Denver Debacle

I predicted a Lakers loss in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, but I didn't think they would be embarrassed the way they were last night in Denver. The Lakers were outrebounded, outhustled, and outplayed by an inspired Thuggets team who clearly played with more desperation. The Lakers lost 120-101 in what was one of their worst performances of the year. In what was an opportunity to take a 3-1 lead and virtually end the series, the Lakers came out and played much like they did in Game 4 in their series against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers were outrebounded 58-40, and allowed J.R. Smith, Chris Andersen, and Linas Kleiza to combine for 40 points and 18 rebounds. Here's a stat: Nene, Kenyon Martin, and Andersen combined for 42 rebounds, THE ENTIRE LAKER TEAM COMBINED FOR 40 REBOUNDS! Lamar Odom and the rest of the Laker bench was atrocious, but Odom in particular as he went 1-of-8 from the field. Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol seemed to be the only Lakers who got the memo that there was an important basketball game being played, as the duo combined for 55 of the Lakers 101 points. The Lakers also missed 11 free throws in the game. I don't understand how these players can get paid millions of dollars, yet they can't make free throws. 

Not to be a sore loser, but Denver got a lot of calls going their way. I'm usually not one to complain about the officiating, but my gosh Denver got almost every call in the second half. The officials didn't call a flagrant foul on Dahntay Jones for intentionally tripping Kobe Bryant, yet they called a flagrant foul on Andrew Bynum for knocking the ball out of Chris Andersen's hands. I don't think the NBA could have made it anymore obvious as to who they wanted to win this game. Conspiracy theory anyone?

I was disgusted with the Lakers play. They frustrate me just as easily as they make me happy. I don't know if I have ever seen a championship caliber team play as inconsistent as the Lakers do. One night they look unbeatable, and the next night they look like a team that should have never made it this far into the playoffs. Not only did the Lakers get blown out, but they also gave the Thuggets a lot of momentum headed into Game 5. The Thuggets beat down LA even with Carmelo Anthony playing his worst game of the series. I'm certain the winner of Game 5 will win the series, and I hate to say it, but I really don't know if it will be the Lakers. Inconsistency doesn't win championships, and you can argue that the Lakers are lucky to have even won the two games they have in this series. If it weren't for costly Denver mistakes in the final minutes of play, they could have easily swept the Lakers by now. The one thing I will say is that every time the Lakers have been tested and every time they have had to win, they have. They will have home-court advantage and Denver will have to win at least one game at Staples Center to win the series. Game 5 is Wednesday at 6:00 in Los Angeles.