So, I'll start.
The Lakers have been my 2nd favorite team since Shaq left, mostly because Kobe was mightly downplayed and trashed while you guys became a young "underdog" type team which is much easier to root for than a big bad dynasty team you guys were with Shaq. Make no mistake, I want the Jazz to win it all, but if you guys win the series, know I'll be rooting for you guys.
As for the series, I think the Jazz matchup much better with your current lineup than before. Okur is a much better defender, especially when matched up with bigmen like Gasol. Of course Kobe has an advantage, but we've got some practice with McGrady so we might play him a bit better. Deron also has an advantage, although not as big IMO. Boozer-AK and Odom-Rad might cancel eachother out, and both team's have solid deep benches. The biggest weakness Utah has is interior shot blocking, and that might play an important role, however as a team, we're a very capable defensive team (MUCH MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN DENVER). BTW, LA's inside shot blocking isn't as good without Bynum either.
As for the Fisher deal... PLEASE!!! Don't get into that. Some (I said some, NOT ALL) fellow Jazz fans took offense to the fact that Fisher QUICKLY headed to LA after being released which gave the impression that he took advantage of the situation to "ditch" us. The truth... none of us can know for certain. The FACTS are that he was a solid player for us and provided good veteran leadership and big shots and memorable moments in last year's playoffs. Then, he needed to leave to attend his daughter so we LET him leave (and get his money off the books). He decided to quickly sign with LA, wether that was premeditated or not we'll never know and is irrelevant. He's now a key player on a great team that is a key rival to the Jazz and some Jazz fans booed him as such. Wether they feel for him on a personal level we will never know and is irrelevant.
I know the Lakers and it's fans took offense to him being booed. As I tried to explain, I very much don't think it was that big a deal. Both teams benefited of the situation and we all hope Fisher and his daughter have gotten what she needed.
That's what it is.
Like I said, this thread is for the classy fans of both teams so we can actually talk about and enjoy what should be a very good/great series. If you feel like trash talking or trolling, then go the general board or to the respective game threads, but try and keep this one civil.
I hope the Jazz win, and have a good shot if they can somehow win one of the first two. If not, you guys will probably win in a range of 5-7 and I'll be rooting for you to go the rest of the way.
Here's to a great series!!!
