Lakers Repeat as Champions, Bryant Named MVP

In yet another chapter of the most historic rivalry in the NBA between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, defense and physical play dominated throughout. The Lakers ended up squeaking out the win beating the Celtics 83-79 after trailing for much of the second quarter and all of the third quarter.

However, the length of the Lakers eventually took a toll on the Celtics' post players. Pau Gasol had another huge game for Los Angeles having 19 points and 18 rebounds. On a night when Finals MVP Kobe Bryant (23 points, 15 rebounds) struggled for most of the game by shooting 6-24, Ron Artest helped Gasol by scoring 20 points, hauling in 5 rebounds, and swiping 5 steals. Artest and Gasol were easily the most effective players for the Lakers tonight. Even though the Lakers bench only scored 9 points (seven by Lamar Odom), defense was the game changer, especially down the stretch. Derek Fisher added 10 points for the 2010 Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson won his 11th championship, and received a $2 million dollar bonus because of the victory. This win was Bryant's and Fisher's fifth championship each.

Boston came out hot early, but couldn't contend with the Lakers rebounding and length on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Rasheed Wallace had an exceptional game filling in for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Wallace had 11 points and 8 rebounds, but ended up fouling out in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Glen Davis also had the task of helping on defense down in the post. He grabbed 9 rebounds and had 6 points. No other Celtics bench player scored in Game Seven. However, the rest of the Celtics' starters all scored in double figures which helped the Celtics to have a chance to win the game at LA down to the final minute. Paul Pierce had 18 points, Kevin Garnett had 17, Rajon Rondo had 14, and Ray Allen had 13.

Amidst coaching rumors concerning next season, Phil Jackson stated in a postgame interview with ESPN's Stuart Scott that he would most likely decide on his future within the next week.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

NBA Finals Game Seven Preview

Game Seven of the NBA Finals. What could be better? The NBA Finals almost never last the full seven game series. In fact, the last time that seven games were needed to decide a series was in 2005 in which the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons. These kinds of matchups are as rare as a Dwight Howard three point field goal. This time though, there's history involved. There are no deeply rooted rivalries between the Spurs and Pistons. This matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics will be yet another chapter in the NBA's most historic rivalry. The three keys to victory for each team are listed below, as well as the one thing that is sure to cause each team to lose.

Los Angeles Lakers Keys to Victory

1. Don't allow the Celtics to run their offense in transition. Stop the fast break.

Rajon Rondo is the catalyst for the Boston Celtics. If he is having a good game, the Celtics will have a good game. In order for the Lakers to effectively shut down the Celtics, they must first shut down Rondo. Kobe Bryant has done an excellent job at defending Rondo this series for the most part, but in Game Seven he must be completely focused on the defensive end and not allow Rondo to get into any type of rhythm. The Celtics love to run in the fast break offense, especially when the bench is in. Rondo, Nate Robinson, Glen Davis, and Tony Allen are all effective in the fast break. Yes, Glen Davis. Any sort of hustle player like Davis is at home in the fast break because he will look for missed layups to rebound and then put back for the score.

2. Establish a post presence early and go to the post often.

With Kendrick Perkins unable to play in Game Seven, Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis will likely start in his place. With the height advantage that the Lakers have with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, they should pound the ball inside as much as they can within the first quarter. Get the Celtics in foul trouble. Force Shelden Williams to play extended minutes and reap the benefits. Gasol has to play with a purpose in Game Seven. Although he had an excellent game in Game Six (one assist away from a triple double), he has been known to play soft in the post or just not show up in big games. He is the best post player on the floor. This is the time to prove it. The Lakers are catching a huge break with the unavailability of Kendrick Perkins. They should use this to their advantage.

3. The bench play needs to be at an all time high.

This is last game of the season. There's nothing left to lose. The bench needs to come out with fury, and put together another offensive on-slaught as they did in Game Six. Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, and Shannon Brown will be called on to defend Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Nate Robinson at sometime in the game. Focus on defense. These players cannot get into a rhythm while the starters rest for Los Angeles. On the offensive end of the floor, hustle will be a key. Farmar has done a phenomenal job of sacrificing his body throughout the playoffs. Lastly, Lamar Odom cannot disappear. Although his stat line was not the greatest last game, his presence was felt by the Celtics. He must keep up his defense, and look to be aggressive on the offensive end and score.

The Lakers will lose if they do not focus on defense and therefore allow Boston to hang around. The Lakers have home court advantage in Game Seven of the NBA Finals, and they need to use this to their advantage. Come out with ferocity, and step on the Celtics while their down. Don't allow them to ever think that they can compete in Staples Center. Game Six was an excellent example of this mentality. They never gave up and kept shoving the ball down the Celtics' throats all night. With Perkins out, this should come even easier to the Lakers. Just don't take Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis for granted in the starting lineup. Both players are more than capable of being sparks for huge offensive runs.

Boston Celtics Keys to Victory

1. Don't allow another player to become involved other than Kobe Bryant.

This is probably the most important thing for Boston. You know Kobe is going to have more than twenty points, and probably more than thirty but live with it. Don't allow another player like Gasol, Odom, or Ron Artest to get involved early. Artest was hitting shots early and developed confidence throughout Game Six. Gasol had a great game. Allow Kobe to take his shots. Don't become discouraged when he knocks them down because he will. Focus on alienating Bryant, and don't let any other Lakers get in a rhythm at the offensive end. If so, it could be a long night in LA for Boston.

2. Paul Pierce must step up big.

With Perkins being out, toughness and rebounding is lost for the Celtics. However, if Paul Pierce, the obvious ringleader of the Celtics, can get hot Perkins won't be missed. Look at Game Five. Bryant went off in the third quarter, but Pierce was able to match him shot for shot. Pierce is a future hall of fame member, and he knows it. He could go down as one of the greatest Celtics of all time if he could slay the LA Lakers in the Finals not once, but twice on their home court. He would be instantly a name that was Celtics legend. Make sure that Pierce gets good looks early so that he can develop a comfort level that will grow throughout the game.

3. Help inside on defense.

Once again, I will bring up the fact that the loss of Kendrick Perkins is a huge loss for the Celtics as a team. I can't stress enough the importance of Perkins to the interior defense. He alters shots, and doesn't shy away from contact. However, with Gasol and Bynum having height advantages on Garnett, Davis, and Wallace, other players like Ray Allen and Pierce must look to help out in the post area. Gasol can be easily frustrated, and this should be a main goal of the Celtics early on.

The Celtics will lose if the bench doesn't arrive to play at a high level. Through Game Five, Robinson, Davis, and Tony Allen had all played a pretty good series. Then Game Six happened. No field goals until the third quarter happened. When playing at another team's home court in front of screaming fans, the bench has to step up big. Especially in Game Seven of the NBA Finals. The bench players cannot fail to show up again like they did in Game Six. A plus for the Celtics is the activation of Brian Scalabrine, who will help to stretch the floor on the offensive end.

My Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers will win Game Seven and be crowned the 2009-2010 NBA Champions. I'm sticking to my original prediction, but will offer a little more insight as to why I'm picking the Lakers. Most importantly, Perkins is out for the Celtics. Secondly, the best closer in the game, Kobe Bryant, will not allow a Game Seven loss to their most hated rival. Even though he downplays the rivalry, you know it's in his head. Look for the Lakers to win by more than ten in a pivotal Game Seven.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Defeat Celtics, Force Game Seven

The Los Angeles Lakers evened the series on their home court Tuesday night, beating Boston 89-67. The NBA Finals is now at a 3-3 tie.

Kobe Bryant had another huge game for the Lakers with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals. Lamar Odom (8 points, 10 rebounds) and Pau Gasol (17 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) also came up big for the defending champion Lakers. Ron Artest (15 points, 6 rebounds) also put together a good game after looking lost for much of Game Five. The major difference this game was the play of the Lakers bench (25 points). The Celtics bench, which has been terrific throughout the series behind the play of Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, did not score until the fourth quarter when Robinson converted a reverse layup.

The pivotal moment in the game occurred when Celtics center Kendrick Perkins went down with a right knee sprain just under seven minutes into the game. He did not return, and will be re-evaluated for Game Seven on Thursday. His status at this point is uncertain. However, this injury will force Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, and Shelden Williams to play big minutes to help defend the Lakers big men. Because of the fact that Los Angeles already has a large height advantage, the unavailability of Perkins would be a huge hit to Boston's defense.

Looking ahead to Game Seven, my original prediction of the Lakers in seven still remains a possiblity. It also the most likely, especially if Perkins is unable to play. However, he will probably play through the pain as it will be Game Seven of the NBA Finals. The difference? The Lakers have the best closer in the game in Kobe. After the debacle in the 2008 Finals, I don't see it happening again. The Lakers will not allow Boston to win in a Game Seven on their homecourt. The Lakers will be your 2010 NBA Champions.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Celtics Game Six Preview

Heading back to Los Angeles down 3-2, Kobe Bryant put it best. "It's simple. We have to win Game Six on Tuesday, and then we have to come back to work on Thursday and win Game Seven." That pretty much sums up what the LA Lakers will need to do in order to complete their run and win consecutive NBA Championships. Phil Jackson, head coach of the Lakers, didn't seem worried when the scenario of two must win games was brought up to him in a recent press conference stating, "Isn't that how a 2-3-2 series is set up? That the team with home court advantage has to win the last two games?".

That's easier said than done for the Lakers right now, though. Previously untouchable at home, the Celtics won Game Two at Staples Center to originally tie the series 1-1. These next two games are not expected wins for the Lakers by any stretch of the imagination. Boston is playing at such a high level, and the Celtics are confident that they could win either Game Six or Seven in Los Angeles to win the NBA Championship. So, what will happen in Game Six, and what adjustments will be made by each team?

For Los Angeles, the game plan is simple. Play defense. Stay between your man and the basket. The Lakers could not get stops in Game Five, which severely hurt them down the stretch. Too many easy layups were given to the Celtics. Also, someone other than Kobe Bryant has to step up and carry some of the weight. NBA analysts are contemplating the idea that even if Boston wins the series, Kobe could still win the MVP. That has to tell the rest of the Lakers something. Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom need to have nights where they are legitimate threats on the offensive end while shutting down (or at least containing) the Celtic's big men on the other end of the court. Bynum is hurt, and he is experiencing excruciating pain at this point in the season. However, he will have to try to play through his knee injury and become a factor on both ends of the floor for the Lakers to experience success. Also, Kobe must guard the Celtic player who is having the best game as long as he does not give up too much size (any player at the small forward position or smaller). Lastly, if I was Phil Jackson, I would seriously consider trying to bait Celtics centers Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace into technical fouls. Go for a double technical, and eliminate at least one of them for Game Seven (preferably Perkins).

Boston has a different game plan. Don't play big like the Lakers will attempt to do. Play small. Glen Davis has had a spectacular series as has Nate Robinson. Both are smaller players for their respective positions, but they have come up huge for the Celtics in critical stretches. At least two of the Big Four must have great games. Get either Rondo, Pierce, Allen, or Garnett involved early and often and watch the offensive explosion take place. Don't force up shots, but at the same time expect improved defense from the Lakers. Their main concern on the defensive end of the floor is obviously Kobe Bryant. If they can successfully contain him, it will force another Lakers player to step up and shoulder the load. The Celtics need to approach Game Six as a must win game because I don't think that the Lakers will lose a Game Seven against their most hated rivals at home. Finally, Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace must play smart and avoid any technicals so they can be available for Game Seven if needed.

My prediction is that the Lakers will win this game, but it will be close. If Los Angeles wins this game, they will win the series in my opinion. I'm sticking to my original NBA Finals prediction and saying Lakers in seven games.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

NBA Finals Game Four Preview

The biggest rivalry in the NBA has once again reached its culmination in the NBA Finals, and there's no turning back or attempting to play down the series. Los Angles fans hate Boston. Boston fans hate Los Angeles. End of story.There's no way to sugar-coat it.

The next two wins in Boston are must wins if they have any hope of winning this series. I refuse to believe that if Boston heads back to Los Angeles trailing 3-2 that they will be able to win it all. Not a chance. The New Jersey Nets have a better shot at winning all 82 games next year. Phil Jackson would never be that out-coached and Kobe Bryant would never be that out-played on their home court. Therefore, I see the Celtics coming out of the tunnel tomorrow night with fire in their eyes. They all will have one goal: to even the series. They can't afford to fall 3-1. Otherwise, Paul Pierce might be correct in his prediction that the series won't even head back to LA.

Doc Rivers attempted to fix some officiating blunders that he felt were committed in Game Three by sending a video tape to the league office. He expressed his feelings about how Derek Fisher grabbed, jabbed, and held Ray Allen throughout the game, which could have affected his shooting. I think that overall this was a smart move by Rivers. People always ask me why do players and coaches argue a foul call or turnover after it has already been committed? The answer is so that the next call goes in your favor. Sending a video tape into the league office could be just what the Celtics need in order to put a stop to some of the more physical defense the Lakers have been executing thus far.

A bright spot for the Lakers is that Andrew Bynum will be able to play in Game Four tomorrow night. The Lakers have used their size and length to their advantage thus far, and I don't see that changing. Pau Gasol took advantage of the smaller Glen Davis, and Bynum has had his way with both Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace. Lamar Odom is a difficult defensive matchup for Glen Davis as well. Therefore, I expect the Lakers to work the ball inside often in Game Four and possibly create some early foul trouble for the Celtics' big men.

My prediction for the game is that the Celtics will win by seven points. This game will be very physical because Boston will be defending their home court, and the Lakers will be attempting to go into the weekend up 3-1. However, I think that Rivers will be able to motivate his players enough to come back from their dismal performance on Tuesday. Ray Allen will not go without a field goal again - look for Rajon Rondo to distribute the ball to both him and Paul Pierce early so that the two can establish a rhythm for the rest of the game.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Paul Pierce is Talking....Again

"Bring Out the Brooms!"

We all remember this statement made on Pierce's twitter page by a supposed "hacker" after Boston went up 3-0 against the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. I'm fine with confidence. In fact, when I play basketball, I'm a huge trash talker. After Pierce declared the sweep, Orlando won two straight. He awoke a sleeping giant in Dwight Howard who exploded and had ridiculous performances in the next two games. Fast forward to this morning.

"We aint coming back to LA!"

Hmmm. Paul Pierce. When you were younger did you ever touch the stove while it was on? Because my guess is that you touched it again when it was on a week later just to see if anything changed. You're not a quick learner. I mean come on this just happened. You thought Dwight Howard was dangerous? Try Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. Notice who's at the front of the list. Kobe Bryant...heard of him? You just walked past the stove and went to swim in the furnace didn't you? Little hot in there? Yeah I thought so.

At least you've had a big impact on the Finals so far! Oh wait. Ron Artest has shut you down. You've been quieter than the city of Cleveland when Jordan sunk the shot over Ehlo. I would remain just that...quiet. You see, you're little Jack climbing the beanstalk to get to the championship trophy at the top. Only problem is you were running your mouth on the way up. Whoops. Guess you better climb quickly to escape the LA giant that is now racing after you. Bad news for the Celtics...Rondo's the only one quick enough to out run him. I'm calling a doctor now so that there will be a wheelchair on hand just in case you need it.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Celtics Even Series Behind Rondo's Triple Double

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first game at Staples Center during this year's playoffs losing to the Boston Celtics by a score of 103-94. The Celtics closed the game with a 16-4 run. Boston gave everything that they had on Sunday night, and it showed in their impressive victory on the Lakers' home court. Rajon Rondo lead the charge with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Ray Allen set an NBA record with eight three-pointers in the game and he finished with 32 points. One of the biggest factors this game was Kobe Bryant's foul trouble. He finished with five fouls but also had 21 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

What can we expect as the series heads to Boston? Well, the Boston Celtics have actually been a better road team than home team, but now that Boston has confidence going back home, they will be a very dangerous animal for the Lakers. Although Ray Allen had a spectacular game tonight, I don't see it happening again in this postseason. However, I think the main concern of the Celtics will be to shut down the Lakers big men. Bynum (21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 blocks) and Gasol (25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks) will be the focal point for the Celtics' defense. Boston returned to the quality of defense that they displayed earlier in the playoffs. Tony Allen did an excellent job on Kobe throughout the game.

What's my prediction?

The Celtics will use this momentum and capitalize on it. Boston will take two from LA at home, returning to Los Angeles with a 3-2 lead. However, I don't see Kobe Bryant letting this opportunity slip away from him, especially on his home court. If it weren't for his constant foul trouble and the impressive run that Boston put together at the end of the game, I think this game would have had a different result as well. But in the playoffs with teams of this caliber, any team can win on any night. I'm still predicting Lakers in seven games.

The Courtside Report Homepage

A New Coach in Chicago, GM in Cleveland, and Point Guard in Minnesota?

Below is a list of six short stories from around the NBA:

1. Del Negro Out, Thibodeau In

A much anticipated move by the Chicago Bulls was reported today in the fact that there will be a new head coach next year. Tom Thibodeau, the assistant coach to the Boston Celtics, has reportedly accepted the job although an official announcement will have to wait until after the NBA Finals. Thibodeau was also interviewed by the New Orleans Hornets, but opted for Chicago instead. He is largely recognized for the defensive intensity that the Celtics bring to the court. What else does this move mean for Chicago? No John Calipari and LeBron James package deal will occur in the Windy City.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers Done With General Manager Ferry

Another move that happened Friday that didn't surprise anyone around the league was the Danny Ferry will no longer be the general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers next year. His replacement will have no say in basketball operations. It's all about LeBron at this point, and owner Dan Gilbert will give him everything he asks for if he intends to stay. (More on LeBron later in this article.)

3. Marquis Daniels Should Play In Game Two

Marquis Daniels, reserve shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, will likely play in tomorrow night's game against the Los Angles Lakers. Daniels hasn't played since suffering a concussion in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals. The impact that he will have on the Celtics' game plan is simple. Not much to contribute to the offensive game plan, but Daniels will allow Boston to have one more reserve defender to take on Kobe Bryant for Game Two should Ray Allen get in foul trouble again.

4. Garnett Has "Lost A Step"

This is a classic case of the media blowing another quote out of proportion after taking it out of context. Pau Gasol praised Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, but also noted that he has "lost a step" since the 2008 NBA Finals. Of course he has. All players lose quickness and agility with age and Garnett is no different. Gasol wasn't maliciously attacking Garnett. He simply said that Garnett is now more of a jump shooter rather than the post up player he once was. Garnett is obviously still a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. No harm meant by Gasol.

5. Shaquille O'Neal Takes on Spelling Bee Champion

Last night at the national spelling bee, Shaq challenged last year's champion to a spell off in the near future. He will be allowed two misspelled words, and will likely need both life lines. I'm just curious if this will come before or after his UFC Match?

6. Ricky Rubio Could Play in 2011-2012

Ricky Rubio, the Spanish point guard, was recently quoted as saying that he could arrive in the NBA for the 2011-2012 season. However, he did not limit his options to just playing in Minnesota. Rubio said that he would come over to the United States, but the Timberwolves (who drafted him number four overall last year) would have to improve from their 15 win season this past year or he would consider going with another team. If I worked for the front office of the T Wolves, I would try to sign a free agent or two this offseason so that the guy can showcase his stuff on my homecourt. Rubio will be an excellent passer and point guard in the NBA, but he also must improve his outside shooter to be a legitimate offensive threat.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Lakers Take Finals Lead 1-0

While I was watching Game One of the NBA Finals, I received a text message from one of my friends who can't stand Kobe. That could be an understatement; he absolutely despises, loathes, and finds fault with every trip down the court that Kobe is a part of during a game. It read, "LeBron has one more year to prove his dominance...if not then it's Kobe". I couldn't help but chuckle to myself and responded with "To hell with next year, turn your TV on. If it's on, watch closer." LeBron has had seven years to prove his self-proclaimed "King" status. He's failed. Kobe is in the final games of the best playoff performance of his already prolific career. Analysts are saying he could be considered the greatest Laker ever if he wins this title. Nothing changed Thursday night in Game One with the Lakers beating the Celtics 102-89.

Bryant continued his domination finishing with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Lakers big men used their length to their advantage once again. Pau Gasol had 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, and Andrew Bynum finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Gasol and Bynum also stepped up to Phil Jackson's comments earlier this week proclaiming that the Lakers' big men must play more physically. Toughness was questioned, and the Lakers wouldn't stand for it. Defensive specialist Ron Artest (15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals) did an excellent job with his primary job of the series: limit Paul Pierce's (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists) effectiveness. After nine points in the first quarter, Pierce was held to just two more in the second and third quarters combined.

The Celtics remained close throughout the game, but they were "outworked" according to head coach Doc Rivers. Watching ABC's broadcast of the game, Rivers was often "wired" and said that the Celtics were never playing completely together as a team, and he was right. The Celtics did not bring the same intensity that they had throughout the playoffs, and the team never really looked like they trusted each other tonight. Ray Allen (12 points) was in foul trouble with five personals by the end of the third quarter. Rajon Rondo finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists and was easily the most effective Celtic tonight. The Celtic bench that has been so clutch throughout the playoffs? Well, they played like a typical bench and were almost non-existant. The most inspiring Celtic stat tonight? Center Kendrick Perkins remained with six technical fouls (one away from an automatic suspension after the seventh). Rasheed Wallace did pick up his fifth "T" tonight, however.

Looking forward to Game Two, what can we expect? With another game at LA, my prediction is another Lakers win and a commanding 2-0 lead. The Lakers are too good at Staples Center and will not drop a game at home this postseason.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Lakers Remain Unbeaten at Home in Postseason

The Los Angeles Lakers successfully defended their home court against the Phoenix Suns earlier tonight. This will force a decisive Game Six which will be held in Phoenix on Saturday. Kobe Bryant was one assist away from a triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 blocks. Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, and Lamar Odom all scored in double figures for the Lakers. The key for the Lakers tonight was limiting Amare Stoudemire's impact on the game. After Stoudemire erupted in Games Three and Four, he scored only 19 points and had 4 rebounds in Game Five.

With 3.5 seconds remaining, the game was tied 101-101. Phil Jackson and the rest of Laker nation had just witnessed Ron Artest put up an ill-advised three point jump shot just 51 seconds ago when he could have opted to run out the clock. This allowed the Suns to tie the game with a Jason Richardson three pointer. On the inbound pass to Bryant, he quickly turned and fired strongly contested three pointer. It didn't touch the rim, but Ron Artest grabbed the offensive rebound and shot a lay-up to win the game at the buzzer.

Now the series heads back to Phoenix where anything could happen. The Suns have played their best basketball at home this postseason, and I don't see anything changing for Game Six. I think that if the Lakers are looking to end this series in six games, they must take the Suns fans out of the game early. Squash any hope of winning the game and take every last ounce of life out of the Suns. However, this will be difficult to do, and my gut tells me that this series will need the full seven games to be completed.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Panic in Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Lakers looked invincible after the first two games of the Western Conference Finals. However, now they look vulnerable thanks to the way that they have played in the last two games. But should Lakers fans be worried? Let's examine both sides of this argument.

Yes, be afraid!

1. Pau Gasol cannot successfully defend Amare Stoudemire. Period. Stoudemire is much too quick for Gasol which all but negates Gasol's height advantage. Gasol has been labeled as a passive post player in the past, and his five rebounds in Game Four resurfaced these discussions.

2. Andrew Bynum is hurt. Even though he insists that his knee is ok any one that watches him play can tell he's not 100%. After a couple trips up and down the court, he looks like he isn't comfortable, and Phil Jackson will normally take him out after 5-7 minutes of work.

3. The Suns bench, although non-existent in Games One and Two, have been resurrected by their home crowd. Channing Frye hit his first shots in what seemed like an eternity last night. Goran Dragic has been looking good, and his speed has been a problem for the Lakers.

4. The Lakers haven't been hitting open shots. When the team was down in both Games Three and Four, they opted for the three pointer to help them climb back. Not a bad plan, but none of the shots were falling even though there was minimal defense by the Suns.

No, just stay calm!

1. The Lakers are returning home where they have been undefeated this postseason. I think the home crowd is just what Los Angeles needs to get a decisive win in Game Five and put the pressure on Phoenix. Also, in order to win the series, Los Angeles only needs to win at home because of home court advantage.

2. There is a height advantage for the Lakers at nearly every position. Gasol, Bynum, and Odom can all rebound and score, but they must stay aggressive on the boards throughout the game. Look for the Lakers to better utilize this height advantage through the rest of this series.

3. Kobe Bryant will be the best player on the court for every remaining playoff game he plays in this year. Lakers fans know this. Everyone in the world knows this. He's going to be effective no matter what kind of defensive schemes are thrown at him. Just watch him play.

4. Phil Jackson is the best coach in the league. He knows how to motivate his team when it matters most. The fact that he's undefeated when his team goes up 2-0 (like they did against Phoenix) doesn't hurt either.

So after looking at these two perspectives should the Lakers be worried? Not at all. They will return home where they will continue to remain undefeated in the playoffs. I'm going to give them a 99% chance to win the series based on home court advantage alone. That one percent is not because I'm not confident in my prediction, but because the Cavaliers lost with home court advantage this playoffs so I won't rule out anything yet.

The Courtside Report Homepage