What the Lakers win means for the Celtics

[Celtic]

Celtics should be able to out defend the Lakers fairly easily, the only concern I have is Odom on offense, he is too mobile and too big for anyone in the league on a good night. However, KG should abuse him pretty badly on offense.

[guava_wrench]

After watching this series I've seen the Lakers' players step up and play significant roles. Guys like Vlad, Sasha, Farmar, and even Walton are turning into a really solid core of players. Them combined with their own version of the  "Big Three" along with Phil's coaching, i must say i'm impressed.

But something inside me just tells me that when the Celts play them (they better!), Pierce will arise and outperform Kobe for the Title. Call me crazy, but its just something about Pierce's mindset that he has when playing the Lakers and Kobe that not only elevates his own game, but lifts the whole team.

In Pierce I trust. Go Green!!!
 

That something inside you is called "wishful thinking".

Still, I hope things turn out that way.

If it was wishful thinking, I would have said so I just believe pierce WILL outplay Kobe. But we gotta win game 6 first.

"Just believe" = "wishful thinking"

[mahonedog88]

What does the Lakers win mean for the Celtics?

Absolutely nothing.  We haven't won anything yet.

[Bahku]

Nah ... Kobe actually has trouble with Pierce ... he's one of the few players in the NBA who rattles him, for some reason. I also think our bench matches up well with theirs, and if KG is on, (which he usually is), you can pretty much negate Gasol. If the C's play their best, there's honestly no one that can beat them ... and that's where the problem lies.

They have a difficult time sustaining that high level of play, and they're truly their own worst enemy, as we've witnessed in these playoffs. This whole thing is up to them, and if they do their best, they'll be fine. I think this question's a bit premature, though ... let's get past the Pistons first, then worry about the Lakers.

Also, I think that sometimes, especially in the playoffs, an extended rest period can be over-rated. There have been quite a few times in the past when the teams with the least amount of rest actually played better and went on to win the series. I think the C's are better when they stay "fresh" as well, and that Kobe is a guy who gets "rusty" in a short period of time.

I dunno ... but I think if we do get to the Finals, that we match-up really well with this LA team, and that Bryant will have his usual hard time with the Truth. Paul has also had some of his biggest games against the Lakers ... he's a home-town boy, and loves to be at his best when playing LA. I think, upon finally getting a chance at his dream, that he'll really go off on these guys!

Lakers be goin' fishin' ... Kobe can bring the "bait"! (Sorry ... couldn't resist that one)

[Who]

The most similar defense to the Lakers is probably the Rockets. Nobody else has a top defense that's anchored by their perimter defenders instead of a big man in the paint.

Stil the Rockets have a hugely different defense. Their big men are the largest difference. Without Yao their big men were all too small and slow. The Lakers have great athletes, shot blockers, long and quick defenders. Leon Powe and KG were able to abuse the Rockets in the paint/low post but it'll be much harder against the length of LA. Gasol is 7-1 with a 7-5 wingspan, he's not exactly Chuck Hayes. It also changes how capable the perimeter players are off finishing off drives.

The second best difference is Shane Batter. For my money he's the best perimeter defender in the league and a great stopper. The Lakers don't have that. Kobe can play the role for short minutes but not all night long, his offense is too important.

Lakers defense is a really odd mix. Nothing like it in the league right now.

[libermaniac]

What does the Lakers win mean for the Celtics?

Well, if you are a conspiracy theorist, then we are in!!! The whole world wants a Lakers/Celtics matchup.   

[celtsrp33]

Whether we are to win in 6 or 7 games, I believe the C's will be OK as far as rest goes.  I think 5+ days of rest may even be a little too much.  Any chance the Lakers come out with some rust in game 1 after 6 days off?   Either way, I believe the C's will be in the Finals and I also believe they can/will beat LA.  Our defense is too strong for any team that counts on one player so much.  Celtics beat Dee-troit tonight then beat LA in 6 or 7.  Kobe will not average over 30ppg and PP very well may.  Lets do this Green!!!!!  Wooooooooooo!

[RockinRyA]

Nah ... Kobe actually has trouble with Pierce ... he's one of the few players in the NBA who rattles him, for some reason. I also think our bench matches up well with theirs, and if KG is on, (which he usually is), you can pretty much negate Gasol. If the C's play their best, there's honestly no one that can beat them ... and that's where the problem lies.

They have a difficult time sustaining that high level of play, and they're truly their own worst enemy, as we've witnessed in these playoffs. This whole thing is up to them, and if they do their best, they'll be fine. I think this question's a bit premature, though ... let's get past the Pistons first, then worry about the Lakers.

Also, I think that sometimes, especially in the playoffs, an extended rest period can be over-rated. There have been quite a few times in the past when the teams with the least amount of rest actually played better and went on to win the series. I think the C's are better when they stay "fresh" as well, and that Kobe is a guy who gets "rusty" in a short period of time.

I dunno ... but I think if we do get to the Finals, that we match-up really well with this LA team, and that Bryant will have his usual hard time with the Truth. Paul has also had some of his biggest games against the Lakers ... he's a home-town boy, and loves to be at his best when playing LA. I think, upon finally getting a chance at his dream, that he'll really go off on these guys!

Lakers be goin' fishin' ... Kobe can bring the "bait"! (Sorry ... couldn't resist that one)

fisher would bring the rod( pun intended)

after what pierce did to lebron, i dont think he cant contain kobe.. esp since he always uotplays kobe whenever they play.. unlike lebron who has given pierce a lot of headache on both ends in the past

i hate the lakers.. to the point that i cheered for det the last time they meant, even though i love shaq(and i hate detroit, esp rip"rest in peace" hamilton)

[Triboy16]

The Spurs were the better matchup for the Celtics. The C's are exactly the type of team that bothers San Antonio, like Dallas a few years ago except with more firepower.

The Lakers are on an odd one. There's no head-to-head form book because they didn't play after the Gasol deal which obviously changes everything. Perkins and Pierce look like the early keys to the series.

What do you think of the Lakers defense? Will it bother the C's? Their defensive weakness is in the interior. Their defense in the backcourt is excellent. Then they're full on long active players who play strong help defense. Not many, if any, defenses like LA in the league.

after atlanta took us to game 7 i'am not be too confident in us if we play the lakers. but In theory we should be able to blast them. Kobe will not have an easy time against pierce and company.
Gasol is toast against kg imo. Odom not much he can do against posey(for this series posey will be huge)

when we faced them this year, gasoless we beat them good. kobe was seriously a non fan factor. if we face the lakers, celtics in 5

[Bankshot]

What this win means is that the Celtics need to take care of business in Game 6.  We can't go into a series with the Lakers with them getting a lot more rest than us.

The good thing though is that the Celtics will still get some rest.  Even if they go to game 7 on Sunday (June 1), the Finals don't start until Thursday, June 5.

[Who]

I don't think rest makes any difference here. Neither team has any serious knocks that need resting. Neither team has looked tired out there on the court.

Prolonged period before the Finals hurts LA more than us. All rest is is losing your rhythm. Rest isn't a good thing when it goes on too long.

[WedmanIsMyHero]

I don't think rest makes any difference here. Neither team has any serious knocks that need resting. Neither team has looked tired out there on the court.

Prolonged period before the Finals hurts LA more than us. All rest is is losing your rhythm. Rest isn't a good thing when it goes on too long.

If the Celtics starters play as many minutes in Games 6 and 7 as they did in Game 5, I think they will be plenty tired in the finals.  Hopefully the Celtics can close it out tonight so it won't be a problem.

[CT34]

It really doesn't mean anything except that the Cs now they will face the Lakers in the finals if they Cs are able to get pass the Piston.  The finals don't start until next Thursday.  So even if it goes to a game 7.  The Cs will have 3 days off until they play again.  To me 3 days off is more then enough rest.  Now they Lakers will have close to a full week of rest but really no team wants more then 3 days off. 

[Petro]

this topic is absolutley a  jinx we shouldnt even be talking the Fakers. Pistons are enough to worry about

[KevinIsSars]

I wanted their series with the Spurs to go a little longer, but I would much rather play the Lakers then the Spurs.

PG: Rondo vs. Fisher - Fisher's a good defender, but Rondo is quicker. Their gonna gamble off of Rondo, so he's gotta knock down some shots. Defensively, all he has to do is stay with Fisher at the 3.

SG: Kobe vs. Ray - Hopefully Paul will gaurd Kobe, and contain him like he did against Lebron. If Kobe gaurds Ray, Ray will be a non-factor in this series.

SF: Paul vs. Radmonivich - Paul should own this guy. If they switch Kobe on him, Ray has to step up. I don't even think Kobe can gaurd Paul though.

PF: KG vs. Odom - Advantage KG in all aspects of the game.

C: Perk vs. Gasol - Perk is a good low-post defender, so hopefully that will contain most of Gasol's game.

Lakers bench is probably better, but I don't see our starters rest too much this series.