Without saying a word, Tony Parker has gotten into Gary Payton's head more than Payton ever has done with his famous trash-talk jabber. With just a head fake here, a spin there, perfect passes and blurring speed everywhere, Parker has taken over a series that was supposed to belong to the biggest men and largest reputations. He has made a shining star, Payton, dim. He has taken the greatest advantage these Lakers were supposed to finally have - a true point guard - and turned it all into a lie. He has made Payton look old, unable and occasionally unwilling. When the Spurs blasted their way to a huge start, it was because of Parker - not Tim Duncan. And when the Spurs needed a push late, it again was Parker, by this point scooping up loose balls for putbacks, popping midrange jump shots and setting up teammates while an assortment of guards tried to help the overmatched Payton. With the Lakers within 83-80, Parker drove past Derek Fisher, spun around Payton and drew a foul in the lane, making both free throws. Two possessions later and the Spurs' lead just six points, Parker took the ball toward the baseline and crossed-over Fisher to the point Fisher nearly fell. He laid in a teardrop floater over Shaquille O'Neal. What's it going to be, Phil? Are you going to leave the doddering Payton scuffling and struggling against Parker, putting your team in a hole time after time, or are you going to make a move? Never has Payton looked so overmatched. Never has Parker been more dominant. If the Lakers are going to have a chance, they don't need to change personalities. They need to change point guards.
Can't believe that Payton has declined so rapidly.
During the Jordan era, you could argue that Payton was one of the best 2-3 players in the NBA.
But he didn't play that well with the Bucks, and he simply hasn't been a good fit for the Lakers. What happened to The Glove? He is more like an oven-mitt.
During the Jordan era, you could argue that Payton was one of the best 2-3 players in the NBA.
But he didn't play that well with the Bucks, and he simply hasn't been a good fit for the Lakers. What happened to The Glove? He is more like an oven-mitt.
What all have said is true, plus The Lakeshow looks complacent, which may be them just admitting SA is the best, but they appear beaten be it talent or attitude.
The Offense of LA should sputter, especially vs SA, but the soft D at times looks heartless.
Shaq despite his points tonight, is no longer the paint roaming rim protector(he is aging & it no longer allows the extra flab without a price), even Nestorivic isn't afraid of racing him to the rim from equal distance, as he knows Shaq doesn't want to foul out due to Laker lack of Offense distribution.
Kobe's trial has his game off irregardless of Bowen's excellence in locking him.
Mailman isn't grabbing the offensive boards he once did, and most importantly as mentioned, Parker is showing why he rates slightly over Kidd as the best floorman in the game(Parker can shoot as main edge)..Poor wornout Glove!
The Offense of LA should sputter, especially vs SA, but the soft D at times looks heartless.
Shaq despite his points tonight, is no longer the paint roaming rim protector(he is aging & it no longer allows the extra flab without a price), even Nestorivic isn't afraid of racing him to the rim from equal distance, as he knows Shaq doesn't want to foul out due to Laker lack of Offense distribution.
Kobe's trial has his game off irregardless of Bowen's excellence in locking him.
Mailman isn't grabbing the offensive boards he once did, and most importantly as mentioned, Parker is showing why he rates slightly over Kidd as the best floorman in the game(Parker can shoot as main edge)..Poor wornout Glove!
