It was going to be a haymaker. Probably a death blow. The gut punch that turned a series and made its outcome seem almost inevitable. And it was. All of that. Just not in the way the Lakers or their fans imagined it. Not in their darkest nightmares. Up 21 after a record first quarter, […]

[Read more →]

Boston 97, Lakers 91. Yes. Boston wins. After trailing by 24 in the first quarter, by 18 at the half and by 20 with six minutes left in the third quarter. The Lakers dissolved like a sugar cube in a downpour. And the Celtics blew past them. The Lakers are dead. They are done done […]

[Read more →]

It’s halftime at Staples. Kobe Bryant is 0-for-4 from the field and as many fouls (three) as points. But the Lakers lead 58-40. Say what?

[Read more →]

Phil Jackson, an hour before Game 4, seemed to put the Lakers’ fate in the hands of Lamar Odom. Who has been, charitably, a bust in this series. Uncharitably, he’s been a choking dog of a bust. Jackson said part of Odom’s issues here are Kendrick Perkins “plowing him under the basket.” “He’s got to […]

[Read more →]

I’ve written off the Lakers about three or four times now, on this blog. Once before the playoffs, and several times before the Finals began, including after Game 1.But if they win Game 4 tonight and even the series, I will concede they have a chance. Even though they still would have to hold serve […]

[Read more →]

The crowd at Game 3 in Staples Center was dead. Lakers fans aren’t known for being loud or demonstrative, but that game was embarrassing for the franchise and the city. The people in the stands were just limp. Sitting with their hands in their laps. They hardly made a peep until the fourth quarter. Clearly, […]

[Read more →]

I won’t say I immediately dismissed everything disgraced NBA ref Tim Donaghy said the other day about league attempts to “fix” this or that NBA playoffs game. I would say I considered what he said for about 60 seconds … and then dismissed it. Thing is, I don’t believe in conspiracies. Of any sort. Humans […]

[Read more →]