Matchups

[peskypesky]

Any guesses as to how we'll match up with the Lakers on defense?

Parker - Fisher
Manu - ?
Bowen - Kobe
Duncan - ?
Oberto - ?

[Allanon]

What I'd like to see is who guards 7'1 Pau and who guards 6'10 Odom.

That should make or break the series right there.

On the Laker side.

And I suspect Trevor Ariza will be back as a starter guarding Manu leaving Kobe on Bowen and then on Parker in the 4th. Ariza might get some time on Parker as well.

[mystargtr34]

Duncan will guard Gasol primarily and Oberto on Odom...

Manu will pick up Radmanovic

[honestfool84]

What I'd like to see is who guards 7'1 Pau and who guards 6'10 Odom.

That should make or break the series right there.



duncan>pau.

and oberto/horry/thomas = odom.

[Allanon]

duncan>pau.

and oberto/horry/thomas = odom.

I agree that Duncan is > Pau but not by a landslide like it would have been in years before.

Odom on the other hand is much better than Oberto. Horry and Thomas have no chance guarding Odom...he's too quick.

[DazedAndConfused]

I can't wait for Oberto on Odom. Forgot what you saw in the regular season, playoff LO is a whole other beast. He has apparently figured out that his jumpshot is shit and he is just driving to the basket every chance he gets. He tore Boozer a new one, and I don't expect an even slower Oberto/Thomas to keep up without fouling.

I think the one common dominator in each opponent the Lakers have faced is that nobody has really had a guy that could stick Kobe 1-1. The Nuggets tried Martin, Kleiza, Najera....didn't work. The Jazz tried Brewer, Harpring, CJ Miles, Korver.....didn't work. The Spurs have Bowen/Udoka which is clearly going to be the toughest set of defenders Kobe has faced........he is going to have to force the Spurs to send double teams at him for Pau and LO to score as efficiently as they have been doing. This means he must beat Bowen/Udoka off the dribble.

I definitely expect our offense to be slowed a bit, but thankfully SAS doesn't put up a whole lot of points. If the Lakers can get near 100 ppg they will be fine. If they are scoring down in the 90ppg range they are done. This series is going to be great because both teams are so evenly matched up. The Lakers can play on the road, so SAS can't rely on getting easy home wins like they did against NOH.

[Trainwreck2100]

I agree that Duncan is > Pau but not by a landslide like it would have been in years before.

Odom on the other hand is much better than Oberto. Horry and Thomas have no chance guarding Odom...he's too quick.


It comes to how Pop decides to defend him. He may do what he did to Marion in 05 and elect to shut the third guy down. And limit the other two.

[peskypesky]

Duncan will guard Gasol primarily and Oberto on Odom...

Manu will pick up Radmanovic

Don't see how Manu can guard Radmanovic. He's 4 inches shorter and 30lbs lighter.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Any guesses as to how we'll match up with the Lakers on defense?

Parker - Fisher
Manu - ?
Bowen - Kobe
Duncan - ?
Oberto - ?

Odom will eat Manu up.

Oberto will guard Odom, and I think Udoka will be thrown at Odom as well

Manu will take the perimeter guys like Luke, Sasha, Radmanovic and see spot minutes on Kobe

Duncan will be tested on Gasol, but we'll see. Gasol will probably get all our bigs thrown at him. See who bothers him the best.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Don't see how Manu can guard Radmanovic. He's 4 inches shorter and 30lbs lighter.

It'll be like guarding an inferior Peja. I think Manu would do fine. Especially if he's gotten healthier for this series.

[peskypesky]

Odom will eat Manu up.

Oberto will guard Odom, and I think Udoka will be thrown at Odom as well

Manu will take the perimeter guys like Luke, Sasha, Radmanovic and see spot minutes on Kobe

Duncan will be tested on Gasol, but we'll see. Gasol will probably get all our bigs thrown at him. See who bothers him the best.

Don't see how Ime can guard Odom, who's 5 inches taller. I'm thinking the Spurs won't be able to match up in size with the Lakers.

[mavsfan1000]

Udoka should guard Odom. No one else matches up well to him. Duncan guarding Gasol too could get him in foul trouble. I don't think the spurs match up too well against the Lakers.

[peskypesky]

It'll be like guarding an inferior Peja. I think Manu would do fine. Especially if he's gotten healthier for this series.

I hope you're right, but it seems like Manu will be at a serious size disadvantage.

[peskypesky]

Udoka should guard Odom. No one else matches up well to him. Duncan guarding Gasol too could get him in foul trouble. I don't think the spurs match up too well against the Lakers.

That would mean Udoka starts. Doubt that will happen.

[Allanon]

It's hard for the Spurs because they grab Bowen to guard Kobe.

I suspect Fabricio to be guarding Odom and Manu on Radmonvic. But Rad's a 6'10 jump shooter and Manu is too short to bother his shot.

If Radmanovic shoots well, that's a major disadvantage for the Spurs at both the PF and SF position. I think Phil stuck with Radmanovic because he felt that the Spurs would be coming.

[LA24]

And I suspect Trevor Ariza will be back as a starter guarding...

I highly doubt that. Phil wouldn't tweak the starting lineups especially this far into the playoffs. Plus, Ariza hasn't even played ONE game yet and to expect him jump right into the starting lineup ? Ain't happening. I hope I'm wrong. Regardless, he better get more playing time than Luke.

[mavsfan1000]

Yeah either way Duncan is forced to guard a key offensive player while the Lakers can rest one of their players on Oberto or Thomas. Oberto can't keep up with Odom in the speed category. Odom is too good on the dribble. Fisher is also a very good defender and will keep Parker in check. I predict Lakers in 6.

[Zzakk's Garage]

Manu is an unpredictable pest who steals from bigs and gets into their heads.

My question is who are the Lakers going to send on D against US?

[Nbadan]

My question is who are the Lakers going to send on D against US?

Excellent question....Radmanovic would have a hard time guarding Ginobili...

[Allanon]

On D, the Lakers

Pau on Duncan
Odom on Fabricio
Radman on Bowen
Kobe on Manu
Fisher on Parker

or
Odom on Manu (maybe ? )
Rad on Fabricio
Kobe on Bowen

Clog the paint with Odom and Pau.

[Nbadan]

Fisher is also a very good defender and will keep Parker in check

Fisher is underrated, but check Tony Parker? What are you smoking?

[Nbadan]

Pau on Duncan
Odom on Fabricio
Radman on Bowen
Kobe on Manu
Fisher on Parker

That's a pretty fair match-up......I think this series will come down to benches...

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Don't see how Ime can guard Odom, who's 5 inches taller. I'm thinking the Spurs won't be able to match up in size with the Lakers.

I was thinking Ime strength wise. But I can see Ime making mistakes and being quickly taken off him if Odom keeps shooting over him.
it's either Manu or Ime when they're on the floor who will be on Odom at times.
probably Fin will guard Odom too.


Odom is our match up problem, and I hope he pulls a Shawn Marion on us.

I think the most we can hope for is Kobe dominating the ball and Bruce forcing him with hard shots as far as defense goes.

[Dopey310]

Yep, in every series, Fisher was supposed to be the biggest mismatch (AI, Deron) but somehow he always finds a way to hold his own. Fisher is not the weak link on the Lakers. He's not the quickest defender, but he does all the little things to get an edge, plus you have to respect his outside shot. The guy understands playoffs basketball.

[mathbzh]

When I remember the Diaw problem in the first round, I am afraid it will not be easy to deal with Odom.

[Nbadan]

The greatest thing that could happen to the Spurs is Odom shooting a game-deciding shot in the final seconds...

[Ariel]

Odom would be a much bigger problem if Bynum were playing, but since he's not and Odom plays mostly as a PF, he can be taken care of by our bigs. And with Radmanovic being mostly an outside jumpshooter with neither the post up moves nor the playmaking game of Diaw, Manu can cover him just fine.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have plenty to worry about. On offense, Kobe will have to face by far the toughest opposition he's met with the hellhounds chasing him all over, and on the other end Manu will wear him out. Also, the Lakers don't have the interior defenders to prevent Tony and Manu from getting into the paint, and if they collapse on us, Finley, Bowen, Udoka and Barry will have a field day.

So personally I don't think it's the Spurs who should be doing the worrying about the matchups.

[Trainwreck2100]

When I remember the Diaw problem in the first round, I am afraid it will not be easy to deal with Odom.

cept he's their PF and Diaw was playing SF

[LA24]

Odom would be a much bigger problem if Bynum were playing, but since he's not and Odom plays mostly as a PF, he can be taken care of by our bigs.
You'll be seeing Gasol on the top of the key and outside the paint a lot, looking for cutters and open shooters. That'll bring Duncan out more on defense as well leaving the interior less occupied. Which is great for Kobe and Lamar.


On offense, Kobe will have to face by far the toughest opposition he's met with the hellhounds chasing him all over, and on the other end Manu will wear him out.
Albeit hellhounds with older and slower legs. Ah, regardless, Kobe will still get his.


Also, the Lakers don't have the interior defenders to prevent Tony and Manu from getting into the paint, and if they collapse on us, Finley, Bowen, Udoka and Barry will have a field day.
.

Only if, and a big if, Finley, Bowen, and Ukoka can knock down their shots.
Is Barry even going to get a lot of minutes ?

[kace]

there are two real questions for LA in defense:

- who will defend tim duncan ?
- how will they be able to defend SA pick and roll ?

for us, we have people to defend kobe and gasol one on one. it should be enough.

[brettn]

Duncan owns Gasol, always has, and that tend will continue. That matchup is a flush and that's being generous.

Parker will get his against Fisher. Fisher, as smart, tough and good as he is, can't contain the more experienced and hungry tony parker.

Bowen-Radmonavic is a big matchup. If Rado gets going that's trouble for the spurs. I could easily see it happening, especially since he'll probably see smaller defenders on him the majority of the series.

Kobe-Gino is of course big. Kobe will get his numbers like he usually does. It's not a matter if Gino can neccesarily MATCH him, but keep the pressure on Kobe to KEEP scoring on the offensive end. Manu probably won't be guarding much of Kobe this series anyways, but that leaves even more pressure on him to step up on the offensive end. I still don't think his ankle is 100% which could spell trouble for us, but I guess only time will tell.

Odom-WHOEVER: big matchup problem here and the one I'm most worried about. However, I feel like if we play him like we did David West this series and force him to make his jumpshot then we'll be fine. Protect the paint, make him make jumpshots. I have a feeling you'll see pop play him alot similar to how we played West this series.

I'm too drunk to go into any more detail. I probably sound like an idiot anyways. but GO SPURS GO! Great night and good luck and good night to you all! wOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LA24]

there are two real questions for LA in defense:

- who will defend tim duncan ?
- how will they be able to defend SA pick and roll ?

for us, we have people to defend kobe and gasol one on one. it should be enough.

The better question is how effective will Duncan be for your team.
Which Duncan will show up ? The "wtf happened to Duncan" or the "Duncan is the BeSteSt EvA ?"

He's great no question about that. But a bit inconsistent I'd say.

[LA24]

Duncan owns Gasol, always has, and that tend will continue. That matchup is a flush and that's being generous.

The word "always" can't be used since Duncan did not own Gasol the last time they met. On the other hand, Gasol did swat 2 of Duncan's shot.

[brettn]

The word "always" can't be used since Duncan did not own Gasol the last time they met. Gasol did swat 2 of Duncan's shot on the other hand.


My bad, he blocked 2 of Timmy's shots in a regular season game.

Edge goes to Gasol on this matchup.

[LA24]

My bad, he blocked 2 of Timmy's shots in a regular season game.

Edge goes to Gasol on this matchup.

I like your sarcasm. :rolleyes

My point was, Gasol ain't no pushover...he's not going to lay
down and die...soft or not...he will contest Duncan's shots.
If you think Duncan's going to have a walk in the park, think again.

[Ariel]

You'll be seeing Gasol on the top of the key and outside the paint a lot, looking for cutters and open shooters. That'll bring Duncan out more on defense as well leaving the interior less occupied. Which is great for Kobe and Lamar.
The Spurs now have Thomas. He can hold his own pretty well. And also you'll be seeing him on Gasol some. But ultimately I suppose a lot will vary depending on how they're doing. The Spurs also have Oberto and Horry to use, and they're warming up, so it's not like they don't have options if things don't pan out..

Albeit hellhounds will older and slower legs. Ah, regardless, Kobe will still get his.
If the series were to be held in two years time, I might be worried. But since it'll be over in two weeks and they've shown their present form is fantastic, that's probably the least of my concerns right now.

Only if, and a big if, Finley, Bowen, and Ukoka can knock down their shots.
They're all around 40% 3 pt shooters. Give them open 3s, and you're dead.

Is Barry even going to get a lot of minutes ?
He has a better chance than he did in previous series. His defensive shortcomings are much less harmful this series than they were in the past. If we need 3s, I think he'll have chances.

[brettn]

I like your sarcasm. :rolleyes

My point was, Gasol ain't no pushover...he's not going to lay
down and die...soft or not...he will contest Duncan's shots.
If you think Duncan's going to have a walk in the park, think again.

I agree with you, Gasol's a competitor. But I don't think he'll be able to stay with timmy on the defensive end.

If you look at the Lakers starters, who are they gonna throw at Timmy? Gasol is the ONLY choice you have really. Now take this in and think about who you have to throw at tim when he gets Gasol in foul trouble (and it will happen, tim has a habit of doing this to other big men). Turiaf? Maybe switch odom off on tim? I really don't know, I'd have to look at the lakers roster a little more in depth, but I'm too drunk to do that right now. Point is, I don't see it happening. Beauty of this series is which team can execute and take advantage of their mismatches more.

I've felt all along that unless yall get Bynum back and have another big to throw at timmy, that we have a GOOD shot and ending the lake show this season. I might be wrong, but it's how I feel. Call us lucky, but I've felt ever since the Gasol trade that yall need both him and Bynum to take us down in a 7 game series. Only time will tell I guess though. Good luck Wednesday!

[LA24]

I agree with you, Gasol's a competitor. But I don't think he'll be able to stay with timmy on the defensive end.

If you look at the Lakers starters, who are they gonna throw at Timmy? Gasol is the ONLY choice you have really. Now take this in and think about who you have to throw at tim when he gets Gasol in foul trouble (and it will happen, tim has a habit of doing this to other big men). Turiaf? Maybe switch odom off on tim? I really don't know, I'd have to look at the lakers roster a little more in depth, but I'm too drunk to do that right now. Point is, I don't see it happening. Beauty of this series is which team can execute and take advantage of their mismatches more.

I've felt all along that unless yall get Bynum back and have another big to throw at timmy, that we have a GOOD shot and ending the lake show this season. I might be wrong, but it's how I feel. Call us lucky, but I've felt ever since the Gasol trade that yall need both him and Bynum to take us down in a 7 game series. Only time will tell I guess though. Good luck Wednesday!

Good take. I agree.

At the same time, if Duncan is having one of his "inconsistent" games,
then there's not much to be worried about.

[Dopey310]

Like I said before, Spurs fans think Duncan will dominate the interior like Shaq prime or something. Duncan's a great player, but exploding on offense is not really his game. He'll get his typical 20-10 like he usually does againgst everybody else. What's probably going to end up happening is both players will end up averaging very similar numbers at the end of the series. Duncan's the better player, but Gasol will get his. When Kobe and LO are drawing all the attention and there's capable shooters all around, Gasol almost always ends up getting easy baskets. I don't see that changing. I'm actually glad that we don't have to face the Chandler and West frontline. Gasol biggest problem is defensive rebounding and he probably would have struggled rebounding against the much more athletic Chandler, but he'll be fine trying to board against Oberto/Duncan. Odom is also a very capable rebounder.

[mystargtr34]

My bad, he blocked 2 of Timmy's shots in a regular season game.

Edge goes to Gasol on this matchup.

:lmao :lmao

[mystargtr34]

Like I said before, Spurs fans think Duncan will dominate the interior like Shaq prime or something. Duncan's a great player, but exploding on offense is not really his game. He'll get his typical 20-10 like he usually does againgst everybody else. What's probably going to end up happening is both players will end up averaging very similar numbers at the end of the series. Duncan's the better player, but Gasol will get his. When Kobe and LO are drawing all the attention and there's capable shooters all around, Gasol almost always ends up getting easy baskets. I don't see that changing. I'm actually glad that we don't have to face the Chandler and West frontline. Gasol biggest problem is defensive rebounding and he probably would have struggled rebounding against the much more athletic Chandler, but he'll be fine trying to board against Oberto/Duncan. Odom is also a very capable rebounder.

Duncan has a much wider and bigger body than Chandler... i would think he would have a harder time in the paint against Duncan, even on rebounds... once Duncan/Thomas put a body on you, forget about it, he doesnt like contact. Hes a fantastically skilled player but the contact game isnt his game.

Parker - Fisher. I think Ariza will get spot minutes here and there (if healthy) to see how he does, as will Kobe late in game. Farmer and Fish dont have the speed to contain Parker and this will be San Antonios biggest advantage in this series.

Manu - Kobe. I think Radmanovic might start out on Manu, and that will be disaster for LA. I expect Kobe to defend him for stretches and he may do so more often now that he has a few more offensive weapons on his team. But i suspect Ariza to get a few more spot minutes here. Anyone but Kobe defending Manu could be a problem for LA, if they bring on Ariza then theyre playing 4 on 5 on offense.

Bowen - Radmanovic. Bowen will set up on corner threes and Radman/Kobe have to do a good job of closing out.

Odom - Oberto. Like the Parker/Fisher matchup, this is the one the Lakers will exploit the most. We have no one on our team who we can confidently say can 'guard' Odom. Kurt Thomas on Odom will be a death sentence, and i dont see Oberto fairing much better. Id like to see a bit more of Horry in this series on Odom.

Duncan - Gasol. I think Phil will definately throw alot of Turiaf on Timmy. He can also try and draw Timmy out with his 15 footers. Alot of Gasol on Duncan could be toruble for LA as he could get worn down quickly trying to hold off Duncan for post position and also foul trouble. Gasol has good length and did defend him well in thri regular season meeting. But unless Gasol has improved drastically on D... judging by their previous encounters then this could be a a problem for LA.

[hsxvvd]

Fisher - Parker
Bryant - Bowen
Odom -Finley
Radmanovic - Duncan
Gasol - Oberto/Thomas

4th
Manu v Vujacic with Radmanovic on the bench.

Seems simple enough.

Udoka off the bench to stop Odom if Finley's struggling.

As for the Lakers match ups

Parker - Fisher
Finley - Kobe
Bowen - Odom
Duncan - Gasol
Thomas/Oberto -Radmanovic

I see Parker and Duncan having their way with the Lakers. Ariza or not, he won't be a factor at all. Walton, Farmer, Turiaf... I don't see anybody who can stop Duncan... this is his series.

[LA24]

Duncan wasn't really all that against the Hornets. Very inconsistent.

Lakers will be fine. Out of Spurs big 3, Duncan is the least of my worries.

[hsxvvd]

Duncan wasn't really all that against the Hornets. Very inconsistent.

Lakers will be fine. Out of Spurs big 3, Duncan is the least of my worries.

I hope the colonel is thinking the same.

[ElNono]

Let's get some things straight. I've been hearing this "Odom will eat Manu's lunch" for years now. If you go back and take a look, there's no such thing. The reality is that Odom has NO POST GAME, so he gets his baskets in transition, put backs or through jump shots against us. If we rebound well and get back in transition, Odom becomes another jump shooter, and a pretty lame one at that.
Pop will not put Duncan to rack up fouls early in the game against Gasol. Especially in LA. So I expect Thomas/Oberto to take Gasol, and Duncan stay with Odom. Phil will exploit that matchup by dragging Odom outside the paint and hoping Timmy follows him. That should leave enough open shots for Odom. If Odom knocks them down, then we'll probably see Pop moving Duncan to Gasol as the game goes on, and playing small ball with Udoka and Bowen taking turns on Kobe and Odom. If Odom doesn't hit, we're good to go.
Phil will give Gasol a chance to guard Duncan, although I expect Fisher or Farmar to come over and double when Duncan puts the ball on the floor. Yet, I see Phil eventually having to go to Turiaf to guard Duncan, because Gasol can't bang with Timmy.

The Lakers must absolutely win their first two at home, because we saw how Gasol completely disappears on the road. I think the Spurs' transition defense needs to be very sharp. These Lakers like to run, and a lot of their efficiency on offense come from easy baskets in transition.

[LA24]

I hope the colonel is thinking the same.

Or maybe I'll be reading more "wtf is wrong with Duncan" posts here like during the Spurs/Hornets series ?

We shall see which Duncan shows up against the Lakers.

[mystargtr34]

Duncan wasn't really all that against the Hornets. Very inconsistent.

Lakers will be fine. Out of Spurs big 3, Duncan is the least of my worries.

:lol i dont know where u get this inconsistency bullshit from... are you trying to rile up the fans?

When our guy has his worst playoff playoff of his career and still puts up 16-13-3-2 on 45%... after basically being taken out of games by constant doubling especially in the first few games...

Where as your 'star', has a CAREER playoff FG% of 43%

Then all is pretty well.

[Russ]

Odom on the other hand is much better than Oberto. Horry and Thomas have no chance guarding Odom...he's too quick.
This is the conventional wisdom of the series -- the Spurs can't match up with Odom. It's practically a cliche already. The latest false hope of the Spurs' detractors in the media.

The Spurs may possibly lose this series, but it won't be because of a knucklehead like Lamar Odom. :)

[ElNono]

You'll be seeing Gasol on the top of the key and outside the paint a lot, looking for cutters and open shooters. That'll bring Duncan out more on defense as well leaving the interior less occupied. Which is great for Kobe and Lamar.

Duncan won't be leaving the paint. Forget about that. If Gasol wants to start shooting J's from the top of the key or outside the paint, we'll take it.

[mystargtr34]

Or maybe I'll be reading more "wtf is wrong with Duncan" posts here like during the Spurs/Hornets series ?

We shall see which Duncan shows up against the Lakers.

:lmao i suspect the guy who put up 25-14-3-3 against the Suns or same guy whos been putting up 24-13-4-3 in the playoffs in the past 10 years.

Unless you guys decide to throw 2 and 3 guys at him like NO and open this biznitch up for Manu and TP.

[mathbzh]

cept he's their PF and Diaw was playing SF

I agree, we are lucky Bynum is not playing. But we still have a problem to guard a guy who is big and quick and a good passer even if he is a PF (he could also see some minutes at SF with Turiaf and Gasol inside).

[LA24]

This is the conventional wisdom of the series -- the Spurs can't match up with Odom. It's practically a cliche already.

So is the one that says Duncan's going to walk over Gasol.

[LA24]

:lol i dont know where u get this inconsistency bullshit from... are you trying to rile up the fans?

You didn't read the posts about Duncan after the Hornets loses ?
Even your very own moderator TIMVP called him out.

[LA24]

I agree, we are lucky Bynum is not playing.

Very very lucky. No way you guys can deal with a Bynum, Gasol, Odom frontline. Then add Kobe. Ouch.

Get it this year while you can. :)

[ElNono]

Very very lucky. No way you guys can deal with a Bynum, Gasol, Odom frontline. Then add Kobe. Ouch.

Get it this year while you can. :)

Are you sure Bynum will be back next year? OUCH...

[LA24]

Are you sure Bynum will be back next year? OUCH...

No. But don't worry, he will be back before Kobe and Gasol retires. ;)

[mathbzh]

No. But don't worry, he will be back before Kobe and Gasol retires. ;)
It will just let us the time to find the long 3 we need to guard Odom.

[samikeyp]

Very very lucky. No way you guys can deal with a Bynum, Gasol, Odom frontline. Then add Kobe. Ouch.

Get it this year while you can. :)

I don't know about "no way" but it makes the job a whole lot tougher is Bynum is healthy. I hope the kid comes all the way back, he was fun to watch.

[santymrc]

On D, the Lakers

Pau on Duncan
Odom on Fabricio
Radman on Bowen
Kobe on Manu
Fisher on Parker

or
Odom on Manu (maybe ? )
Rad on Fabricio
Kobe on Bowen

Clog the paint with Odom and Pau.

Jesus, it looks even more awful than our match ups.
Fisher on TP sucks for LA
Kobe on manu can turn up to be a lot of foul trouble for KB
Same for Pau on TD...

[mavsfan1000]

Gasol's defense is very underrated. Some of you make it like he is a horrible defender. You got a surprise coming to you if you think that way. The way to attack the lakers is to run against them. The Spurs are not that type of team so the lakers will be able to set up their defense. Just remember how much the Spurs struggled to score in 04. Phil Jackson knows how to shut down the spurs.

[hsxvvd]

Gasol's defense is very underrated. Some of you make it like he is a horrible defender. You got a surprise coming to you if you think that way. The way to attack the lakers is to run against them. The Spurs are not that type of team so the lakers will be able to set up their defense. Just remember how much the Spurs struggled to score in 04. Phil Jackson knows how to shut down the spurs.

Gasol is overrated in every aspect of his game and the Spurs CAN run. I love this "slow" line that comes from people who never watch Spurs games. We ran Phoenix off the floor when they were at their peak! But I'm loving the knowledge of the Laker fans.

Don't worry, your education is coming. Lesson 1 is tomorrow.

[DAF86]

Put Oberto on Gasol, (Pau is Fab's bitch) and Duncan on Odom, I know Lamar is a lot more quicker than Tim but all that # 21 needs to do is to wait for him on the paint and let him take all the jumpers he wants.

P.S: I'm kind of kidding here but not so much, I'd start with the conventional: Tim on Pau - Fab on Odom thing but if we're getting toasted I'd give this idea a try.

[ElNono]

Gasol's defense is very underrated. Some of you make it like he is a horrible defender. You got a surprise coming to you if you think that way. The way to attack the lakers is to run against them. The Spurs are not that type of team so the lakers will be able to set up their defense. Just remember how much the Spurs struggled to score in 04. Phil Jackson knows how to shut down the spurs.

Gasol's defense is pathetic. There's a reason we swept Memphis out of the playoffs when he was there. Timmy ALWAYS owned him. And the Lakers had Shaq AND Malone in 04 clobbering the paint. They have no legit shot blocker or banger other than Turiaf today.

[mavsfan1000]

Gasol's defense is pathetic. There's a reason we swept Memphis out of the playoffs when he was there. Timmy ALWAYS owned him. And the Lakers had Shaq AND Malone in 04 clobbering the paint. They have no legit shot blocker or banger other than Turiaf today.
The reason was that Gasol was forced to be the man and had little help. The offense sucked for them.

[Allanon]

Gasol's defense is pathetic. There's a reason we swept Memphis out of the playoffs when he was there. Timmy ALWAYS owned him. And the Lakers had Shaq AND Malone in 04 clobbering the paint. They have no legit shot blocker or banger other than Turiaf today.

The reason Spurs swept Memphis was because it was.... Memphis?

If you want to talk about Memphis, Pau's playoff record was a terrible 0-12. In his first Playoffs with the Lakers he's already changed that number to 8-14.

Just look at his game against Timmy the last time and you can see he plays Duncan toe-to-toe. Pau's team defense isn't great but excellent as a one on one defender...Duncan will have his hands full.

Gasol sucks
Gasol is soft
Gasol choked in Memphis
Gasol was 0-12 in his career Playoffs
Gasol's going to choke for the Lakers in the Playoffs

Hahah on all that so far.

[peskypesky]

You didn't read the posts about Duncan after the Hornets loses ?
Even your very own moderator TIMVP called him out.

Tim was sick with the flu in the first two games. So just STFU already with your moronic "Tim Duncan is inconsistent" argument.