Post by Johnny "B. Good" Stamos on Jun 28, 2008 2:30:22 GMT -5
After two years at the bottom of the league with 22 wins in 2006 and 25 in 2007, the LA Lakers are heading back to the playoffs. The year started with a lot of questions about the team like, could the youngsters put it together for a whole season and play up to their potential? And could they be contenders to make the playoffs in a competitive conference? After the first 8 games it seemed like the Lakers were headed for another lottery pick with a 2-5 record. However, things would quickly change for the better as they began to improve their play and winning the next 8 out of 10 games and standing right in the middle of the standings. It wasn’t an easy season for this young team; it had its ups and downs but through it all they managed to gather 44 wins and the 8th spot in the western conference. Although this is the first playoff appearance for the young core of the team, they are not by any means content with just making a quick appearance.
“ We have worked hard all season trying to get better” Josh Smith said, “ People think that we are happy with just making the playoffs but that’s not the case at all. Sure, it is great to still be playing and for me and the other guys like Durant, Aldridge and Rondo, this will be our first appearance; but we know we can play with those guys (Utah). We split the season series 2-2 with them and although people don’t think we have a chance as the 8th seed, we really think we can shock the basketball world.”
After a 19 game improvement, the Lakers are now heading to Utah to face the number one seeded Jazz. Nanz, the GM who is responsible for putting this team together, comments on the development of the team and their chances in the playoffs.
“ Well, its been too long since we were last in the playoffs but that’s just the way things are in the BBS. After reaching the conference finals, we decided to tare the team down and start from scratch. We just didn’t feel like we could be title contenders and that is our only goal. After now two years I feel like these guys are ready” Nanz said as he became emotional “ Its funny you know? I have gotten to see this guys grow and become better players over the years and now I think they can really make some noise in the playoffs. There have been up and downs, oh yeah and a rape, but we are here and we will be for years to come”
Although they are the 8th seed, everyone in the locker-room believes that this team can bring some problems to the Utah Jazz. We caught up with Rondo who has standing naked on Aldridge’s back eating some cheetos and asked him what were some of the things they have been discussing in preparing to face the Jazz.
‘Well it really comes down to me” Rondo said as Aldridge slapped his ass.” Haha, well anyways, as I’ve said before it comes down to my play. Sure Shaq is a big part of their team and Aldridge should have his hands full but I need to be able to run this team and not turn the ball over. We are going to be running at a fast pace so I need to limit my TOs and put my teammates in good positions to score. I know I can do it”
The Lakers fly out to Utah in about 2 hours and they seem focus to go up there and give it their best. There is only one thing in their minds and that’s not just competing but winning the series and going on to the second round.
“ We have worked hard all season trying to get better” Josh Smith said, “ People think that we are happy with just making the playoffs but that’s not the case at all. Sure, it is great to still be playing and for me and the other guys like Durant, Aldridge and Rondo, this will be our first appearance; but we know we can play with those guys (Utah). We split the season series 2-2 with them and although people don’t think we have a chance as the 8th seed, we really think we can shock the basketball world.”
After a 19 game improvement, the Lakers are now heading to Utah to face the number one seeded Jazz. Nanz, the GM who is responsible for putting this team together, comments on the development of the team and their chances in the playoffs.
“ Well, its been too long since we were last in the playoffs but that’s just the way things are in the BBS. After reaching the conference finals, we decided to tare the team down and start from scratch. We just didn’t feel like we could be title contenders and that is our only goal. After now two years I feel like these guys are ready” Nanz said as he became emotional “ Its funny you know? I have gotten to see this guys grow and become better players over the years and now I think they can really make some noise in the playoffs. There have been up and downs, oh yeah and a rape, but we are here and we will be for years to come”
Although they are the 8th seed, everyone in the locker-room believes that this team can bring some problems to the Utah Jazz. We caught up with Rondo who has standing naked on Aldridge’s back eating some cheetos and asked him what were some of the things they have been discussing in preparing to face the Jazz.
‘Well it really comes down to me” Rondo said as Aldridge slapped his ass.” Haha, well anyways, as I’ve said before it comes down to my play. Sure Shaq is a big part of their team and Aldridge should have his hands full but I need to be able to run this team and not turn the ball over. We are going to be running at a fast pace so I need to limit my TOs and put my teammates in good positions to score. I know I can do it”
The Lakers fly out to Utah in about 2 hours and they seem focus to go up there and give it their best. There is only one thing in their minds and that’s not just competing but winning the series and going on to the second round.
