Tuesday the Blazers young big man - LaMarcus Aldridge - dominated the Spurs interior and on occasion, mid-range as well. Lakers are known for their athletic bigs, Gasol, Bynum and Odom. Considering the Spurs defeated the Lakers earlier in the season 97-82, then the loss to the Blazers is arguably a fluke.
The Silver and Black look to rebound from their beginning loss as the Rodeo Trip continues - this time traveling to Los Angeles to take on our biggest rivals - the Lakers. Just stir up some of that rivalry, let's take a jog down memory lane.
Spurs win 1999 Championship!
"That's what I'm talking about 5-0"
No, it's not the playoffs - but every time the Silver and Black play the Purple and Gold, there will be fireworks.
Lakers sweep Spurs 2001
2002 Lakers d. Spurs in 5
2003 Spurs take Lakers in 6
2004 - .4 - ugh
2008 Western Finals - Lakers take Spurs in 5
This season.............
 San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers Where: Staples Center When: 2/3/2011, 9:30pm Spurs Time - Timezone Converter Watch: TNT
By the Numbers
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Lineups
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Lineups
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Matchup Analysis
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Winner |
Starters
PG: Parker needs to dominate Fisher. Tony needs to have a big game and lead the team in the paint. Fisher has slowed down but is still wily.
SG: Manu versus Kobe. Two future Hall of Famers. Arguably the two best closers in the game today. Both can take over a game and both lead their team. Both are game changers and both get the Spur.
SF: RJ versus Ron-Ron. Someone wants to be traded and it's not RJ.
PF: Last meeting, the LOL Monster had an 'excellent' game. Pau Gasol was something approaching crap-tastic. Can it happen again?
C: GOATPUFF versus Bynum. Bynum might not play. If not, Odom starts. No one ever takes Timmy's spur but sometimes he has to share. It's only fair.
Bench
If Bonner was back I would say the Spurs have the advantage. Spur to Lakers unless Bynum is out - forcing Odom to start. If Bynum does play - LA gets the Spur. Neal has been in a slump since injuring his knee. Hill is breaking out of a slump.
Coaching
Top two coaches in the NBA - on any serious analyst's list. Both will be in the HOF. One has 11 rings with two teams the other has 4 rings with one. The debate goes on.
Intangibles
Free Throw Rate: Spurs differential of 7.2, Lakers 5.1
Mojo
LA is playing at home. In the last three games they lost twice and had to take out Houston in overtime. Spurs lost got smashed against the Trailblazers. Neal is not playing well. Bynum has a bone bruise in his knee. Matty B is still out. Ron-Ron is up for a trade. Tiago is not getting played. Spurs still have best record in NBA.
Prediction
Spurs by 2
Key(s) to the Game
Key 1 - Points in the Paint
Last game the Spurs outscored the Lakers 42-28 in the paint. The offensive charge was led by our 'wee Frenchman' with 28 points and 14 of those coming the paint. Right behind the Frenchman was the LOL Monster. Hauling down 15 rebounds and putting up 17 points.
Key 2 - Fast Break Points - keep the Lakers on their toes and get the easy baskets in transition before the defense has time to set up.
Key 3 - Hit the three ball. Lakers are tied for 29th in allowing opponents to take threes. San Antonio is 3rd.
Other Reading
Spurs
Spurs Planet - Our old friend Wayne Vore is back.
OPPONENT
Following Along
TV
TNT
Radio
WOAI 1200AM; Audio League Pass[streaming]
Online
As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area.
Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com(IMPORTANT: Please include your PtR username in the email for reference) for further assistance.