Hosts: Sonny, Ryan, Rich and Kevin

In this episode, the entire Sportable staff discussed the dream NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, which tips off tonight in Beantown. Can Kobe Bryant complete his MVP season with his first ring without Shaquille O’Neal. Or will Boston’s Big Three win their first ring? Also, how in the world is Doc Rivers going to outcoach Phil Jackson?

 

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The Lakers and the Celtics will both have golden opportunities to oust their opponents and advance to the conference finals tonight in their respective game six’s. Given that the the home team has now run a record of 20-1 in this round of the playoffs, however, we should probably just be praying that the C’s or the Lakers don’t get shanked by double digits.

It’s entirely possible that the Celtics could run the table and win the NBA title sans a road victory in the playoffs. Doesn’t that bother you? I’m not suggesting a rule change or anything because trying to think of something like that would make my head explode, but don’t you expect a little more from a champion? Lets face it, there’s been a handful of games in this round of the playoffs that have been close while most of the games have turned out like the 99-80 smack down that the Spurs laid on the Hornets last night.

Predictability is the name of the game in this round of the playoffs. Give me an attempt at a road victory. That’s all I ask. Quicken Loans isn’t like Cameron Indoor, the Cavs (not LeBron) are beatable there. The Jazz have created a fortress at Energy Solutions Arena, I get that. The Lakers, however, are one of four teams that have beat the Jazz at home. Lets see it happen again tonight. Someone step up and prove that they’re worthy of being called a true champion.

For much of his career, Kobe Bryant has received criticism for being a “me” player, a guy who had little leadership abilities and even less of an interest in passing the ball. Fast forward a few years and Bryant is now the toast of the NBA. Sure, the haters will be there for as long as he plays. But lets face it. After another dominating display by his Lakers last night, many Kobe pundits are being forced to eat crow.

In a show of solidarity and unity we never thought possible in LA, Bryant’s teammates surrounded him to applaud as he gave his MVP acceptance speech last night. Yep, the same “uncoachable” superstar that wanted out of Los Angeles just a few months ago has finally ascended into the role of “team leader.” Sure, Kobe still scored 34 points last night. But it wasn’t one of his 35-shot specials from a few years back. Bryant’s efficiency (18 shots), 8 rebounds and 6 assists are why the Lakers are looking so tough to beat in the postseason.

The Lakers remain undefeated in this postseason with a 6-0 record, but should be ready for a hostile environment this weekend in Utah. Look for Bryant to get booed every time he touches the ball, not like that’s surprising. Kobe seemingly saves his best performances for Salt Lake City. The Jazz will probably snatch a win in Utah, but even with all their physicality inside, it doesn’t look like they’re capable of matching Los Angeles’ torrid outside shooting and depth.

Note: Yes, we’re still alive…barely. Final exams are currently owning the Sportable Staff. Please bear with us. With Rich’s graduation coming up and the rest of us busy with class, we’ve been struggling to find the time to devote to the site. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Anyone who needed any more proof that Kobe Bryant is the best player on the best team in the NBA should have watched the Lakers second straight beat down of the Denver Nuggets. The Black Mamba went for 49 last night and, despite an off night from both Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, the Lakers cruised to a 15 point win over Denver at Staples.

Memo to J.R. Smith; don’t run your mouth to Kobe. Smith and Bryant got into it late in the game last night after Kobe had already done him for 46 and the Lakers were shifting to cruise control. The best part about the situation was the bomb that Bryant dropped on Smith during the game after Smith had already gotten a few shots out on Kobe. “Better learn not to talk to me. You shake a tree, a leopard is gonna fall out.” No joke, Kobe. Not only is it a leopard, but the cat is wearing a 24 jersey. Even DeShawn Stephenson is embarrassed for J.R. Smith right now.

Up 2-0 in the series, the Lakers look like the best team in the league and look like they’ve got this one wrapped up. The Nuggets are picking up stupid technical fouls late in games and look more like they should have Thuggets written across their powder blue threads. I thought AI and Melo were gonna give me something better than this mess. I figured two all-star starters could make a series out of the Lakers. Instead, the Lakers are beating Denver at their own offensive game and showing the Nugs a thing or two on how to play defense.

Seen below is Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant doing his best to promote his new shoe…and ensure the Lakers have zero chance in the NBA Playoffs. We’re not experts on shadows and perspective, but this looks pretty damn real. I wonder what Phil Jackson has to say about this.

Update: Is that Ronny Turiaf with him?

Update 2: Lakers Blog over at the LA Times reports that the video is indeed fake.

From the article: Also, to address a question freaking out a few of our worry wart-ier readers… no, The New Jack Bauer is not really pulling off the stunt.  Kobe described the sequence as “Hollywood” after last night’s game (”If ‘Rambo Part XX’ can be a one-man militia, I can jump over an Aston Martin.”)

Kobe’s 52 points yesterday versus the Mavericks was certainly an impressive performance.  Lost among the celebration of the overtime win, however, was an incident he had with a towel and a fan after an interview with Michelle Tafoya.  What was the motivation to whip the towel at the fan?  Certainly not frustration.  Maybe it was a celebratory pegging.  Regardless, it’s absolutely hilarious.