Laker Nation

Friday 7:30 Lakers Standard Time

Television: KCAL, ESPN

How do I hate thee, let me count thy ways?

It’s time for my annual membership drive for “The Lakers Loving, Suns Hating, Fan Club”

As President and Founder of this prestigious club, I cordially invite all of you to join.

Its rather easy to become a member, but requires a firm passionate determination that only a True Laker Fan can maintain. Do you feel you have what it takes, loyalty and love for the Lakers, and a real deep down, make you puke, type of hate for the Phoenix Suns? And never, to let that passion slip away? If you think you do, and are ready to take the Oath. Then place your left hand on your computer, raise your right hand, and repeat after me.

The Lakers loving, Suns hating, Official Fan Club Oath:

I swear to love the Lakers with my whole heart and basketball polymer fiber of my existence.

I hate, loathe, and despise the Phoenix Suns.

My blood flows Purple and Gold.

I believe Phil Jackson is the Zen Master leading us to the Promised Championship.

Kobe Bryant WAS and IS the Real MVP.

I trust in Dr. Buss (just not Jim Buss).

I believe the Staples Arena is the Center of the Lakers Universe.

Steve Nash is a punk and Raja Bell is a twerp.

I believe God is a Laker Fan.

I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of the communist party.

TheLakersNation.com is my best source when it comes to Lakers knowledge.

You are now officially a member of “The Lakers Loving, Suns Hating Fan Club!”

(Send appropriate club dues to my PayPal account at fatty@thelakersnation.com)

Now, let’s get on to the game preview…

Phoenix Suns – It was determined last year, that they needed to beef up the interior defense. So the Suns went out and signed another shooter in Grant and released their best interior defender Thomas. And why? Luxury tax issues. Can’t have it all in the NBA, can we?

LA Lakers – Altercation at yesterday’s practice? Who was involved? DaBoss thinks it was Vladimir and Sasha in a slapping fight and has video to prove it. Some felt it was Coby Karl arguing for a better seat on the bench, others have speculated Jim Buss came by to see the Lakers practice for the first time in his life, and told Rambis he had no idea how to coach young players.

Fatty’ Wish: It was the Laker Girls, in a full squad, all out cat fight, with LD2K filming.

Key Match Ups of the Game:

Steve Nash vs. Derek Fisher, with his sidekick Jordan Farmar.

Do I need to tell you how Nash has owned us, mocked us, made fun of us, kicked us, and beaten us. Tonight it changes. Nash will have his moments, but I can’t wait till Fish gets a charge on him, and Nash goes ballistic. Then to watch Kid Farmar blow by him to the basket will be sweet.

Fatty’s Take: Who will Nash kick tonight and then claim it was an accident?

Diaw vs. Ronny: Best friends will embrace and do that Frenchy kissy stuff before the game. But once the game starts, Ronny will be, “how do you say, a monster?” and french fry Diaw.

Amare vs. our Center Combo of Kwame, Bynum, and maybe Mihm.

We know he’s quick and has developed a nice shot. But can we make him play some D and maybe pick up a few fouls? He may be a little slow coming off knee surgery. This one is intriguing.

Barbosa, Bell, and Grant vs. Kobe.

Fortunately Kobe doesn’t have to play all of them at the same time. But if had to, he would still win. Did you see Kobe’s after practice interview discussing Laker defense? This man is focused. This is the stuff that Kobe loves. He is feeling it. He is on a ‘Kobe High’. And soon to be a highlight film at a You Tube near you.

Game Strategy: Slow the game down, hustle back on D, pound the ball down low, run the offense, and let Kobe pass the ball to a wide open Fish for the game winner. As Kwame will say in the post game interview regarding the win, “It was a piece of cake.”

Cheer for Tonights Game:

Kill the Suns!

Kick’em in the buns!

Game Prediction: Without Lamar Odom it will be tuff, but I predict the Lakers will beat the Suns down in their own house, and make them cry. Love to watch Raja pout!

Go Lakers!

GAME PREDICTION CONTEST: As Mr. Miyagi said to the The Karate Kid, on Okinawa, before the big fight. “This not practice, Daniel-san, is real thing” Its race for the Hoodie time. 15 games of a grueling competition. As we learned in the movie Highlander, “There can be only one.” If you think you are good enough to wear the ‘Hoodie’, and be ‘The One’, don’t miss a game.

Tonight’s challenge. (Just copy and paste. Put your answer in the preview thread)

1. Game Winner (5pts):

2. Lakers High Scorer (5pts):

3. Lakers Top Rebounder (5pts):

4. Lakers Assist Leader (5pts):

5. Trivia Challenge (5pts): Two part. How many titles for the Lakers? How many for the Suns?

6 Margin of victory bonus (10pts):