Lakers vs. Spurs: a Rivalry Renewed

NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals Match–Up

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #4 San Antonio Spurs

Here we go again. Lakers vs. Spurs—the last time the two teams saw each other the Lakers were in the middle of a hot weekend where the Lakers beat the Western Conference leading (at that time) New Orleans Hornets and the defending World Champion San Antonio Spurs on their way to wining the top seed in the Western Conference. The Spurs were without the services of Manu Ginobli.

That was then, this is now. The teams split the season series each winning at home. 

11/30/07 @ Spurs 107, Lakers 92

12/13/07 @ Lakers 102, Spurs 97

01/23/08 @ Spurs 103, Lakers 91

04/13/08 @ Lakers 106, Spurs 85

The Lakers trio of stars Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom against the core of the Spurs Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The triangle offense versus the defensive minded defending World Champions. The Lakers–Spurs rivalry has been on hold since 2004 due to the Lakers not being on the same level. That changed this season.  

Starter Match Ups

PG Derek Fisher 6’1” 210 lbs., 11th year, Avg. 11.7 Pts, 2.9 Ast, 2.1 Reb, 1 Stl 

PG Tony Parker 6’2” 180 lbs., sixth year, Avg. 18.8 Pts, 6.0 Ast, 3.2 Reb

Two veteran point guards who know each other very well; Derek Fisher has had some tough match ups in the 2008 playoffs—Allen Iverson, Deron Williams, and now Tony Parker. Due to the speed of Tony Parker, Derek Fisher will have difficulty staying in front of Parker.

It will take a team effort to slow Parker and keep Derek Fisher out of foul trouble. Jordan Farmar can match Parker’s foot speed and has to be a factor. I consider this a key match up due to Derek Fisher’s spotting up for timely three-point shots after Kobe drives the lane and one of the post players have to step in front of him, leaving someone open in the process. Advantage: Spurs 

SG Kobe Bryant 6’6” 220 lbs., 11th year, Avg. 28.3 Pts, 5.4 Ast, 6.3 Reb, 2 Stl.

SG Manu Ginobli 6’6” 205 lbs., fifth year, Avg. 19.5 Pts, 4.5 Ast, 4.8 Reb.

This is a match up of two superstar playoffs. Manu Ginobli might be the most dangerous player on the Spurs. He has led the team is scoring, came off the bench for most of the season, and was named the Sixth Man of the Year. I doubt he will guard Kobe one-on-one, with the Spurs advancing to the West Finals.  

He has earned a match up against League MVP Kobe Bryant; with his style of play, skills, and desire to win he won’t be stopped. Look for Bruce Bowen, Udoka, and Manu to attempt to guard Kobe. Advantage: Lakers

SF Lamar Odom 6’10” 230 lbs., eighth year, Avg. 14.2 Pts, 3.5 Ast, 10.6 Reb, 1 block

SF Bruce Bowen 6’7” 200 lbs., 11th year, Avg. 6.0 Pts, 1.1 Ast, 2.9 Reb. 

This is a bad match up for the Spurs and I’m expecting a lot of cross-matching due to the fact that Bruce Bowen always matches up with Kobe Bryant. If Bruce Bowen was to cover Lamar Odom, the Lakers will immediately post up Bowen.

Lamar Odom has been on fire since the All-Star break and with his versatile game he is playing at his peak and will be a match up problem. Advantage: Lakers

PF Vladimir Radmanovic 6’10” 235 lbs., sixth year, Avg. 8.4 Pts, 1.9 Ast, 3.3 Reb.

PF Tim Duncan  6'11” 260 lbs., 10th year, Avg. 19.3 Pts, 2.8 Ast, 11.3 Reb, 1.9 blks. 

Tim Duncan is a perennial All-Star and a tough cover for anyone. He is one of the constants of this team. This appears to be another cross match where Duncan will match up with Gasol. Vladimir Radmanovic did come on towards the end of the Jazz series; he needs to continue to knock down his open shots to spread the floor for the offense. Advantage: Spurs

C Paul Gasol 7’0” 250 lbs., sixth year, Avg. 18.9 Pts, 3.2 Ast, 8.4 Reb, 2 Blocks

C Fabricio Oberto 6’10” 245 lbs., second year, Avg. 4.8 Pts, 1.2 Ast, 5.2 Reb. 

Pau Gasol has been solid for the Lakers from game one. This match up will be one where Paul Gasol will outscore the combination of Oberto and Kurt Thomas. He will be a tough match up for the Spurs and I feel that you will see Tim Duncan guard Gasol. Advantage: Lakers

Bench Match Ups 

The Lakers are the younger of the two teams and with Manu Ginobli starting, which weakens the Spurs bench. But they don’t have much of a choice. The Spurs bench consists of veteran players, but the drop off from Tony Parker to Jacque Vaughn is huge. Rony Turiaf and DJ Mbenga could see minutes in this series. Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar will both have the chance to guard Parker. Advantage: Lakers

This series will feature several cross matches that differ from the starting lineups. The Spurs are a solid defensive and rebounding team and the defending NBA champions. The champions are the team to beat until defeated. The Lakers are the number one scoring team in the playoffs. 

The Lakers possess multiple weapons out of their half court offense due to excellent ball and player movement. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will cause havoc inside and Derek Fisher is a savvy veteran and true professional who will knockdown shots. League MVP Kobe Bryant will start as a facilitator and then turn into a closer, and let’s not forget he can also drop 50 points on a team if needed.

The key to the being effective against the Spurs is slowing down the core of their team which consists of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli. The Lakers have the length, athleticism, and speed advantage to run the Spurs off the floor. The Spurs will want to slow the pace against the Lakers.  

A key player in this series will be Trevor Ariza who is coming back from injury; he is a slasher offensively that can get to the basket and finish. Most importantly, he provides the Lakers with a tremendous defender; he can help slow Tony Parker as well as guard Udoka, Finley, Bowen, and Horry. He also strengthens and adds depth to the bench.

I feel that the champions are the team to beat until defeated. The Spurs have played the role of Rasputin for a while but I think the run ends in Los Angeles. 

Tough series. I predict the Lakers in six games.