| There are several reasons why the Lakers lost this series, some of which you touched upon DMW
1. First and formost was the Pistons defense. I dont think Kobe had an uncontested shot all series. Every shot he had two or three guys in his face. Even the shot he hit to send Game 2 to OT, and all those runners he hit in overtime, there was someone in his face every time.
2. The Pistons simply outhustled the Lakers. Every loose-ball went to the Pistons. The Lakers couldnt get back fast enough on D. and how many offensive rebounds did the Pistons have? The Pistons simply played harder
3. The foul calls. Although I know i would be pissed if i was a Lakers fan, I have to admit it was nice to see the tables turned after seeing the Lakers be the beneficiary of many generous calls over the years (Remember Shaq ass-raping Damon Stoudamire at the end of Game 7 of the Western Confernce Finals in 2000 and not getting called?). Also, the Pistons deserved to get more calls, because they played more aggresively and took the ball to the hole.
4. The Pistons simply were the better "team". Although L.A.'s individual players are probably better than the Pistons, they did not mesh at all in this series. In Game 4, when Shaq was absolutely unstoppable, he should have shot the ball 30-40 times, at least. But the Lakers either couldnt figue out a way to get Shaq the ball, or Kobe was too egotistical to give it up. Shaq was 16-21. Kobe was 8-25. No way Kobe should take more shots than Shaq in that game
An extension of this Gary Payton's stubborn refusal to adapt to the offense. Hey Gary, if the system is good enough for Micahel Freakin Jordan, its good enough for you
5. Injured Karl Malone. With a healthy Malone, the Lakers would have had someone to match Detroit's intensity and hustle. Malone gave it a hell of an effort, and i credit him for that, but his knee just wouldnt let him get it done.
6. Larry Brown simply outcoached Phil Jackson. Before anyone credits Phil Jackson with being the greatest coach ever, lets remember that Phil has never coached a team that didnt have the best player in the NBA on it (MJ then Shaq). Larry Brown, however, has made a career out of taking terrible teams (Clippers, Nets, Sixers) and bringing them up to respectability. He finally got the chance to coach a team that was already good, and he took them to that next step that Rick Carlisle couldnt get them to. also, maybe if Phil Jackson had spent more time preparing his team, and less time trying to get the refs on his side, the Lakers might have put up more of a fight.
Also, i think it was very classy of Brown to give thanks to Carlisle, as well as to the players like Chucky Atkins and Michael Curry who were traded this season.
On a side note, Derek Fisher showed what a true prfoessional he was in his interview with Michelle Tafoya after the game. He didnt make any excuses, and although i'm sure he was devastated, he still took the time to speak in front of the camera. He's one Laker I would love to see on my Knicks |