Spur's biggest threat

[Medvedenko]

I don't know if you are being serious, but I typically agree. Good teams with experience know how not to beat themselves.

Of course I'm being serious. Good teams no how to win and usually will, especially experienced teams like the Spurs. Prior to getting Damon and KT I was calling the spurs mortal and beatable. Now they got 2 guys that are hungry and needed for championship runs. It's the spurs to lose IMO.

[Rummpd]

Seriously, especially now with Yao out the biggest matchup problem for the champs has got to be the Lake Show. I mean Bynum, Odom, Gasol, then some guy named Kobe. I'll admit they look good on paper but i want to see them come playoff time work as a team!!

Funny how a bad 2nd option + a rookie center who has some good games but also was inconsistent on defense + a soft PF who doesn't show up in the playoffs + a superstar who has been known for gunning suddenly have everyone quaking in fear.

This Lakers team is NOT Shaq and Kobe in their prime with a young Horry, Fox and other savy veterans. Nor is it a formidable quadruplet that the Spurs got "0.4" out of in the semifinals.

The Lakers have all kinds of defensive holes and have been playing a cupcake schedule since Gasol came on board and gave up well over a 100 points to the Suns with Shaq (only top team to do so).

Bynum also coming off a knee injury and his effectiveness will be questionable.

Until Yao went down the Rockets were still a greater threat in matchups to Spurs and now the Jazz for sure, and potentially the Mavs are.

The LAL have gotten a media storm out of picking up Gasol and he is a very good offensive player but did they really need scoring anyway? In the playoffs they may rue the day they let Brown go or did not pick up another good big defender as Duncan blows by Gasol, Thomas hits jumpers and Bynum is out of positon often. The SAS will pick and roll the Lakers to death and hit high and low shots all night long while Parker and Manu drive with impunity. Bowen and Ime Udoka cannot stop Kobe but they will make him work and give me the Spurs big four vs. anything else the Spurs throw at them.

Remember the confusion on the floor when the Spurs surged vs the Lakers in their last game sans Parker, and it is highly doubtful that Gasol (who never won a darn playoff game) or Bynum can change that.

Bring on the Lakers - as they do down in media driven misery in no more than 5.

If the Lakers are truly the SAS's biggest threat the playoffs will be a lot easier than expected this year!

My dream is too see KB crying again after a Spurs sweep!

[batboy]

Lakerbots activate!

Ready to form Laketron!



...Activate Interlocks!

[SpurOutofTownFan]

Misplaced apostrophes.

I'm tired of these kind of threads as well

[SpurOutofTownFan]

Funny how a bad 2nd option + a rookie center who has some good games but also was inconsistent on defense + a soft PF who doesn't show up in the playoffs + a superstar who has been known for gunning suddenly have everyone quaking in fear.

This Lakers team is NOT Shaq and Kobe in their prime with a young Horry, Fox and other savy veterans. Nor is it a formidable quadruplet that the Spurs got "0.4" out of in the semifinals.

The Lakers have all kinds of defensive holes and have been playing a cupcake schedule since Gasol came on board and gave up well over a 100 points to the Suns with Shaq (only top team to do so).

Bynum also coming off a knee injury and his effectiveness will be questionable.

Until Yao went down the Rockets were still a greater threat in matchups to Spurs and now the Jazz for sure, and potentially the Mavs are.

The LAL have gotten a media storm out of picking up Gasol and he is a very good offensive player but did they really need scoring anyway? In the playoffs they may rue the day they let Brown go or did not pick up another good big defender as Duncan blows by Gasol, Thomas hits jumpers and Bynum is out of positon often. The SAS will pick and roll the Lakers to death and hit high and low shots all night long while Parker and Manu drive with impunity. Bowen and Ime Udoka cannot stop Kobe but they will make him work and give me the Spurs big four vs. anything else the Spurs throw at them.

Remember the confusion on the floor when the Spurs surged vs the Lakers in their last game sans Parker, and it is highly doubtful that Gasol (who never won a darn playoff game) or Bynum can change that.

Bring on the Lakers - as they do down in media driven misery in no more than 5.

If the Lakers are truly the SAS biggest threat the playoffs will be a lot easier than expected this year!

Thank our Father in Heaven.. Someone finally said it right!

[Medvedenko]

Funny how a bad 2nd option + a rookie center who has some good games but also was inconsistent on defense + a soft PF who doesn't show up in the playoffs + a superstar who has been known for gunning suddenly have everyone quaking in fear.

This Lakers team is NOT Shaq and Kobe in their prime with a young Horry, Fox and other savy veterans. Nor is it a formidable quadruplet that the Spurs got "0.4" out of in the semifinals.

The Lakers have all kinds of defensive holes and have been playing a cupcake schedule since Gasol came on board and gave up well over a 100 points to the Suns with Shaq (only top team to do so).

Bynum also coming off a knee injury and his effectiveness will be questionable.

Until Yao went down the Rockets were still a greater threat in matchups to Spurs and now the Jazz for sure, and potentially the Mavs are.

The LAL have gotten a media storm out of picking up Gasol and he is a very good offensive player but did they really need scoring anyway? In the playoffs they may rue the day they let Brown go or did not pick up another good big defender as Duncan blows by Gasol, Thomas hits jumpers and Bynum is out of positon often. The SAS will pick and roll the Lakers to death and hit high and low shots all night long while Parker and Manu drive with impunity. Bowen and Ime Udoka cannot stop Kobe but they will make him work and give me the Spurs big four vs. anything else the Spurs throw at them. Remember the confusion on the floor when the Spurs surged vs the Lakers in their last game sans Parker, and it is highly doubtful that Gasol (who never won a darn playoff game) or Bynum can change that.

Bring on the Lakers - as they do down in media driven misery in no more than 5.

Dude why do you continue to post....your takes are weaksauce and pretty annoying really. What about our schedule prior to our "cupcake" schedue. We were first in the West prior to Bynum going down as well. Please, stop posting it's ruining this thread. You bring up points and I love "Duncan blowing past Gasol".....yeah, that's one thing TD won't do. Bang down low and over power him...for sure. Thomas hitting jumpers and Bynum is out of position...really did you see the last time KT played against Bynum. Obviously not.

Spurs 3> Lakers 3
Lakers 4> Spurs 4

Odom is a factor, but then again it's no point arguing with you.

[Rummpd]

Dude why do you continue to post....your takes are weaksauce and pretty annoying really. What about our schedule prior to our "cupcake" schedue. We were first in the West prior to Bynum going down as well. Please, stop posting it's ruining this thread. You bring up points and I love "Duncan blowing past Gasol".....yeah, that's one thing TD won't do. Bang down low and over power him...for sure. Thomas hitting jumpers and Bynum is out of position...really did you see the last time KT played agains Bynum. Obviously not.

Spurs 3> Lakers 3
Lakers 4> Spurs 4

Odom is a factor, but then again it's not point arguing with you.

Question "dude" have you ever been paid for your basketball opinions? I would bet you have not (I have).

LAL is a good young and fairly talented team but to even consider them in the league with the Spurs; until they start playing defense or at least win a friggin playoff series, please, give us a break!

There is only one reason that the LAL have even the same number of losses as the Spurs at this point - the big three of the Spurs (true stars and superstars) have had significant injuries.

If not, LAL and all the rest would be 2-3 games behind the Spurs - who also know, unlike the LAL that having homecourt is not so essential with their experience and verve. By the way, you have played 4 less conference games so far as well, and how they count games against the Clippers in LA as not *road wins, is a farce.

Believe me the changes in the West were primarily done to combat one team (per Burns of SI, Bill Walton, and others) = the Spurs. Sure Gasol set off an "arms race" but his skinny and hairy mug will be going fishing early just like the rest of the over-hyped Lakers. Mark it down.

Oh by the way, next year the Spurs add a guy named Tiago Splitter the perfect foil for Gasol - better defender and adequate scorer.

[Medvedenko]

Question "dude" have you ever been paid for your basketball opinions? I would be you have not (I have).

LAL is a good team but to even consider them in the league with the Spurs until they start playing defense or at least win a friggin playoff series, please, give us a break.

There is only one reason that the LAL have even the same number of losses as the Spurs at this point - the big three of the Spurs (true stars and superstars) has injuries. If not, LAL and all the rest would be 2-3 games behind the Spurs.

Believe me the changes in the West were done to combat one team per Burns of SI and others = the Spurs.

Wow...I guess the Laker injuries don't matter as well. You're a tool and I'm glad you're being exposed in this inane thread and your weak takes. Give me something that isn't parroted around the league. You're right about the Gasol trade, it was to combat the spurs....give me some insight that isn't already readily available on countless NBA forums. Keep it coming buddy...you're looking good. Maybe I can set up a paypal account with you and start giving you money for your wonderful b-ball knowledge.

[The_Game]

Question "dude" have you ever been paid for your basketball opinions? I would bet you have not (I have).

LOL if you ever got paid to give your views from me i would seriously want my money back in a flash.

you mention injures yet don't realise Bynum has been out what 8 weeks? he was playing amazing before his injury. defensive holes? Lakers were in the top 6-8 in defensive stats before Bynum got hurt. Their defense is strong enough to win a le and their offense is clearly great..

spurs will not be favourites to beat L.A, they just have more options than the Spurs do. Unless the spurs scrub bench players have a great series the lakers should win. Even more so if they have homecourt

[Cry Havoc]

Wow...I guess the Laker injuries don't matter as well. You're a tool and I'm glad you're being exposed in this inane thread and your weak takes. Give me something that isn't parroted around the league. You're right about the Gasol trade, it was to combat the spurs....give me some insight that isn't already readily available on countless NBA forums. Keep it coming buddy...you're looking good. Maybe I can set up a paypal account with you and start giving you money for your wonderful b-ball knowledge.

Who's going to slow down Tony Parker? You have no one on your team even capable of containing him for less than 25-30 a game. Who's going to shut down Duncan? A-completely-inexperienced-fresh-off-injury Bynum? Gasol? Anyone? Manu is also a nightmare for Kobe as well, with his ability to draw fouls.

Meanwhile, we have answers for every player you throw at us on defense with the exception of Lamar Odom, who's always been a matchup nightmare. Still, he isn't a dominant player, especially in the playoffs. Unless Kobe dominates three games all by himself (which could happen but is not likely against the Spurs D), I like our chances.

[Rummpd]

Sure the Lakers have had some injuries and they are a very good team on the rise. They may get fortunate and win a series this year. Kobe is out of excuses now.

I am just grateful (despite writing a column once in defense of Kobe and his place in the game) that I do not root for any team with him on it. Hard to put his past entirely aside, his terrible ego, his public machinations, and the fact that much of the media still drools over him.

I for one love it when James abuses him and it will be wonderful when the LAL go down in flames this year.


However, I applaud any loyal fan of their teams and you have stuck through the LAL for years - I give you props for that.

[Medvedenko]

Who's going to slow down Tony Parker? You have no one on your team even capable of containing him for less than 25-30 a game. Who's going to shut down Duncan? A-completely-inexperienced-fresh-off-injury Bynum? Gasol? Anyone? Manu is also a nightmare for Kobe as well, with his ability to draw fouls.

Meanwhile, we have answers for every player you throw at us on defense with the exception of Lamar Odom, who's always been a matchup nightmare. Still, he isn't a dominant player, especially in the playoffs. Unless Kobe dominates three games all by himself (which could happen but is not likely against the Spurs D), I like our chances.

Dude, I like your chances as well, trust me I do. I've been saying that and people still try to jump down my throat. I just think we'll give you guys a great test. There are mismatches all around. Who's going to stop TP, who knows, and we can't stop everyone. However, given our length and talent, we can definitely upset anyone.

[Medvedenko]

Sure the Lakers have had some injuries and they are a very good team on the rise. They may get fortunate and win a series this year. Kobe is out of excuses now.

I am just grateful (despite writing a column once in defense of Kobe and his place in the game) that I do not root for any team with him on it. Hard to put his past entirely aside, his terrible ego, his public machinations, and the fact that much of the media still drools over him.

I for one love it when James abuses him and it will be wonderful when the LAL go down in flames this year.


However, I applaud any loyal fan of their teams and you have stuck through the LAL for years - I give you props for that.

Ok no worries...so we're cool?

[td4mvp21]

Medvedenko has actually been saying how the Spurs are the team to beat, etc. He also said the Lakers could beat us, which is a fair statement I think.

[duncan228]

The Pistons are the Spurs biggest threat.

[oboymeetsogirl]

Before his injury Bynum was showing flashes of the type of dominating games bigs like Amare Stoudemire and a certain man-child in Orlando have had against the Spurs in the recent past. I agree, though, that his injury is bound to take a little off of his effectiveness come playoff time.

I've never, on the other hand, seen Gasol come up "big" against the Spurs. Correct me if I'm wrong (I don't live in San Antonio, so I haven't seen all the SA/Memphis games). Personally, I have no reason to think that will change much should the Lakers come up against the Spurs in the playoffs.

Far as I'm concerned, what the Lakers have over the Spurs is still Kobe, and the wily (albeit annoying) gamemanship of their coach. Same as it ever was.

Conclusion: in a seven game series, the intensity, cohesiveness and experience of the proven Spurs unit are still distinctively better than Kobe and his surrounding parts. Laker fans can crow all they like about the improvements they're recently seeing, but the playoffs are another matter. Triangle or no triangle, I just can't see a team thrown together in mid-season beating a well-oiled machine running on all cylinders like the Spurs (presuming, of course, they escape injury of key parts). And of course, with Barry back (fingers crossed), the scenario of LA taking four out of seven against SA would seem even more unlikely.

[Rummpd]

LOL if you ever got paid to give your views from me i would seriously want my money back in a flash.

you mention injures yet don't realise Bynum has been out what 8 weeks? he was playing amazing before his injury. defensive holes? Lakers were in the top 6-8 in defensive stats before Bynum got hurt. Their defense is strong enough to win a le and their offense is clearly great..

spurs will not be favourites to beat L.A, they just have more options than the Spurs do. Unless the spurs scrub bench players have a great series the lakers should win. Even more so if they have homecourt

Mr. Game are you truly a Spurs fan? Spurs in the last 5 years always been greater than the sum of their parts (which are still considerable).

To think that suddenly the Lakers have risen above the big three or four (if you count Bowen - who can shut down anyone as well as anyone in the game and is big time clutch game shooter of the 3s) is really hard to fathom. Why? It is hard to believe they can match the Spurs' experience, grit and collective basketball IQ.

Sure Lakers could win the le (they are rightfully a "power" in the NBA), but they most likely they not be the team to knock off the Spurs.

I stand strongly by my opinion that the Jazz and Mavs remain bigger threats, and I don't totally r/o a Shaq revival.

I can also say honestly it is nice to have the Lakers relevant again, because Duncan and the Spurs winning les when they are hyped will be even sweeter.

Believe me the Spurs have been listening and reading all the B.S. about other teams and will be ready come playoff time. We heard similar things about the Suns, Jazz and Nuggetts last year and then they rolled over all of them and King James.

Now with K. Thomas and D. Stoudamire a stronger Spurs team goes forward, watch out NBA.

[Indazone]

Rockets are now completely toast. Good Luck Spurs!!

[Obstructed_View]

Rockets are now completely toast. Good Luck Spurs!!

Nah, they still got Scola.

[Cry Havoc]

Dude, I like your chances as well, trust me I do. I've been saying that and people still try to jump down my throat. I just think we'll give you guys a great test. There are mismatches all around. Who's going to stop TP, who knows, and we can't stop everyone. However, given our length and talent, we can definitely upset anyone.

Agreed. If the Lakers keep this up and Bynum comes back at 90%+, we could see the four best teams in the WCF in a long time. Detroit, San Antonio, Boston, and Chicago.

[Rummpd]

The Pistons are the Spurs biggest threat.

Now that is a smart post!

[honestfool84]

Otro Pendejo!

translation = so cal sucks donkey dong.

-David

[G-Nob]

translation = so cal sucks donkey dong.

-David

You are my new favorite poster on spurstalk.com.

[1Parker1]

Lakers, Jazz, Mavs, Suns in the Western Conference are the Spurs biggest threats, IMO.

Lakers; No one has more experience on how to coach against a Tim Duncan Spurs team better than PJ. Kobe on a mission is always a dangerous prospect. Gasol, Bynum, Odom, Fisher are as great a starting 5 as any. Not to mention their bench is ridiculously deep. Questions of course hinge on how everyone will play once Bynum comes back. I think the Lakers will be more formidable next season with a year under their belts playing together.

Jazz; Kyle Korver gives them some much needed 3 point shooting they missed last year. AK47 is playing like the old AK47. Of course, Okur is always questionable in the playoffs, and I don't think they have much interior defense which may hurt them. But they execute like crazy and Deron Williams + Okur are as good a 2 man match as any in the league.

Mavs; Regardless of what you may or may not think of the trade, one thing that still remains; Dirk is still the biggest mismatch for the Spurs.

Suns; If they get Barry, that spreads their floor even more. Nash and Amare are still another 2 headed monster.

[honestfool84]

Lakers, Jazz, Mavs, Suns in the Western Conference are the Spurs biggest threats, IMO.

aren't there only three other teams that can be a threat to us? (spurs + those four teams = five teams, and only three other teams can make the playoffs)

anyways.
the only team im semi-scared of are the jazz.

mavs screwed up with kidd/harris..
suns screwed up with shaq/marion..
lakers are all hype until they prove otherwise.

but the jazz are really scary, in my opinion.

-David