Steviekick 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 It seemed like Malone's skills fell off a cliff this season. At least before the season, people had hopes of him beating Kareem's record. That's what happens when you sit out most the season and are the fourth option in the Lakers ofense. People expected Karl to be playing the same way he did in Utah, but they didn't want him for that reason. He's there to rebound and pass the ball...That's why he gets almost 10 boards and assists a game. The paycut has more to do with than just financial, its the fact that he's also given up the spotlight in being THE player for his team. I'm happy as a clam that it's the Lakers/Pistons in the finals. Lakers in 6, but the Pistons will physically defend/beat the hell out of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 As far as I'm concerned, the Lakers owe the Pistons one from 1989. Because if Magic and Byron Scott didn't have torn hamstrings, the Lakers would've had another championship. Still, Detroit vs. L.A. in the finals is as good as it gets. Hopefully, we can go retro again next year with a Celtics vs. Lakers Finals. If The Lakers are paying back everyone that's beaten them in the Finals then they have a lot of paying back to do. I swear nobody has lost more finals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 If the Lakers win the championship this year, I see everyone staying except GP. Another legend, probably Reggie Miller, will replace him. And if Shaq decides to get his lazy ass in shape for next year, watch out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 When did you find your Laker colored glasses again? You were less annoying over the past few days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Electrifyer 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 "Still, Detroit vs. L.A. in the finals is as good as it gets. Hopefully, we can go retro again next year with a Celtics vs. Lakers Finals." I think it's pretty safe to say that the Celtics wont make it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 I'm not looking at anything through Lakers colored glasses, I'm just telling it like it is. I can care less if they win or not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Electrifyer 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 If the Lakers win the championship this year, I see everyone staying except GP. Another legend, probably Reggie Miller, will replace him. And if Shaq decides to get his lazy ass in shape for next year, watch out. Reggie Miller? To LA? Good God... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly Report post Posted June 2, 2004 I haven't watched any of the East Finals but how is Rashhed's foot? It seems like the talk about it has died down. Has it healed or have they been talking about it during the games? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Yeah, look for Reggie Miller to go back HOME to L.A. After all, he's a UCLA legend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kurt Angle Mark 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Yeah, look for Reggie Miller to go back HOME to L.A. After all, he's a UCLA legend. If he did he would be the biggest hypocrite ever, since he basically called Payton and Malone little bitches for signing with the Lakers. He also mentioned how he had a chance to do the same thing but decided to re-sign with the Pacers instead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly Report post Posted June 2, 2004 If Reggie Miller went to LA, he better put on a nice suit and grab a seat next to Horace Grant because he wouldn't play at all there. They don't have an offense where you just run around a bunch of screens to get an open look and they wouldn't put one in place for him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Just accept the fact that this is the last outing for a championship Laker team for awhile. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Once Reggie sees Payton and Malone standing tall with the gold Larry O'Brien trophy lifted over their shoulders, he'll have a change of heart, trust me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly Report post Posted June 2, 2004 That depends on a couple of things: The coach they have next year and who they sign and re-sign. I'm pretty sure that they would be able to get free agents who want to win a championship and play in LA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Once Reggie sees Payton and Malone standing tall with the gold Larry O'Brien trophy lifted over their shoulders, he'll have a change of heart, trust me. That'll also be the last time he sees Malone and Payton b/c they would've had to have mugged the Wallace's to get ahold of it during the Pistons celebration. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Electrifyer 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Once Reggie sees Payton and Malone standing tall with the gold Larry O'Brien trophy lifted over their shoulders, he'll have a change of heart, trust me. No, I don't trust you one bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damaramu 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 What I really want to see are these Lakers against Bird's Celtics, Johnson's Lakers, and Jordan's Bulls. It wouldn't be a contest. The other 3 teams would pound them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Miller will have a better chance of winning one with the Pacers next year than with the Lakers. Once the two mercenaries jump ship and Kobi leaves town they have nothing. Shaq is going to continue to slack off/get injured and even if Malone and Payton stay they're both in serious decline and Payton especially hasn't been anything special this year. Stern couldn't even hand next years title to them if he tried. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Reggie would get lots of playing time in Los Angeles. For one thing, the Lakers are running more screen and rolls and pick and rolls than the tired triangle offense. In addition, Reggie would be open for a three every time the opposing team's defenders crowd Shaq in the paint. So, for the first time in his life, Reggie won't have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off in order to get a decent shot off. Can you imagine Reggie getting OPEN three point attempts? He'll be able to return to form because he won't have to expend so much energy manuevering through defenders. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted June 2, 2004 He wasn't making them with the current Detroit series. And your just talking out of your ass if you think having Shaq is any different than having O'Neil the last few seasons. And even if he does play with the Lakers, Shaq won't play in 20+ games anyway so you have no point. Do you really want to turn the Lakers into the NBA retirement village every year? It might work for a few seasons but it catches up to you sooner or later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kurt Angle Mark 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Reggie would get lots of playing time in Los Angeles. For one thing, the Lakers are running more screen and rolls and pick and rolls than the tired triangle offense. In addition, Reggie would be open for a three every time the opposing team's defenders crowd Shaq in the paint. So, for the first time in his life, Reggie won't have to run around like a chicken with its head cut off in order to get a decent shot off. Can you imagine Reggie getting OPEN three point attempts? He'll be able to return to form because he won't have to expend so much energy manuevering through defenders. I live in L.A. and Reggie is my favorite player ever but no way do I ever want to see him wear a Laker uniform. If Kobe went to the Clippers then I would love to have Reggie in L.A. as Kobe's backup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Jermaine O'Neal SUCKS compared to Shaq O'Neal. Everyone talks about how Jermaine is a great player, but he can't carry Shaq's jock strap. Don't forget, just a few years ago, Shaq was averaging 37 points and 17 rebounds in the playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest OraleHolmes Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Kobe isn't going anywhere. Do you think he's stupid enough to go to Arizona to play for the Suns or play in the Los Angeles Lakers shadow as a Clipper? Hell NO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted June 2, 2004 I'm looking up and down the thread...WHEN did someone say anything about Jermaine being equal to Shaq? Do you just spout of idiotic things at random? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Kobe isn't going anywhere. Do you think he's stupid enough to go to Arizona to play for the Suna or play in the Los Angeles Lakers shadow as a Clipper? Hell NO. He'll leave... He's almost assured to lock with Memphis. Kobe is Jerry's boy...Kobe wants out of Shaq's spotlight...he wants to prove he can win on his own...and i'm sure he's tired of being in the media... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianChris 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 As far as I'm concerned, the Lakers owe the Pistons one from 1989. Because if Magic and Byron Scott didn't have torn hamstrings, the Lakers would've had another championship. Still, Detroit vs. L.A. in the finals is as good as it gets. Hopefully, we can go retro again next year with a Celtics vs. Lakers Finals. If The Lakers are paying back everyone that's beaten them in the Finals then they have a lot of paying back to do. I swear nobody has lost more finals. Maybe, but besides Boston, nobody has won more finals either (14-12 in 26 appearances, a record). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Yeah that was a few years ago. Shaq is going to continue to get worse, not better. O'Neil is young and still getting better. So O'Neil is the better guy to play with long term. They were fairly even statistically this season except O'Neil played 11 more games and shot almost 30% better at the free throw line. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DangerousDamon 0 Report post Posted June 2, 2004 its jermaine O'neal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted June 2, 2004 Opps, sorry about not spelling it right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest TheArchiteck Report post Posted June 2, 2004 YESSSSS! Pistons in Finals! Pistons fans unite! Show the Pride!! Alright, thats out of my system. Detroit are a serious underdog, they probably have negative odds against them, mainly for their offensive stuggle. But, if anyone can find a plan to take down this team its Larry Brown. Hopefully he gives Memo some decent minutes, because he can be a threat to Shaq...it's been proven before. I absolutely can't wait till Sunday. Go Pistons! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
