basketball092

Houston, you have a problem! E-mail
Written by Don   
Monday, 04 May 2009 08:30
LAvHRoThe 2nd round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets begins in mere days, and whilst the Rockets will be no pushover, LA did get the match-up that they wanted.
Portland provided LA with a bit of a nightmare this season - whether the advantages that the Blazers had at the Rose Garden were real or imagined, the results were certainly tangible.  All a moot point now tho' - as it's Houston LA face in the Western Conference semi-finals.

LA-Hou1The Lakers swept the Rockets this season, and whilst many will state that it means nothing in the playoffs - as the slate's wiped clean... that's not entirely true.  Being beaten by a team 4 times in a single season has to bring with it a certain element of doubt, and that will be present when the Rockets take the court against LA on Monday May 4th at the Staples Center.

The Rockets will be looking to prove something against the Lakers - as they did against Portland in game 1 (where they provided a rude welcoming to the playoffs by administering a 27 point beatdown), and LA will not be laissez-faire in their preparation for Houston - something LA have been roundly criticized for in their series against Utah.
On that, I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised by the critique. LA have really brought a duality to their games this season - against the teams they consider to be the top of the NBA, they bring an A-game that can't be denied. But against opponents that could be considered... umm... "lesser", they can definitely be a bit lackadaisical. LA did exactly that against Utah.
They'd get to a point in the game where it was just too easy... and switch off. To an extent, LA underestimated Utah.
But it's worth remembering at this point: LA did win in 5.

Not so Houston.
The Rockets proved in their first round series that if you sleep on them, it's to your demise.I think the Lakers are more than aware of this, and Phil Jackson will have them ready... more particularly - Jim Cleamons will have done his work scouting Houston (just as he did all season), and LA will be more than prepared.

rocket-downJust as the Rockets provided a difficult match-up for Portland (and Portland sometimes do for LA), the Lakers present Houston with some obstacles that may well be insurmountable.
LA have the requisite length that should be problematic for Yao at both ends of the floor, and enough bodies to throw at him.  Kobe Bryant's an offensive juggernaut that neither defensive specialist Shane Battier nor the physical Ron Artest have been able to slow this season.  Aaron Brooks - so dynamic against Steve Blake, will find the going much tougher against Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar.  When Lowry logs in, the Lakers now have Shannon Brown (ShanWOW) who can match Lowry's physical presence.  Pau Gasol has the finesse and length to really trouble Scola, and Odom coming off the bench?
Houston, you have a problem.
 

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