To my fellow SoCalers, I hate to say it, but the Lakers are toast

With Karl Malone hobbled, and Gary Payton refusing to conform to any system where isn't the center of attention, the Lakeshow is reduced to Shaq, Kobe and a bunch of CBA material. This just isn't the same team that reeled off three in row from '00-'02. They remind me more of when what was left of Showtime squared off against Jordan's Bulls in '91. But at least they lost to a great team. These Pistons are the most uninspiring team since...well...maybe ever.

It's because the Lakers are "off."

Not because the Pistons are kicking their asses.

I said they're not the same team that they were. Shaq and Kobe are still there, but the role players on this team definitely aren't the caliber of the ones on the '00-'02 teams. This is definitely the least talented team that Phil Jackson's ever taken to an NBA Finals. Yeah, I know they have four future hall of famers, but two of them are well past their prime, and of the two past their prime, the better one is injured.

I'll give Detroit their due. No one's going to confuse them for the 1996 Chicago Bulls, but they play well together as a team, and the whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. They'd probably be up 3-0 if Kobe hadn't willed LA to victory in game 2.

I know there are still some true believers out there who will chide me for my lack of faith, but I can tell when a team is beaten (as in done for), and tonight, the Lakers had the look of a beaten team. The dynasty is breathing out its dying breaths.

Enjoy your title Detroit.

but Larry Brown's coaching is. I think that he's solved Phil Jackson's game at both ends of the court. It's not LA's lack of talent; Kobe + Shaq is maybe better than Michael plus Scottie, and I think that the Lakers' role players are at least as good as the Bulls' were. And, LA's getting some great ball from Luke Walton, a bonus. But they're losing at both ends of the court in a way that Jackson teams never do. One indication: Phil's teams tend to have big 3rd quarters, a testimony to his ability to make adjustments, but in this case, the Pistons have had the 3rd quarter edge in all 3 games. Jackson is just flat out being outcoached.

The triangle offense tends to let stars create their game, and journeyman role players---Robert Horry, Stevie Kerr, BJ Armstrong, Bill Cartwright, etc.--- can have big games or moments if the opposition concentrates too much on the stars. But in this championship, LA is totally bottled up on offense. Not only is every shot contested, but every PASS. The Lakers can't get free, can't get to their spots, and can't get the ball. The Pistons seem to anitcipate the Lakers' screens, Prince is bottling up Kobe, and Shaq is out of his area too much.

The other end of the court is not much better for LA. Billups looks great, Hamilton solid, and Shaq can't keep Ben Wallace off of the offensive boards. And, the Pistons are executing the pick and rolls as well as I've seen. If Detroit had gotten any kind of production from Rasheed, it would be a rout.

I think that the Lakers know it. I've never seen such a glum bunch--they, including Phil, look whipped. I think that you're right---they've had it---, but if they were to come back, it would be one of the most astounding comebacks on NBA history.

.. but she may be warming up!

Detroit blew their wad last night.....they won't be able to kep that up........:wow: