Do anyone prefers to avoid the Lakers in Rd 1?

[deibero]

Lets say they make a run and get into the playoffs?

Does that 1-8 matchup with us makes you nervous?

I still think they can be scary if they get healthy and develop some chemistry.

Dont think they can beat us but definitely can give us a good series.

[SpursRock20]

A well-polished team like the Spurs should win in 5-6 games against the Lakers. We solved our Laker problem last year when we inserted Splitter in the lineup. As long as we push the pace, we should be okay against them.

[SpursIndonesia]

If they're coached by col Sanders, i might be worried, a little. But as long they're coached by Pringles, Nash & Kobe are sieves defensively, and no quick long wing defender to stop TP, no worry AT ALL.

[tmtcsc]

It doesn't matter what our path is this year. We just need to beat who's in front of us and I really don't care who it is. Lakers, Houston, Utah, etc. All of them are talented enough to win a game or two. The Lakers were better with a motivated Bynum. Howard ? That's a clown center, bro.

[capek]

Bring all comers on. :ihit

[mrjap2x]

Fact: Last two Western Conference Champs went through the Lakers.

[Fireball]

I have no problem with that. I just hate to see Lakers fans in the AT&T Center. Hopefully they are not such a factor in a playoff game as they are in the regular season, where Spurs fans are kinda quiet in attendance.

[Jumi]

NO!

The Lakers would serve as the perfect appetizer for us. This isn't the Shaq-Kobe era Lakers! It would be nice for TP to erase that horrible performance form the 2008 WCF, but that team isn't built for the system Pringles uses. If we're healthy we should beat them in 6.

[deibero]

NO!

The Lakers would serve as the perfect appetizer for us. This isn't the Shaq-Kobe era Lakers! It would be nice for TP to erase that horrible performance form the 2008 WCF, but that team isn't built for the system Pringles uses. If we're healthy we should beat them in 6.

You do realize youre talking about 6 games to get through? Thats my point.
An ideal 1st rd series for a 1 seed should be 4 or 5 like it could be against uta, hou or por.

[Darkwaters]

Fact: Last two Western Conference Champs went through the Lakers.

So? It's hard to go through the Lakers when they don't make the playoffs. They're not exactly an overly threatening team at this point.

[racm]

D'Antoni can't coach defense.

Kawhi can contain Kobe but not the other way around (hell he even let Green shoot a game winning 3)

The Spurs defense will make Nash look like CP3 earlier today.

Dwight is a glorified Blair on offense these days (seriously, he gets all of his points off being open and getting the ball from Nash/Kobe and putbacks).

Run them out of the building.

Rather face these guys than Harden and the Rockets tbh.

[look_at_g_shred]

Nope.

[Mal]

Sweeping Lakers in 1st round or Lakers out of playoff.

[EricB]

Unless them getting the 8th spot is somehow a literal fountain of youth.....

[boutons_deux]

Lakers are 3 1/2 games out of 8th place, with 27 games to play.

Today it would be an IH10 first round

[stnick2261]

I want to avoid the Lakers... but not because I'm scared of them (I think we beat them easily).... I just want to see them miss the playoffs, get a lottery pick, and watch it go to Phoenix in the Nash trade

[TampaDude]

Today it would and IH10 first round

What did you just say???

[TampaDude]

I want to avoid the Lakers... but not because I'm scared of them (I think we beat them easily).... I just want to see them miss the playoffs, get a lottery pick, and watch it go to Phoenix in the Nash trade

^ this

I want the Lakers to miss the playoffs entirely. That way, there is ZERO chance of them winning the title and gifting Kobe with ring #6.

[Johnny RIngo]

Rather play the Lakers in the first round instead of the Rockets tbqh

[ambchang]

There will always be some level of worry no matter which team it was, but I have to admit that Lakers will be a very strong 8. On paper, they are most definitely a top 3 team, but they have under-performed massively due to lack of chemistry. The worry is that they will somehow stumble into that chemistry eventually, and they would be an absolute juggernaut.

If Gasol is healthy, and MDT can pull his head out of his ass and use him correctly, the Lakers are still a threat. Gasol + Dwight is a massive frontline that has both athleticism and skills.

It will probably be a tough draining series.

[Uriel]

If the Lakers sneak into the playoffs as an 8 seed, it could very well be a repeat of 2011, especially if Manu breaks his elbow on the last day of the regular season again. The playoffs' emphasis on star power certainly benefits them tremendously, and I think they're poised to pull of a major upset in the playoffs, if they can somehow sneak in.

So I hope they either make the playoffs as a 7 seed, or miss it entirely.

[pad300]

I'd really enjoy seeing this again:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaWCVjft7Vk2qlG87ZtTYXAEHRT8wC-YuZBjSayV3ki18SCmLBcPrZrg
Given what the Lakers have shown so far with Coach Three First Names, I'd be pretty happy to see the Lakers in rd 1... Of course, the Lakers not making the playoffs would also be good - exposing Kobe's legacy of not being worth shit without the best big man combo in the league...

[Old School 44]

No worries. I actually think the Lakers are a great first round matchup. Kobe and the Lakers, are one group the Spurs never have problems getting up for no matter what their record is. As opposed to meeting someone like Golden State, who they have no real history with. Tony would feast on Nash. But like others have mentioned, I'd love LA to not make the playoffs, not for fear, but because of the DHoward signing and the loss of the lottery pick to the Suns.

[Darkwaters]

The Lakers are probably an easier matchup than the Rockets. But I never root for the Lakers...even if them winning would directly benefit the Spurs. It's just against my religion.

[Bruno]

I do. Avoiding the Lakers in the first round would be nice, their upside is just too scary.

[rascal]

Lakers are 3 1/2 games out of 8th place, with 27 games to play.

Today it would be an IH10 first round

Why do people in Texas put IH10? While the rest of the country just uses I-10.

[BeakersBro]

Why do people in Texas put IH10? While the rest of the country just uses I-10.

Probably for the same reason people in LA put "The" in front of every road. "The 101".

Local tradition.

[silverblackfan]

The Lakers are probably an easier matchup than the Rockets. But I never root for the Lakers...even if them winning would directly benefit the Spurs. It's just against my religion.

This.

[Brunodf]

No

[TheyCallMePro]

Are you kidding me? I desperately want to play the Lakers. We would crush them and everyone would be watching and witnessing our greatness. We couldn't possibly lose that series, it would be more entertaining then playing the Utah Jazz again, and it would give me such joy and satisfaction crushing them. I'm rooting for the Lakers and us in the first round. It'll get our blood running for a deep run.

[hooperflash]

No, I would welcome that matchup. I'm glad the Spurs aren't afraid like some of their fans can sometimes be.

[024]

i want the spurs to face the lakers in the playoffs. nothing better short of a championship than watching the spurs eliminate the lakers' 100 million dollar team.

[boutons_deux]

Why do people in Texas put IH10? While the rest of the country just uses I-10.

This is the Republic of Texians, not "rest of the country"

[letmk]

The Lakers are not better than the Rockets, with an unstoppable-out-of-nowhere Harden. But it's easier to beat Rockets 5 on 5 than Lakers 5 on 8.

[DapDaGenius]

I don't give a fuck who we got. We still gonna do our best.

[rmt]

I'd rather Kobe miss the playoffs yet again. Then, I'd like to see Dwight walk in FA and leave them high and dry.

[cd98]

Rather avoid Lakers. They have played us tough at less than full strength. They have a lot of talent that could pull together by the end of the season. Plus I'd like to see them in the lottery without a pick bc it was traded.

[CGD]

Yea, I'd like to avoid them. If they enter it it will most likely mean they are hot.

[spurraider21]

Personally I prefer the Lakers to miss the playoffs just because it would be hysterical. But tbh, if they do make the playoffs, I PREFER them in the first round. I'm sick of worrying about brackets and dodging matchups/teams. Look, if we're going to be champs, we're going to have to knock of some good teams. If we can't beat the scrub Lakers, we don't deserve a chip. I want them round 1 because very few things make me happier than seeing my hometown purple and piss get humiliated by my Spurs. I want to play the Lakers, Grizzlies, and OKC. Revenge. Parker will have a field day against tosb nash and if gasol is back he's going to be weak as hell. We all saw Duncan after his plantar fascia injury.

[elemento]

Nah I want to face them and beat that 100m dollar failure.

[timaios]

At lakersground, they do prefer the 8th seed because they're confident they can beat the Spurs... and then Memphis or Denver... and then OKC or the Clippers... and then maybe the Heat. :rollin

"8th seed is better then the 7th" ---> http://forums.lakersground.net/viewtopic.php?t=157886

[HarlemHeat37]

While I'm confident that the Spurs would beat LA in a series, I'd rather avoid them, tbh..I would much rather play Utah..

Also, as others have said, LA missing the playoffs would be legendary..Kobe missing the playoffs twice as the number 1 guy on his team, all the offseason hype, their lottery pick going to Phoenix, etc..the storylines are endless..

[thOOdee]

hah, lets hope its the lakers.

[atoyotagaspedal]

I want them to get 8th seed, in the beginning I thought it was pretty hilarious that they were tanking after all the hype but now I'm rooting for them to get 8th seed just so we can blow them the fuck out.

[DAF86]

A first round series against LA would be scary for anyone but it would also be nice for the Duncan's Spurs to have another playoff win over Kobe's Lakers.

[KaiRMD1]

I'd rather face the Lakers than James Harden again

[Arcadian]

I want nothing more than to face the Lakers in the playoffs. We would sweep their bitch asses and bring an official end to the Kobe era, leaving with it the taste of Spurs superiority.

And for those of you saying yes, that's exactly the kind of shit Laker fans want you to say. They take pride in your fear. Well fuck that. The Spurs will knock them the fuck out. Bring it.

[mercos]

Much as I would love to beat the Lakers, I'd rather avoid them. Spurs would already be at a disadvantage playing against the big market darlings. Add in the Pop's middle finger to the league in the Miami game earlier this year, and I wouldn't expect the Spurs to get many 50/50 calls against the Lakers.

[cheguevara]

The Lakers are probably an easier matchup than the Rockets. But I never root for the Lakers...even if them winning would directly benefit the Spurs. It's just against my religion.

[Brazil]

yes I would prefer to avoid them tbh

[jimbo]

Dwight is a glorified Blair on offense these days (seriously, he gets all of his points off being open and getting the ball from Nash/Kobe and putbacks).


tbh when Pau's healthy I think that's around how they should be playing with him. PnR for some easy points, monkeyball for the rest. Let Pau do the actual skilled work in the block.

[Sean Cagney]

A first round series against LA would be scary for anyone but it would also be nice for the Duncan's Spurs to have another playoff win over Kobe's Lakers.

^^^^^^^^^^^ This.

[jestersmash]

Not really.

[timtonymanu]

I would prefer they miss the playoffs because it would just be too funny.

Lakers can give us problems, but really should Spur fan be afraid of a D'Antoni-coached team?

[racm]

I would prefer they miss the playoffs because it would just be too funny.

Lakers can give us problems, but really should Spur fan be afraid of a D'Antoni-coached team?

The way Spurfan talks about them it's as if Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher are still with the team.

[Baynes]

Lol, I would love to see the spurs kicking their ass while Bane is pushing gay clowns under the basket like DCoward.

[BatManu20]

I'd rather them not make the playoffs at all... that'd be the ultimate insult. But if they do make it, then yea I'd like to send their asses home. I'm one of the few Spurs fans here that thinks this team can't win a championship this year (don't jump all over me, it's just my opinion). Therefor I'd love to at least knock the Lakers out during the journey.

[sexinthatsx]

I hope Lakers Make 8th seed and face us in the first round. Over the past few years, the first round exits were all from underestimating the opposing team. To be honest, we need a scary team like the Lakers to keep the spurs in check and have them playing on their toes. And quite frankly, if the spurs lose to the lakers, then we don't even deserve to win the championship in the first place.

[pgardn]

I hope Lakers Make 8th seed and face us in the first round. Over the past few years, the first round exits were all from underestimating the opposing team. To be honest, we need a scary team like the Lakers to keep the spurs in check and have them playing on their toes. And quite frankly, if the spurs lose to the lakers, then we don't even deserve to win the championship in the first place.

True.

If we cant beat them, lets just go out early. Being that there is history in this matchup I would love the chance to eliminate them again. Fear... No. Putting an overpaid bunch of whiners on a fishing boat would be most satisfying. If there is any fear, its the fear in not getting a sense of justice putting the NBA's little pet team to bed.

The media will be unable to continually quote Dwight's Dad, and Kobe's Mom, regarding their relationship problems once we get a few weeks further into the playoffs after we pound them. I mean this really has to hurt true NBA fans on the West Coast...

[SpursIce]

Yea, I'd like to avoid them. If they enter it it will most likely mean they are hot.

This. Of the teams fighting for the last playoff spots they have by far the biggest upside. If they are healthy and on a roll they'll be a difficult out for almost anybody.

[dbreiden83080]

I would not really care they are a terrible team. Spurs would beat them in 5 games or maybe even a sweep. That said they won’t make the playoffs. They are 4 back of the Rockets in the win column who are clearly a better team than they are. Rockets are on pace to go 44-38. Lakers are still under .500..

[Chomag]

Best team wins. I have always felt if the Spurs are true champs it shouldn't matter who they play against. I know some of you like to strategize about matchups and what not but in the end it's about being the better team. Although I do agree it would be kind of gratifying to see the Lakers not make the playoffs but if they do bring it on!

[exstatic]

Dwight Howard will be a sea anchor on the Laker yacht.

They had better pray that he is still healing, because their chemistry will never be there. TOO many stories of Howard/Bryant shit for none of them to be true. They had no real chemistry with Shaq, either, but they had the right coach to keep them apart and run the right offense. Neither of those is true now.

I think this is all academic anyway. Kobe can say what he wants, but they're not making the show. They are now 27-29. 48 wins is the absolute bottom of what it takes to make the WC playoffs. They have 26 games left, and need to win 21 of them to hit 48. That's 21-5. The numbers do not lie, and won't be intimidated by Kobe's bravado.

[Johnny RIngo]

In order of who I want to play in the first round:

1. Jazz - 8-17 against .500 opponents, worst SRS of all Western Conference playoff teams. Easiest possible opponent
2. Warriors - 2nd worst SRS of all WC playoff teams, not really convinced this team is built for the post-season
3. Lakers - Better than their record indicates, Officiating will always be in their favor, Spurs have had two of their ugliest games this season against them for some reason or another.
3. Rockets - Youngest team that seems to score at will, would be a tiring first round opponent, SRS is 7th in league, Harden seems to always play well against the Spurs

[Obstructed_View]

I'd love to see the Spurs face, and eliminate, the Lakers in the first round.

[therealtruth]

Dwight Howard will be a sea anchor on the Laker yacht.

They had better pray that he is still healing, because their chemistry will never be there. TOO many stories of Howard/Bryant shit for none of them to be true. They had no real chemistry with Shaq, either, but they had the right coach to keep them apart and run the right offense. Neither of those is true now.

I think this is all academic anyway. Kobe can say what he wants, but they're not making the show. They are now 27-29. 48 wins is the absolute bottom of what it takes to make the WC playoffs. They have 26 games left, and need to win 21 of them to hit 48. That's 21-5. The numbers do not lie, and won't be intimidated by Kobe's bravado.

Pretty much I think it will take a collapse of the Rockets or Jazz for them to get in. They will also need to fight off the Mavs who are trying to do the same. The Rockets are more likely to collapse but Harden has been scorching lately.

[spurraider21]

I'd love to see the Spurs face, and eliminate, the Lakers in the first round.

this. i sorta hope they don't make the playoffs just for the lulz, but if they do squeak in i really hope we get to be the one's to deliver the KO

[Fabbs]

When their best players Howard and Gasol get healthy, the Lakers could make some noise.
Nash will benefit from days off between playoff games.
Throw in an above average role player like Bryant and they could do well.

Of course if it's a rigged year why bother. Starting to look that way from their last 3 games.

[ThaBigFundamental21]

I think the Lakers will right the ship. Howard is bowing down and saying the right things. The Lakers can move up in the West. I don't see why they can't move up to 7th at the end of the season. They do have talent, they can make some noise. I don't want to hear they are too "OLD." As Spurs fans WTF are you talking about??? We are "OLD" in key areas. If anything, it's the Lakers mediocre bench that will hinder them. Obviously they can't beat the big boys, but I think they make the playoffs and not even as the 8th seed.

As to the question, bring the Lakers on! I would love to stomp them. BTW, to be the best, you have to beat the best!!! None of this pussy shit, "I want to avoid teams." Obviously the path of least resistance is ideal, but you still aren't winning a title if you aren't the best. It shouldn't matter who you have to go through.

[diego]

as much as I would like to beat the lakers (which we would, just because pop >>>>>>>>> d'antoni), i'd rather avoid them because artest is crazy and between kobe's competitiveness and dwight's stupidity, that's 3 of their starting 5 that are liable to pull some cheapshots that could hurt some of our guys going forward. I'd rather play the warriors or rockets, they'd give us a good work out to prepare for later rounds with less risk of bodily harm :lol

if we do face them Leonard's length will eventually wear down old kobe over the series. unless they can develop howard a post game in a month, pau's not there to balance the attack. they have no bench and can't defend our attack without fouling on the perimeter. and even if they might be streaking to get that 8th spot, they'll be exhausted while the spurs should be rested. Barring injury and terrible officiating in every game, they have no chance.

[rmt]

I think the Lakers will right the ship. Howard is bowing down and saying the right things. The Lakers can move up in the West. I don't see why they can't move up to 7th at the end of the season. They do have talent, they can make some noise. I don't want to hear they are too "OLD." As Spurs fans WTF are you talking about??? We are "OLD" in key areas. If anything, it's the Lakers mediocre bench that will hinder them. Obviously they can't beat the big boys, but I think they make the playoffs and not even as the 8th seed.

As to the question, bring the Lakers on! I would love to stomp them. BTW, to be the best, you have to beat the best!!! None of this pussy shit, "I want to avoid teams." Obviously the path of least resistance is ideal, but you still aren't winning a title if you aren't the best. It shouldn't matter who you have to go through.

I disagree with that statement about avoiding teams. Basketball is about match ups. MIA is a terrible matchup for OKC - not so much so for LAL/MEM because they are strong where MIA is weak. LAL have played SAS closely this year. It's not so bad now since Pop has gotten over his aversion of TD/TS but there's not much margin for error after those 2 and DH can play long minutes. I would prefer to avoid the Lakers (and refs wanting them to advance) and play either HOU or UTA (less ref involvement). Also, Artest is crazy and could hurt TP or Manu.

[sexinthatsx]

Dwight Howard will be a sea anchor on the Laker yacht.

They had better pray that he is still healing, because their chemistry will never be there. TOO many stories of Howard/Bryant shit for none of them to be true. They had no real chemistry with Shaq, either, but they had the right coach to keep them apart and run the right offense. Neither of those is true now.

I think this is all academic anyway. Kobe can say what he wants, but they're not making the show. They are now 27-29. 48 wins is the absolute bottom of what it takes to make the WC playoffs. They have 26 games left, and need to win 21 of them to hit 48. That's 21-5. The numbers do not lie, and won't be intimidated by Kobe's bravado.

Bryant never got along with bigs. Shaq hated him, Bynum hated him for a while too. Dwight's ego is just as big, and if not, bigger than Shaq's. No center wants to do the dirty work and rebound for someone that just chucks the ball all day and doesn't pass it.

[quentin_compson]

If the Lakers make the Playoffs, that means they will have won quite a lot of their remaining games and gotten significantly better than they are right now along the way. Given the talent they have on their roster (and not having a bench won't be as problemaic in the postseason) and their potential upside, they would definitely be a potentially very tough opponent. Of course, the question is, how healthy they would be - but obviously, that goes for the Spurs as well.

[Raven]

they'd get swept so bad ...

[temujin]

It's interesting to read comments as if G6 of WCF of 2012 never happened.
As if Bill Kennedy and Joey Crawford are not around anymore and Stern has retired.
As if Memphis and Orlando didn't give up their all stars for essentially nothing.

Spurs should lose each and every games against the teams battling with the Lakers for the N.8 spot.

[100%duncan]

So? It's hard to go through the Lakers when they don't make the playoffs. They're not exactly an overly threatening team at this point.

:lol :toast

[therealtruth]

If the Lakers make the Playoffs, that means they will have won quite a lot of their remaining games and gotten significantly better than they are right now along the way. Given the talent they have on their roster (and not having a bench won't be as problemaic in the postseason) and their potential upside, they would definitely be a potentially very tough opponent. Of course, the question is, how healthy they would be - but obviously, that goes for the Spurs as well.

Good point. If they make the playoffs they won't be playing like a 7/8th seed but a top 4 team. In round 1 you would like to avoid wasting any energy. I think that's what happened with the Spurs in '06 when they wasted energy beating the Kings and didn't have enough left to beat the Mavs.

[td4mvp21]

Spurs need to worry about HC against OKC and not drawing the Lakers in the first round. Yeah, it'd be a shitty, tough first round opponent. But if they can't manage to beat the Lakers, they won't beat the Thunder or Heat.

[spurraider21]

if you guys are scared of the lakers, you don't have championship cojones

[Mal]

expecting some hard refball in such series. Would be better to avoid those fuckers

[swaggerjackson]

I don't think the Spurs need to actively avoid them obviously, but I would be lying if I said I didn't care. I would much rather get Utah, Dallas, or Houston. As bad as the Lakers have been they have the most potential for improvement. It is unlikely but still totally possible that they figure each other out and start rolling into the playoffs. Also there is no better story than the Lakers put together a superstar roster, have a terrible season, sneak into the playoffs, and then suddenly gain traction and start playing good basketball. I would not want to see the spurs involved in that narrative tbh.

[DesignatedT]

The Lakers can't guard Tony Parker. Lol Steve Nash and Steve Blake.

Game over.Series over.

[Joyrider]

All those shots Mayo, Jones, Collison missed today, Spurs won't miss in the playoffs.

[cd021]

If they're coached by col Sanders, i might be worried, a little. But as long they're coached by Pringles, Nash & Kobe are sieves defensively, and no quick long wing defender to stop TP, no worry AT ALL.

[justinandimcool]

would rather see LAL than younger hungry fast teams like GSW and Houston.

classyball is a better recipe for beating the Lakers undisciplined style. GSW and Houston would wear us out.

[spurraider21]

The Lakers can't guard Tony Parker. Lol Steve Nash and Steve Blake.

Game over.Series over.

tbh they might be forced to throw Kobe on TP and try to hide Nash on Green. but i'd LOVE to see kirby have to fight through screen after screen :lol

or a lineup with TP, Manu, Kawhi would force Nash to guard SOMEBODY :rollin

[TheCerebral1]

I prefer to read legible titles. That being said, why should the Lakers scare anyone. They've lost to Toronto twice this season. Color me for a sweep.

[HI-FI]

lot of good posts, but i'll quote this one.

It's interesting to read comments as if G6 of WCF of 2012 never happened.
As if Bill Kennedy and Joey Crawford are not around anymore and Stern has retired.
As if Memphis and Orlando didn't give up their all stars for essentially nothing.

Spurs should lose each and every games against the teams battling with the Lakers for the N.8 spot.
yes, you're right the league is WWE levels of ridiculousness. my biggest fear against either Lakers or Thunder has never been about personnel or coaching but officiating. it is truly hard to overcome 5 on 8. I see so many spurs fan mention that the Lakers won't make the playoffs, and I agree that statistically they shouldn't. But this league, under Stern, is notorious for things happening that defy all reason and fairness.

but that being said, ultimately we can't be scared about who we face. I understand Pop and everyone both want the best rank and health, but if forced to choose one, I'll take health all the time.

I just want us to be healthy as possible and be ready to knock out whatever motherfker is in our path. If it's the Lakers, who somehow miraculously got in while more deserving teams got shafted, then so be it. Someone needs to drive a stake through their heart, might as well be us.

[hater]

not really avoiding rather than throwing a hot Lakers team to OKC. That's strategy and Pop will try that no doubt. Killing off either OKC or hot Lakers without breaking a sweat, that's the right approach

[emanueldavidginobili]

If the Lakers get into the playoffs that means they are hot and rolling, I mean we can beat them but it wont be easy. If they make the playoffs that probably means they have chemistry now Dwight is healthy and they are just clicking. But their bench is absolutely horrible and their coach sucks.

[rascal]

not really avoiding rather than throwing a hot Lakers team to OKC. That's strategy and Pop will try that no doubt. Killing off either OKC or hot Lakers without breaking a sweat, that's the right approach

If the Lakers are playing good enough to beat OKC they will beat the Spurs. Their size will be a problem for the Spurs.

[MarCowMar]

Nah after watching the Lakers play today I can't say I'm worried about them. They rely too much on hero ball and all their superstars have lost a step.

I'd be much more worried about a young team like the Rockets coming in and playing with nothing to lose.

[SpursIndonesia]

If the Lakers get into the playoffs that means they are hot and rolling, I mean we can beat them but it wont be easy. If they make the playoffs that probably means they have chemistry now Dwight is healthy and they are just clicking. But their bench is absolutely horrible and their coach sucks.

IF they make the playoffs, IMHO it's more about the other teams slumped badly or having injury problems to their respective superstars, that Lakers team as of now is flawed & badly constructed, coached by the WRONG person, not really a strong playoffs team, no matter how hot they can get on in the regular season. They WILL be exposed & burned in the post season by the REAL contending team. They're not really like that 2011 Memphis team who was rolling late in the season & actually tanking down to face the number 1 seed that actually was FLAWED in their own right (yup, that jump shooting, run & gun Spurs with broken Ginobili).

[Capt Bringdown]

I would love to knock the Kobe hype machine off its perch, but let someone else do it. I want no part of the Lakers. This Spursfan is snakebit when it comes to the Lakers. I've seen more than enough of the Lakers improbable antics against us in the playoffs.
.04 and the Brent Barry incidents did it for me, from which I conclude that we will not get a square deal from the cosmos against the purple & gold.

[Libri]

There are indications that Gasol might be ready for the last few games of the season. Even if he joins the team, I'm still confident that the Spurs can knock them off.

[SpursIndonesia]

I would love to knock the Kobe hype machine off its perch, but let someone else do it. I want no part of the Lakers. This Spursfan is snakebit when it comes to the Lakers. I've seen more than enough of the Lakers improbable antics against us in the playoffs.
.04 and the Brent Barry incidents did it for me, from which I conclude that we will not get a square deal from the cosmos against the purple & gold.

Two Lakers playoffs mojo charms are not with them anymore, PJax and Fisher. Kobe without a true dominant offensive big to carry him off isn't all that menacing, tbh.

[daslicer]

I don't want to play them just due to the phantom bs that has occurred the last two times the spurs played them which was .4 and Barry getting fouled in '08 but no foul being called. I do think the spurs will win but it will by a Pyrrhic victory in the sense that it will take a lot of juice out of the spurs that they won't have much left for the other rounds.

[racm]

Two Lakers playoffs mojo charms are not with them anymore, PJax and Fisher. Kobe without a true dominant offensive big to carry him off isn't all that menacing, tbh.

And Mike D'Antoni isn't a coach who can adjust well.

[TampaDude]

I would love to knock the Kobe hype machine off its perch, but let someone else do it. I want no part of the Lakers. This Spursfan is snakebit when it comes to the Lakers. I've seen more than enough of the Lakers improbable antics against us in the playoffs.
.04 and the Brent Barry incidents did it for me, from which I conclude that we will not get a square deal from the cosmos against the purple & gold.

WERD...if we face the Lakers in the first round, it's a lock that Joey Crawford refs Game 1.

[ElNono]

not worried

[HarlemHeat37]

Why would anybody want to play LA in the 1st round?..

They are clearly better than Houston or Utah, especially for playoff basketball..

The Spurs would need 6 tough games vs. LA IMO, while they would probably beat Houston/Utah in 5 relatively easy games, tbh..

[ElNono]

Spurs would probably have more problems guarding Harden alone than the Lakeshow... Houston is also chock full of 3 point shooters that can ruin any night...

Agree about Utah, although I think the Spurs can get past the 1st round relatively easily, health permitting.

[HarlemHeat37]

Houston is a regular season team IMO..poor defensive team that runs, only 1 player that can create his own shot consistently, no offensively reliable big men..

Utah is definitely the easy choice, but I'd rather get Houston rather than LA..

[Capt Bringdown]

Two Lakers playoffs mojo charms are not with them anymore, PJax and Fisher. Kobe without a true dominant offensive big to carry him off isn't all that menacing, tbh.

Maybe. Possibly. But the best possible scenario from this fan's perspective would be for the Lakers to miss the playoffs entirely.
As others have pointed out, if the Lakers do make the playoffs, that would mean that they will have turned their season around in a dramatic way.So it's hard to say how menacing they would be today. In order to make the playoffs, their level of play will have necessarily improved quite a bit. No thanks.

[txstr1986]

During the past month, the Lakers have the 3rd best record in the league, behind San Antonio and Miami. However, I could care less if we meet them in the 1st round. Even if it would be a harder series than playing Houston, I would get a lot more satisfaction from dispatching LA after they worked all the way back from the trash heap to get to the playoffs.

[spurraider21]

Preference 1) Lakers miss the playoffs as a whole. Screw 'em. Jazz round 1

Preference 2) Lakers make playoffs and we get the glory of pushing their ish in

[HarlemHeat37]

Houston is a regular season team IMO..poor defensive team that runs, only 1 player that can create his own shot consistently, no offensively reliable big men..

Utah is definitely the easy choice, but I'd rather get Houston rather than LA..

As I said, Utah is the ideal choice..the Spurs would probably sweep them, tbh..their perimeter game is atrocious..

[Beaverfuzz]

They're not making the playoffs. So sowwy Chawie