Either the Lakers or Spurs

[UteStar]

I would put them in tiers:

Group 1:
Lakers, Spurs and Celtics (though I am at a loss for those two losses)

Group 2:
Jazz

Group 3
Hornets, Pistons, Cavs (simply because of Lebron)

Gropp 4
Everyone else

[Flystripper]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

I am always amazed when I meet a Lakers fan. It's like meeting a devil-worshiper. I just can't conceive how anyone could root for that team.

Nice to meet you. Some people call me Screwtape. Have you read my letters to Wormwood on the subject of Laker fandom? I have instructed Wormwood to continue to pretend to be a fan of the Lakers and to increase his obnoxiousness so as to drive away people from rooting for God's true team. Our plan seems to be working this time and our master is quite pleased that there is so much hatred for God's team even among God's chosen people in Utah.

For a short time, I was successful in driving fans away when I tempted Kobe Bryant with sins of the flesh. Yet fans returned. Similarly when I afflicted Magic with HIV I thought that the masses would be grossed out by the whole affair. I was wrong, only Karl Malone fell for this. Thus I have now moved on to the more subtle technique of turning people off to the Lakers by having Wormwood be an annoying fan. This is working better than my 2 previous attempts that were more direct.

[TheSizzle36]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

Everyone on CB is slagging the Lakers sweep....maybe because it makes them feel better? The bottom line is that the Lakers are playing pretty well right now and I think have a nice chance against the Jazz next week (not making any promises on that one, though).

Personally, I have observed Kobe to be focused and has his teammates believing. You can see it in their faces. They loves passing as much as making a basket. They support each other.

I think many will recognize over the next few weeks.

That being said, I am still not ready to write off the Celtics. There is a big difference between being beatable and being beaten.

The Lakers are tough. Denver certainly rolled over, but I think it was because they knew they couldn't beat LA, and that should be a credit to LA not a knock on them.

Houston has fought tooth and nail against Utah. It will be interesting to see how the Jazz handle a more 'open' series against the Lakers. But you are right. Kobe seems to be very focused right now and a Kobe focused is one of the top, if not the top, talent in the game.

[TripletDaddy]

Originally Posted by TheSizzle36

The Lakers are tough. Denver certainly rolled over, but I think it was because they knew they couldn't beat LA, and that should be a credit to LA not a knock on them.

Houston has fought tooth and nail against Utah. It will be interesting to see how the Jazz handle a more 'open' series against the Lakers. But you are right. Kobe seems to be very focused right now and a Kobe focused is one of the top, if not the top, talent in the game.

I have said a bunch that I am not convinced the Lakers would even beat the Jazz.

And the Nuggets had plenty of layups against the Lakers. I think Williams would have a field day in a 7-game series.

Darren. Deron....whatever his name is.....

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Flystripper

Nice to meet you. Some people call me Screwtape. Have you read my letters to Wormwood on the subject of Laker fandom? I have instructed Wormwood to continue to pretend to be a fan of the Lakers and to increase his obnoxiousness so as to drive away people from rooting for God's true team. Our plan seems to be working this time and our master is quite pleased that there is so much hatred for God's team even among God's chosen people in Utah.

For a short time, I was successful in driving fans away when I tempted Kobe Bryant with sins of the flesh. Yet fans returned. Similarly when I afflicted Magic with HIV I thought that the masses would be grossed out by the whole affair. I was wrong, only Karl Malone fell for this. Thus I have now moved on to the more subtle technique of turning people off to the Lakers by having Wormwood be an annoying fan. This is working better than my 2 previous attempts that were more direct.

See what I mean? That makes perfect sense.

And I dare bet that you moonlight for the Dallas Cowboys.

[TheSizzle36]

Originally Posted by TripletDaddy

I have said a bunch that I am not convinced the Lakers would even beat the Jazz.

And the Nuggets had plenty of layups against the Lakers. I think Williams would have a field day in a 7-game series.

Darren. Deron....whatever his name is.....

Lucky for you the Nuggets did the Lakers two favors.

First, before the playoffs Carmello gave Deron a hard foul that has been a real pain in his ass since. I'd guess that he is more hurt than most let on, and I think as the playoffs roll on it'll only get worse.

Secondly, as you witnessed, they gave the Lakers a couple of extra days off in the playoffs by, as Carmello said, quitting.

Of course, a shot at KB24's pinky and the pendulum swings quickly back in Utah's favor.

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

It's because they're secretly crapping their pants. The Lakers are a very tough matchup for the Jazz.

The Lakers and Spurs are the 2 worst match ups for the Jazz. Lakers and Spurs take the Jazz in 6, maybe 5 games.

[DrumNFeather]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

I actually think the Jazz or Lakers will win it all. I am not impressed in the least by the Spurs right now. They are soft this year and don't have the depth they need. The Jazz are a tough team to play in a 7 game series. They are physical and defensive-minded. And they rarely lose at home (the game against the Rockets notwithstanding). If you lose one on your home court, you have almost no chance of beating the Jazz.

Kobe is playing great right now. They would be very good with Bynum. As is, they are beatable, particularly since they are so beat up right now (though the extra day of rest will help them).

The Spurs have never seemed to be terribly impressive during their title runs, they just seem to get it done, and that is what makes them so dangerous.

Once Washington finishes off Cleveland, they'll roll to the NBA finals Oh no...I'm starting to sound like one of their players.

[MikeWaters]

I will be extraordinarily surprised if the Jazz 1) end up in the finals, 2) win the finals.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I will be extraordinarily surprised if the Jazz 1) end up in the finals, 2) win the finals.

If they get to the finals, they will win the finals.