex Caruso has impressed with his defensive tenacity, basketball IQ and toughness. Last night Caruso shines brightest off the bench with surgical stroke cuts for buckets, great defense and some in the flow assists. Rondo only played 1: minutes, Kuzma looked a little ‘deer in the headlights’ at times but found ways to be a force. All of that will be needed in the NBA Finals.
5. Hats off and high fives for the Denver Nuggets franchise. They’re going to be a problem for a long time. They have two up and coming superstars, a great coach and a bevy of solid role players. I have nothing but admiration for the Denver Nuggets and how they overcame the odds and pundits to get to the Western Conference Finals. They never folded, played with a ton of heart (Jamal Murray gutting it out on one leg should go down in Denver playoff lore) and Jerami Grant showed the NBA he’s more than a role-player and might be the third star Denver needs to sign. I’ve long admired Paul Milsap’s game and wish the plucky vet nothing but the best. Congrats to the Denver Nuggets for reminding us why it’s important that we ply the games and not just go with predictions or hype.

At any rate, it’s on. I can’t deny my excitement and joy both at how we’re playing right now, especially on D, or how close we are to another banner going up in STAPLES. James and Anthony look like a nigh-unstoppable duo right now and we need to ride this wave to four more wins against whomever the East throws at us. Enjoy this, though, Lakerholics. Winning the west isn’t often celebrated by the purple and gold and their fans, it used to be seen as fait accompli. But it’s been so long and we’ve seen a road so dark for so long that this one feels different. So it’s cool to double-point and snap at that person wearing a Laker jersey walking by, smile under your mask, let this shine a little light on our lives during a tough time on Earth.

They have us right where they want us. Nuggets are in the driver’s seat now. So on and so forth. Joking aside, last night’s game featured a few changes Laker fans had been clamoring for, the activation of Kyle Kuzma and a thrilling finish that was framed as a debate about fouls. Let’s dig in.

1. The foul disparity issue. It’s been a contentious point since game 1 when, in the 2nd quarter, we wen to the line 24 times. Then the Nuggets got a couple games where they were allowed to wail on LeBron seeing him shoot 10 free throws over 3 games. The Lakers informed the NBA of their displeasure at this anomaly and last night saw James shoot 14 freebies, making 11. This is the one part of the playoffs I never miss: coaches griping about free throws. I get it, coaches have to bring it up (especially when the media brings it up) but it’s one of those things I feel like kind of ruins the fun. It was a well-fought contest, Murray probably ought to have shot 2-4 more free throws.
2. Starting Dwight Howard. This probably ought to have happened after game 2, maybe even after he started the second half of game 1. Regardless the All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, future Hall of Fame’r made his presence felt instantly. Now I am a fan of JaVale McGee, maybe not his current hair-do, but there’s no question that Dwight has more talent, speed and athleticism. Starting him against Jokic was the right move, just sort of surprised it took Frank this long to commit to it. One assumes the line up will stay this way for the duration of the series but I do wonder what looms ahead should we advance. At any rate, kudos to JaVale for being the consummate teammate and pro.
3. Laker bench was competitive, again. While they were out-scored 35-26, out-rebounded 13-11 they caused more turnovers (4 steals to 1) and Rondo had an upswing game. Rondo is making some great reads these days and his shot is falling enough to keep the defense honest. That’s a huge factor in the win last night. Both Rondo and Caruso committed some highway robbery on Jokic when he caught the ball and brought it too low a couple of times. Caruso had a fantastic steal where he literally ripped the ball from Nikola’s hands.
4. Laker defense mixing up it’s looks. This is the key to the series. Denver has so many ways they can score. Off of passes from Jokic or Murray, iso plays for Nikola or Murray, the pick and roll, LeBron James rose to the challenge of defending Murray in the closing minutes of the game and he did an admirable job. The Lakers need to keep the two Denver stars guessing what the coverage is, where the help will come from and then change that up from game to game. Our defense has to be on point for the close out, this Denver team is too dangerous to give them any more games. They’re going to come out desperate and loose on Saturday and we need to bring our A defense, hold down that advantage on the glass and keep forcing turnovers.
5. Denver’s counter. I think we’ll see them force Howard out to the three point line in the next game. Jokic played fairly passively, reminded me of LeBron’s game 2. That won’t happen in game 5. I don’t know how Denver will try to get him engaged but I’d force Howard out from the paint. I also would expect to see a small parade of Nuggets trotting to the free throw line in game 5, as well. Game 5 close out is going to be tough, we’re going to need a couple guys to stay aggressive and make even more shots. It would help if our bench showed up large. But we can end this series this weekend if we show up with great effort and focus, need to bring that A game because Denver has proven one thing: being down 3-1 doesn’t affect their confidence or desire so we need to match that and apply pressure for 48 hard minutes of basketball.

All in all, I kind of expect us to lose the next game. I think Denver is going to go hard at Dwight, maybe force him onto Murray, get him in foul trouble and force us to either play McGee or go small, both of which are favorable match-ups for Nikola Jokic. AD and LBJ need to play effectively and efficiently, the team needs to keep on crashing the glass and we need to have a solid game from the 2 stripes: free throws and three pointers. We do all that and I like our chances.

This is exactly what Rob Pelinka had in mind when he added Dennis and Trezz in the offseason. It’s the Lakers version of load management. Take the pressure off LeBron and AD to have to score big every game. Make the Lakers a much more dangerous and difficult team for opponents to defend. Make the game easier for the other role players by giving them multiple options to look for when we need a basket. Like the opener against the Clippers, it’s just one game but it clearly showcases Rob Pelinka’s offseason genius.