9 replies to this topic

[Lakers_55]

I was just sitting around, goofing off. I've got a zillion things to do, but just taking a well-earned break. Suddenly, it hit me. It's been staring us all in the face, but no one has ever pointed it out. I don't care that Shaq was a part of our team for 8 seasons. Kobe is going to have more seasons played without him than with him.

Excepting the tail end of the Jordan era, who the Lakers never played in the playoffs, the Lakers lost their first playoff encounters with many of their many rivals, and most of them went on to become NBA champions. The Lakers not only returned the favor on most of these teams in the playoffs, we won 5 titles, and counting.

1997 Utah Jazz
1998 Utah Jazz.

Utah got us both times, but we returned the favor in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and won 2 titles. They didn't win a title, losing twice to Jordan's Bulls.

1999 San Antonio Spurs
Spurs got us, and won the NBA title that year and 3 more. We got them back in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2008; losing only in 2003. We won 5 more NBA titles; 3 after the first loss, 2 after the second loss.

2006 Phoenix Suns
2007 Phoenix Suns

Poor Suns never made the finals, but we got them back in 2010 and won a title. I also want to put a new slant on the 2006 series. Phoenix had HCA and should probably have won the series 4-1, as they did in 2007. Phoneix should have been ahead 2-0, instead were 1-1. Phoenix should have been up 2-2, instead were 1-3. Phoenix should have been ahead 3-2 after 5, instead they were down 3-2. and Phoenix should have won game 7, which they did, they had homecourt advantage. Phoenix should never have been in a position having to win 3 straight games to survive. Yes, we should have won, or at least could have won that series, but it is no taint on Kobe's legacy he never got us past the first round without Shaq, or until we got Gasol. Kobe got us in a position to be ahead 3-1, and that is no stain on his legacy. If game 7 is in LA we probably win.

2008 Boston Celtics
Yep, they got us in the finals, we also paid them back and they performed the biggest 2nd half choke in NBA finals game 7 history. We won the title in 2010.

2011 Dallas Mavericks
This was our first encounter under Kobe, and like those above, we lost. You can bet your bottom dollar these Lakers want payback for that humiliation. We redeemed ourselves for all the other foes, except the Detroit Pistons. Maybe they will become relevant before Kobe hangs up his sneakers.

So do you see where this is going? All the pieces are in place for the Lakers to win another title or two under Kobe. Bring it Dallas.

Believe.

[Colby Brian]

interesting, we got revenge on every team thats beaten us in the past

hope history repeats itself for next year

[L.A.K.E.R]

I like.

[bigvee]

This is true because when a team has knocked us out and won the title, we have become stronger and held a chip on our shoulder while they became older and weaker - waiting to face us again. We have came out prepared for every payback series.

Much credit to Phil Jackson and the coaching staff though. They had realized what was missing each season we were eliminated and were able to use that on beating that team for payback along with grabbing the title most of the time.

[Twenty Four]

I like.

A lot.

[ggim125]

Reading that was beautiful...damn you lockout

[Junayd]

yep. that's why I will always always hate the Utah Jazz. now that they changed their colors & all i don't have as much hate for them anymore.. but everytime i see those old colors.. ugh.

[NYCLakerfan]

Good read I always knew we seem to get revenge but never thought about it in so much depth, cant wait to see Dallas next year.

[MDI]

I hope its not too late, OKC and POR are right on our tails and our big men have question marks on their night to night production. Kobe and Gasol were the cornerstone and I used to feel confident but things have changed...anyways the lockout can only help us so I hope the guys can use the rest wisely and can bring it next year

[Goku]

I don't know.. I liked what you were trying to say.. but last season we related lots of things to history, legacy etc. too.. we thought we would get another 3-peat, Kobe would get another 3-peat like Jordan.. Phil would have 4 3-peats, we would have caught up with Boston.. A Perfect Year so to speak. We believed in that stronger than ever after 18-1 run.. But it didn't happen. Instead we got swept in 2nd round. That's why I'm not hoping on these bandwagons yet. I want this team to perform and crush every single opponent they can find. No more reality show bull[expletive]ting or other stupid things. Kobe lost 2 of his prime years because of stupid decisions/team Lakers went to. I don't want that to happen ever again when Kobe is nearing to end of his career. I hope we start strong, finish strong. No stupid losses to likes of Cavs, Kings, Clippers ever again, especially in Staples Center.