SI.com: Roundtable: Finding A Lakers Foil

[WildcardManu]

Every single article I've read always says the same thing about the Blazers. They're too young. WTF?! Being young is a GOOD thing, not a bad thing. Just because you rarely see young teams winning championships doesn't mean they can't do it. The 77 Blazers were a young team.

Yeah, you guys might put up a fight but don't worry the future is almost here.

[SenorSpur]

As a fan of the Lakers, I think out of respect and the fact that it is an odd numbered year--I would say your Spurs are probably the only team that has the best chance of beating the Lakers in the playoffs. I mean, sure the other teams have the personnel to cause trouble, but when it comes down to it...only the Spurs has the playoff-tested demeanor to put up a fight.

However, I don't think any team is going to lay down and let L.A. repeat, so it may be a battle til the end. I'm just hoping for an exciting playoffs and if the Lakers and Spurs meet up once again--the spoils go to the victors.

I know I'm new here--but I've been reading the board and find it for the most part, informative and that's why I've decided to sign-up.

Welcome. Appreciate the insights from a level-headed fan of the opponent.

[Capt Bringdown]

Chris Mannix:It's difficult to see how the Spurs' go-to player in the fourth quarter is going to be able to stay healthy throughout what could be a grueling postseason.

Exactly. Manu hasn't been able to get healthy for what, almost a year now?
It would be nice if this trend would magically change in the playoffs, but it seems unlikely.

[poop]

It's all about shutting down Gasol. Period. Look no further.

i actually agree with this. he has been extremely effective for them this year, every bit as effective as duncan imo.
kobe cant be stopped but if we at least shut down gasol we have a chance

[Manu-of-steel]

As a fan of the Lakers, I think out of respect and the fact that it is an odd numbered year--I would say your Spurs are probably the only team that has the best chance of beating the Lakers in the playoffs. I mean, sure the other teams have the personnel to cause trouble, but when it comes down to it...only the Spurs has the playoff-tested demeanor to put up a fight.

However, I don't think any team is going to lay down and let L.A. repeat, so it may be a battle til the end. I'm just hoping for an exciting playoffs and if the Lakers and Spurs meet up once again--the spoils go to the victors.

I know I'm new here--but I've been reading the board and find it for the most part, informative and that's why I've decided to sign-up.

welcome aboard laker fan. enjoy your reading here. i hope it would be a spurs-lakers showdown in the west.

[Horse]

Jack McCallum...what a ...no better than last year? RMJ, George Hill, Drew Gooden, most likely a healthy Manu..please

Amen what a ing moron, They overlook the fact that with a healthy Ginobili we probly win atleast go seven. these gots.

[Manufan909]

As a fan of the Lakers, I think out of respect and the fact that it is an odd numbered year--I would say your Spurs are probably the only team that has the best chance of beating the Lakers in the playoffs. I mean, sure the other teams have the personnel to cause trouble, but when it comes down to it...only the Spurs has the playoff-tested demeanor to put up a fight.

However, I don't think any team is going to lay down and let L.A. repeat, so it may be a battle til the end. I'm just hoping for an exciting playoffs and if the Lakers and Spurs meet up once again--the spoils go to the victors.

I know I'm new here--but I've been reading the board and find it for the most part, informative and that's why I've decided to sign-up.

Welcome to ST!!!!

And I ninth the opinion that the prince of darkness quote is awesome.

[Don Quixote]

No, I'd say that the columnists are pretty much right on with their opinion. The only team with a chance against L.A. will be the Spurs. Which is to say, not much.

The Spurs need to play their absolute best, and be 100% healthy, to even get the series to 6 games against the Lakers. The Lakers, while they've been banged up, are so good and so deep that it matters not at all. They have faceplanted the Spurs with Bynum and without Bynum. They are bigger, stronger, and better at every position than the Spurs, play better defense, and have Kobe. They will cruise to the Finals. Lakers in 5, if that.

[200 miles]

I think we are all in agreement that this is the best quote. "The postseason is to the Spurs what sunset is to the Prince of Darkness -- time to get the blood pumping."

So now they are comparing our team to the ultimate evil. Yet you all are awed by it. How silly.

[Cry Havoc]

I think if Manu's healthy, we pull down trophy #5.

If he isn't, we watch the Lakers play the Celtics/LeBrons for the trophy.

[aka_USAPA]

As a fan of the Lakers, I think out of respect and the fact that it is an odd numbered year--I would say your Spurs are probably the only team that has the best chance of beating the Lakers in the playoffs. I mean, sure the other teams have the personnel to cause trouble, but when it comes down to it...only the Spurs has the playoff-tested demeanor to put up a fight.

However, I don't think any team is going to lay down and let L.A. repeat, so it may be a battle til the end. I'm just hoping for an exciting playoffs and if the Lakers and Spurs meet up once again--the spoils go to the victors.

I know I'm new here--but I've been reading the board and find it for the most part, informative and that's why I've decided to sign-up.

Got to love those Lakers fans. In short, the Spurs have the best chance of beating the Lakers due to the following:

1. Out of respect
2. It's an odd year

WFT buddy? What are you? Looking for a friend and acceptance in this board?

[George Gervin's Afro]

Sorry boys and girls but we aren't going to beat a healthy lakers team this year.

Yes I love the Spurs and no I am not a fair weather fan. Why am I so certain? When we were rolling the last few years we were the better team than anyone we played no matter who. You knew we were going to wear a team down no matter what they did. We would lose 1 maybe 2 games a series but it didn't matter who we played. Well that team is the lakers this year...

[Rummpd]

McCallum is a Laker lover and Bryant jock sniffer for years, no surprise there.

[Rummpd]

Sorry boys and girls but we aren't going to beat a healthy lakers team this year.

Yes I love the Spurs and no I am not a fair weather fan. Why am I so certain? When we were rolling the last few years we were the better team than anyone we played no matter who. You knew we were going to wear a team down no matter what they did. We would lose 1 maybe 2 games a series but it didn't matter who we played. Well that team is the lakers this year...

Mark it down if healthy the Spurs beat the Lakers and with surprising ease - the additons of Mason, Gooden, Hill + an improved Parker are enough to swing the series and all the Spurs have to do is steal one on the road and the drama and self doubt of a team that blew a game seven by 30 + begins anew. If healty, Spurs in 6.