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Getbig Misc Discussion Boards => Sports Discussion Boards => Topic started by: Dos Equis on February 01, 2008, 05:29:55 PM
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I am elated. :) Nice job Mitch Kuphak.
In dire need of frontcourt help, Lakers acquire Gasol from Grizzlies
Associated Press
Updated: February 1, 2008, 8:02 PM ET
Pau Gasol Traded To The LakersTORONTO -- The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their banged-up frontline Friday with a key acquisition -- 7-footer Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.
"It shows a great deal of commitment from the organization," All-Star Kobe Bryant said before the Lakers' game at Toronto. "It's a great step.
"It's a matter of us just gelling now and putting it together," added Bryant, who urged management to improve the team over the summer. "We've got a great bench. We have a lot of length, a lot of versatility. Now it's time to walk the walk."
The Lakers gave up Kwame Brown, rookie Javaris Crittenton and two first-round draft picks for Gasol. The Spaniard is certain to help a Lakers team reeling from recent injuries to inside players, including blossoming center Andrew Bynum.
"We need a little scoring inside without Andrew Bynum," coach Phil Jackson said. "It gives us a post-up threat right now, and he's a good passer. We like that."
Jackson said Gasol could make his debut when the Lakers visit Washington on Sunday.
"We'd like him to play on Sunday," Jackson said. "I don't know if that's possible or not. He's got to go back to L.A. and have a physical tomorrow."
Gasol, averaging 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.44 blocked shots in 39 games this season, can fill in at center until Bynum returns in mid-March, then move to power forward.
"He's a great player," forward Lamar Odom said. "With him and Andrew down there, I'm really excited to see how that works out. We'll protect the basket a little bit more. I'm looking forward to seeing those guys playing together."
Gasol One Great Grizzly
The Memphis Grizzlies don't have a lot of history (they've only been in the NBA since 1996), but Pau Gasol was likely their all-time best player. Gasol's trade Friday from Memphis to the L.A. Lakers leaves the Grizzlies with a big hole on offense and his name etched in the team's record books in several places. Here's a look:
Rank in Grizzlies' history
Points 8,966 First
Rebounds 4,096 First
Blocks 877 First
Assists 1,473 Third
The Grizzlies will get the Lakers' first-round draft choices in 2008 and 2010; guard Aaron McKie, signed earlier Friday for salary cap purposes; cash considerations, and the rights to Gasol's brother Marc, a 2007 second-round pick of Los Angeles.
"That's something you haven't seen before," Jackson said with a chuckle.
The Lakers also receive the Grizzlies' second-round pick in 2010.
Gasol, the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002 and an All-Star four years later, has averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 476 career games with Memphis. The 27-year-old forward-center, under contract for three more years, is the franchise leader in 12 statistical categories, including points, rebounds and blocks.
But the Grizzlies, 13-33 after finishing with the league's worst record last season, decided to clear salary cap space knowing they aren't in position to win in the next couple of years.
"We're a 13-win team, so when you're in that situation, you've got to make moves," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "Brown was the largest expiring contact we could find in the league where we also got back an attractive young player like Crittenton ... and multiple first-round picks."
Gasol was the MVP of the 2006 world championships after helping Spain win the gold medal.
Additionally, a Grizzlies source told The Commercial Appeal of Memphis that forward Stromile Swift has been traded to the New Jersey Nets for center Jason Collins.
According to the newspaper, the deal had been discussed for the past week and is expected to be finalized on Monday.
"I have to take my hat off to [owner Jerry] Buss and Mitch for going forward with this," Bryant said. "Now it's up to us to go out there and work hard."
Odom said he feels "the sky is the limit" for the new-look Lakers.
"We felt like we could compete for a championship with the team we had," Odom said. "With this addition, hopefully that dream comes true."
The Lakers were one of the NBA's best teams before the 20-year-old Bynum injured his left knee Jan. 13 against Memphis, coincidentally. Los Angeles had a 28-16 record entering Friday night's game at Toronto but had lost five of eight since Bynum was injured.
Center Chris Mihm has been sidelined with right ankle problems for several weeks; forward Trevor Ariza broke his right foot in practice Jan. 20 and is expected to be out until mid-March, and forward Luke Walton was day-to-day with a right hip pointer. Jackson said Walton would dress Friday but might not play.
Bryant said his first thoughts upon hearing of the trade were for his teammates heading the other way.
"Javaris was like a little brother to me," Bryant said. "I tried to mentor him as much as I could. Kwame, he's been through a lot of ups and downs but he has a great heart."
Brown has been filling in at center since Bynum was injured, but the first overall pick in the draft by Washington in 2001 has been a significant drop-off from Bynum. Brown, earning $9.1 million this season in the final year of his contract, is averaging 5.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 23 games. He has averaged 7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 389 games with the Wizards and Lakers.
Crittenton, the 19th overall pick in the draft last summer, averaged 3.3 points in 22 games for the Lakers. He was expendable because of the fine play by second-year guard Jordan Farmar as a backup to Derek Fisher. The 20-year-old Crittenton averaged 14.4 points and 5.8 assists as a freshman at Georgia Tech last season.
Marc Gasol, the 48th overall pick in the 2007 draft, is playing for Akasvayu Girona in Spain. The Gasol brothers were members of the Spanish national team in 2006. The younger Gasol is 23 and a 7-1, 280-pounder.
McKie, a 13-year veteran, played in 10 games for the Lakers last season and hasn't played this season. He is expected to be released by the Grizzlies. He has averaged 7.4 points and 2.7 assists for Portland, Detroit, Philadelphia and the Lakers.
The Lakers also signed backup center DJ Mbenga to a second 10-day contract. The 7-footer from the Congo signed his first 10-day contract Jan. 21 and averaged 1.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in four games.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3226203
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That is a great pickup by the Lakers. That makes them tough to beat once Bynum gets back.
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you'll regret it when former #1 pick Kwame Brown becomes an international mega star. It's a matter of time.
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Before last season Phil gave Kwame a piece of paper that said "15 and 10." I don't think he will ever average that much. He is averaging 5 and 5 this year. Very good low post defender, but that's about it. Worst hands in the NBA.
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:D
Around the league, the reaction of executives and coaches was unanimous: What a nightmare for us. When reached with the news, one Western Conference executive said simply, “Are you kidding? (Expletive) me.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AjiuUd_JOc46O8JHK3_sfiW8vLYF?slug=aw-gasollakers020108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
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Lakers now have the best record in the West, by a hair. They went from playoff bubble team to championship contender with this trade. Can't wait for Bynum to return.
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My Spurs just went from the over the hill gang to number one in the West :)
I have a feeling #1 in the west is going to change on a weekly basis. The West is stacked.
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Lakers just droped about a half game behind the Spurs, but that might change by the time I'm done typing this. . . . Big game against Dallas on Sunday.
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I watched Houston play last night. Those guys are ready, even without Yao.
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Celts beat the Piston the other night, and they still have the best record in the NBA.... Rondo has emerged as a great talent, and Casel will give the celts the one vet player they needed to come in for Rondo if he gets into foul trouble. How about Big baby? I love Big Baby - the guy's a beast!
Celts are legit contenders to win it all, and they can beat the best from the west. Not saying they will, but they can. They want it bad, and Garnett will lead them to the promise land!
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I was looking at the Western Conference standings and I noticed that the top 9 teams in the west could possibly win 50 or more games this year.
That is incredible! Denver is 12 games over .500 and is currently 9th in the standings.
1 San Antonio 43 17 .717
2 LA Lakers 43 18 .705 ½
3 New Orleans 41 19 .683 2
4 Utah 40 22 .645 4
5 Houston 41 20 .672 2 ½
6 Phoenix 40 21 .656 3 ½
7 Dallas 39 23 .629 5
8 Golden State 37 23 .617 6
9 Denver 36 24 .600
Could you imagine if Denver won 50 games and finished out ofthe playoffs? Definitely an NBA first. 9 teams winning at least 60% of their games.
Body88, I don't know if Boston could beat the best of the West. No question a West team wins the title this year. Stacked!
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I was looking at the Western Conference standings and I noticed that the top 9 teams in the west could possibly win 50 or more games this year.
That is incredible! Denver is 12 games over .500 and is currently 9th in the standings.
1 San Antonio 43 17 .717
2 LA Lakers 43 18 .705 ½
3 New Orleans 41 19 .683 2
4 Utah 40 22 .645 4
5 Houston 41 20 .672 2 ½
6 Phoenix 40 21 .656 3 ½
7 Dallas 39 23 .629 5
8 Golden State 37 23 .617 6
9 Denver 36 24 .600
Could you imagine if Denver won 50 games and finished out ofthe playoffs? Definitely an NBA first. 9 teams winning at least 60% of their games.
Body88, I don't know if Boston could beat the best of the West. No question a West team wins the title this year. Stacked!
Boston has done quit well against the west this year - ( a lot of the time missing Garnett with the ab injury). The Celtics can play with anyone , and they do hjave the best record in the NBA.The Casel deal filled the one hole the celts had other teams could exploit ; Rondo does not have to worry about foul trouble as much anymore...
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Boston has done quit well against the west this year - ( a lot of the time missing Garnett with the ab injury). The Celtics can play with anyone , and they do hjave the best record in the NBA.The Casel deal filled the one hole the celts had other teams could exploit ; Rondo does not have to worry about foul trouble as much anymore...
Body88, I've revised my earlier comment!
Put the Celtics in the Western Conference, they'd be at least 12-15 wins worse at this point. With all the big men in the West? All that inside offense under the basket in the West? Who does the East have beside Dwight Howard? Defending all those big teams over a full NBA schedule?
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Put the Celtics in the Western Conference, they'd be 10 wins worse at this point.
Not in my opinion; how often you watch the celtics? The celts have done very good against the west this year, before the KG injury they where 16 - 0 vs the west. Did you watch the pistons game last week? The celtics can play with anyone, and they will contend for a title this year - (IMO)
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Boston is definitely a contender. Body is right about how they've done against the West (although they beat the Lakers before the Gasol trade). Boston also handled the Pistons pretty well.
But I'm still a Celtics hater. :)
I think the Lakers are the favorite at this point. If they come out of the West they'll be a better battle tested team than anyone from the East. In fact, I think that's true of any team that come out of the West.
I think N.O. is a dark horse. That Chris Paul is an amazing player.
Looking forward to L.A. playing Houston. How in the world has Houston won 17 in a row??
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How in the world has Houston won 17 in a row??
yeah, is there defense? or offence?
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yeah, is there defense? or offence?
Not sure. I haven't really watched them play. They play the Lakers in the next week or so. I'll watch that one.
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I think the Lakers are the favorite at this point.
I disagree to a certain extent. I don't really think you could pick a favorite in the West right now. It's just too deep. And I don't think anyone wants to go up against Houston, NO, or Utah.
Not in my opinion; how often you watch the celtics? The celts have done very good against the west this year, before the KG injury they where 16 - 0 vs the west. Did you watch the pistons game last week? The celtics can play with anyone, and they will contend for a title this year - (IMO)
The Celts can play with anyone and they definitely could win the whole thing but their record would be worse if they were in the West. They would have to play more back to backs against the top teams a lot more than now. It is tough.
And I'm not sure they can get past Cleveland in a series.
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i wouldnt bet against lebron!! he is jordanesque, crap teammates but he can beat a whole team by himself, including celtics..i know im crazy, but i have seen him play the last 6 games his a machine
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Triple double the other night--7th of the season.
Lebron's numbers this year are just sick. I'm willing to bet that within the next five seasons, Lebron will average a triple double for the season. Hasn't been done since the big O, Oscar Robertson did it.
Hell, he's not that far off now. Almost 31 ppg, 8 rebs, 7.4 assists.
I think he wins MVP this year, hands down. Kobe a close second.
Lebron is only scratching the surface of his potential. Only 23 years old and will be twice as good in another 2 or 3 years. His only weakness is inconsistent free throw shooting.(only 71%)--Once he gets up to around 80% he will avaerage close to 40 points a game.
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i wouldnt bet against lebron!! he is jordanesque, crap teammates but he can beat a whole team by himself, including celtics..i know im crazy, but i have seen him play the last 6 games his a machine
You're not crazy. His performance against the Pistons last year in he playoffs was one of the greatest postseason performances off all time.
He can carry the load now because he's young, but he's going to need some help soon to get to the next level. But is he willing to sacrifice that next huge contract extension in order to allow the Cavs to spend money on free agents in the future? Look what happended to Garnett in Minn when he signed that huge contract for 122 mil 9 years ago. The Wolves could never spend money to help KG out.
Is Lebron willing to curb his ego for a huge contract in order to get the help he needs? What's going to be more important to Lebron? Getting paid or winning it all? Shit, he makes more than enough money in endorsements outside of the NBA.
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I disagree to a certain extent. I don't really think you could pick a favorite in the West right now. It's just too deep. And I don't think anyone wants to go up against Houston, NO, or Utah.
Can't really argue with you. I don't think anyone wants to play the Lakers either. When they get Bynum and Ariza back they'll be the deepest and most talented team in the NBA IMO.
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Can't really argue with you. I don't think anyone wants to play the Lakers either. When they get Bynum and Ariza back they'll be the deepest and most talented team in the NBA IMO.
I dont think bynum has a shot to do anything this year, his been out for ages and just started on a treadmill, his young , so he should heal well, but as far as making a impact this season i dont think so, and gasol is doing just fine
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You're not crazy. His performance against the Pistons last year in he playoffs was one of the greatest postseason performances off all time.
He can carry the load now because he's young, but he's going to need some help soon to get to the next level. But is he willing to sacrifice that next huge contract extension in order to allow the Cavs to spend money on free agents in the future? Look what happended to Garnett in Minn when he signed that huge contract for 122 mil 9 years ago. The Wolves could never spend money to help KG out.
Is Lebron willing to curb his ego for a huge contract in order to get the help he needs? What's going to be more important to Lebron? Getting paid or winning it all? Shit, he makes more than enough money in endorsements outside of the NBA.
I know thats a lot of cash, i remember Shaq signed with miami for $100M for 5 years, thats a lots of dough, but check this, 50 cent made 100M in one year on the Vitamin water deal! and does like $10-15M on concerts per year
the potential to make money with endorsements is crazy.
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I dont think bynum has a shot to do anything this year, his been out for ages and just started on a treadmill, his young , so he should heal well, but as far as making a impact this season i dont think so, and gasol is doing just fine
Not sure I agree. He probably won't be as dominant as he was before the injury, but if he can play 18 to 20 minutes he'll be a huge help.
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Not sure I agree. He probably won't be as dominant as he was before the injury, but if he can play 18 to 20 minutes he'll be a huge help.
Beach bum I'm just a bit of a hater when it comes to bynum, its the Shaq fan in me, But B.S aside and i love talking ball with someone with sense, your right, come playoff time he will be a huge help, just needs conditioning and his good to go....
For some reason im attached to Snack O'neal, when he was drafted to Orlando i became a huge fan and followed him since, never watched his crap movies or listen to his music but something bout him that made me stick (NO HOMO)
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Beach bum I'm just a bit of a hater when it comes to bynum, its the Shaq fan in me, But B.S aside and i love talking ball with someone with sense, your right, come playoff time he will be a huge help, just needs conditioning and his good to go....
For some reason im attached to Snack O'neal, when he was drafted to Orlando i became a huge fan and followed him since, never watched his crap movies or listen to his music but something bout him that made me stick (NO HOMO)
I feel the same way about Kobe. In a heterosexual, rabid sports fan kinda way. :D
Snack was a beast in his prime. Most dominant big man of the past 10 years or so. I liked him when he was in L.A., but was never a fan of his work ethic, lack of defense, inability to get along with Kobe, etc. Those two dummies had at least 2 or 3 more championships in them if they could have kept it together and both worked hard with the Lakers.
I almost feel sorry for him watching him play for the Suns now. He is really struggling to get up and down the floor consistently. Scored 2 points in a blowout win against lowly Memphis yesterday.
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I think the Lakers are the favorite at this point.
No, sir.
The Spurs are still the favorite until someone takes the Western title from them.
The Lakers will need that #1 seed more than SA does.
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No, sir.
The Spurs are still the favorite until someone takes the Western title from them.
The Lakers will need that #1 seed more than SA does.
Yeah the champs are still the champs till they are dethroned and all that, but the team that is playing the best basketball, has the most talent, and the best record should the favorite (at least on paper). The Spurs just dropped to third in the West by a hair (essentially tied with Houston). Whichever team has home court throughout the Conference playoffs will probably be the favorite.
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Yeah the champs are still the champs till they are dethroned and all that, but the team that is playing the best basketball, has the most talent, and the best record should the favorite (at least on paper). The Spurs just dropped to third in the West by a hair (essentially tied with Houston). Whichever team has home court throughout the Conference playoffs will probably be the favorite.
UUrrghh fuck Spurs, there a great team but boring, i want to see kobe in the finals.
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Body88, I've revised my earlier comment!
Put the Celtics in the Western Conference, they'd be at least 12-15 wins worse at this point. With all the big men in the West? All that inside offense under the basket in the West? Who does the East have beside Dwight Howard? Defending all those big teams over a full NBA schedule?
The Celtics are 25 - 4 vs the west this year. They beat the spurs again last night - (without Ray Allen). The first time they beat em without Garnett. Sam C has only played in four games, and he has been playing great. Rondo is a future star , big baby is a beast, the celtics bench is the real deal, and ob you have the big three.
The Celtics beat the best in the east when they played the Pistons, and they are 25 - 4 vs the west. The beat the Lakers, the Spurs etc etc. The celts also have the best record in the NBA. What more would you like from them?
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The Celtics are 25 - 4 vs the west this year. They beat the spurs again last night - (without Ray Allen). The first time they beat em without Garnett. Sam C has only played in four games, and he has been playing great. Rondo is a future star , big baby is a beast, the celtics bench is the real deal, and ob you have the big three.
The Celtics beat the best in the east when they played the Pistons, and they are 25 - 4 vs the west. The beat the Lakers, the Spurs etc etc. The celts also have the best record in the NBA. What more would you like from them?
Playoffs are totally different ballgame, the refs officiate differently, players are more nervous, But the celts are off the chain this year, anything less then a finals appearance is a failure, and how bout shaq?? trade him to the suns and he doesnt miss a game hahaha
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Playoffs are totally different ballgame, the refs officiate differently, players are more nervous, But the celts are off the chain this year, anything less then a finals appearance is a failure, and how bout shaq?? trade him to the suns and he doesnt miss a game hahaha
I agree, I'm not saying the celts are a lock to win it all... I know how good the teams in the west are - ( not to mention Cleveland, Orlando and the Piistons). I just don't agree with Guts saying the celts would have 12 - 15 less wins in the west, and I think the 25 - 4 record vs the west proves it - ( plus, in a lot of those games Garnett was out with that abb injury)....
I agree with you that the celts are playing some great basketball this year, but considering how terrible they where last year, and to have the record they do currently, I would say most Celtics fans would still be very happy if they did not win it all.
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The Celtics are the real deal this year, but they did beat the Lakers before the Gasol trade.
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Bynum is due back in the playoffs, i think that sucks as he has to get in game condition and adjust himself during the most important part of the year, they'll just use him for defense.
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Celtics beat the Rockets last night by 20 points last night, and came back from 20 down to beat the spurs the night before - (without Ray Allen)... That makes them 8 - 0 vs the best conference in the NBA , and 26 - 4 vs the west on the year. Sorry guts, I aint buying what your selling ;)
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impressive win last night for Celtics.
My only point was that if the Celtics played in the West, they would be at least 10 wins worst, that's all.
That being said, I think the addition of Cassell definitely makes them a threat to win it all.
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impressive win last night for Celtics.
My only point was that if the Celtics played in the West, they would be at least 10 wins worst, that's all.
That being said, I think the addition of Cassell definitely makes them a threat to win it all.
I know, I am just messing around ;)
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Celts are the real deal!!
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Celts are the real deal!!
Yep.
So are the Lakers, when healthy. How awesome would a Lakers/Celtics finals be? I've already invited a Celtics fan to my house for the Lakers sweep of the Celtics in game 4 of the NBA Finals. :D
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Yep.
So are the Lakers, when healthy. How awesome would a Lakers/Celtics finals be? I've already invited a Celtics fan to my house for the Lakers sweep of the Celtics in game 4 of the NBA Finals. :D
hahah No chance, I got a feeling the Spurs will still take it out, they have been erratic lately but it would not suprise me if they do it again, I'd actually prefer the Lakers or Suns to be in the finals just for the replay value and highlight package, and how bout the nuggets, on there way to 50 wins and still chasing the playoffs!
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hahah No chance, I got a feeling the Spurs will still take it out, they have been erratic lately but it would not suprise me if they do it again, I'd actually prefer the Lakers or Suns to be in the finals just for the replay value and highlight package, and how bout the nuggets, on there way to 50 wins and still chasing the playoffs!
Man it is wide open in the West. Only 5.5 games separates 1-8. The Spurs could win it. A healthy Lakers team could win it. The Hornets are legit.
Denver would be the 4th seed if they were in the East. Portland would be the 7th seed.
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Man it is wide open in the West. Only 5.5 games separates 1-8. The Spurs could win it. A healthy Lakers team could win it. The Hornets are legit.
Denver would be the 4th seed if they were in the East. Portland would be the 7th seed.
Cause i like you, i hope the lakers win, but if they meet the suns i take it back. Amare is killing it, Pheonix is on fire now, they have slowed the tempo and amare is destroing teams in the half set, And shaq, is a rebounding menance, he was clearly tanking it in Miami for the last 2 years.
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Cause i like you, i hope the lakers win, but if they meet the suns i take it back. Amare is killing it, Pheonix is on fire now, they have slowed the tempo and amare is destroing teams in the half set, And shaq, is a rebounding menance, he was clearly tanking it in Miami for the last 2 years.
:) Hey the Suns are starting to put it together. Maybe I spoke too soon about the trade?
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:) Hey the Suns are starting to put it together. Maybe I spoke too soon about the trade?
suns lost to pistons, but the refs cost us the game (it's my excuse and im sticking to it)
lakers are struggling without gasol but he will be back soon and they will destroy the west coast
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suns lost to pistons, but the refs cost us the game (it's my excuse and im sticking to it)
lakers are struggling without gasol but he will be back soon and they will destroy the west coast
Pistons played without Rip Hamilton too.
It's possible we could get Gasol, Bynum, Ariza, and Mihm back for the playoffs. :)
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Pistons played without Rip Hamilton too.
It's possible we could get Gasol, Bynum, Ariza, and Mihm back for the playoffs. :)
Cheap shot! hahahaha yeah billups played good too, i think lakers will have everyone ready to go, Dallas on the other hand is F'D
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Cheap shot! hahahaha yeah billups played good too, i think lakers will have everyone ready to go, Dallas on the other hand is F'D
Tell me about it. Dallas was in trouble with Dirk in the lineup. They might not make the playoffs now.
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Tell me about it. Dallas was in trouble with Dirk in the lineup. They might not make the playoffs now.
dallas did what the knicks did, they gave away all there draft picks and then some for kidd