Game Five: It’s Difficult Being a Lakers Fan

It’s not easy being a Lakers fan. Watching as the usual couple of hundred of basketball fans gathered for Game Five, it seems tortuous for Lakers fans, even when their team won: 103 - 98. The Lakers fans endured:

• another nineteen point lead which the Lakers could not protect. For the Lakers faithful, it was a painful reminder of Game Four, where a twenty four point Lakers lead disappeared. This time, it was less a surprise that the lead vanished. It was no less agonizing though.
• Paul Pierce must think that parts of the game is a layup drill. There is no interior defense to convince him otherwise.
• the Lakers’ habit of leaving the Celtic three point shooters too much space. Memo to the Lakers perimeter defenders: those Celtics, like Ray Allen, can shoot. The Lakers fans would appreciate a bit more attention to that detail.
• Sam Cassell beating much younger, more athletic defenders for nine points in eighteen minutes. The Lakers fans know that Sam-I-Am is going to shoot the ball. That is what Sam does. It might be a good idea to stay close to Sam Cassell when he is in the game.
• Lamar Odom had a fairly consistent game. He finally reached a double-double: eleven rebounds and twenty points. However, if Lamar Odom continues to smile after an error, like a turn over, a bad pass or bouncing the ball off his foot, even the most loyal Lakers fan is going to need sedatives. This may be the singularly most annoyance among these Lakers fans.

So Game Six will be played on Tuesday, June 17. This is a game that will be played in Boston. The Celtics will be hoping to close the series and celebrate the championship on their home court. The Lakers fans are hoping for a win in Game Six and extending to a Game Seven. A Game Seven would be an instant classic. And Lakers fans know that a Game Seven Laker win would be historic. No NBA team has recovered from a 3-1 finals deficit.

Catherine Forsythe